Available soon
My story
Part memoir, part toolkit, Diary of a Misfit Penguin follows executive Wendy Gardner’s journey from “machine mode” to wholehearted living after grief, burnout, and a mental health crisis. Blending vivid stories with research and simple practices, Wendy shows you how to set kinder boundaries, belong to yourself, and bring your true colours to work and home. Honest, funny, and fiercely compassionate, this is the guide you’ll reference whenever life requires you to be human again.
What you’ll learn
1. Stepping out of machine mode without losing your edge
2. Setting loving boundaries and saying “no” without guilt
3. Bringing your real self to work (hello, flamingo in a penguin suit)
4. Building small daily rituals that add up to big change
Early praise
"A beautiful reminder that sometimes you have to break open to find the strength, and love, that’s been inside all along."
Musi Jorgensen, Chief Impact Officer at WWG
“I felt like I was reading about myself. Wendy finds the words we’re afraid to say out loud, and her story becomes another powerful tool for self-discovery, understanding and healing.”
Victoria McGurk, Co-Chair at UK Civil Service
"This book pressed so many buttons for me. It felt so real, and I only wish I’d had this knowledge back when I was a machine, unaware of it. Wendy takes self-love to another dimension and helps you power down before you self-destruct."
Sharon Remington, Founder of I’m Alright EFT
"Wendy makes us feel seen in all our human glory. She guides us gently along the pathway to self-love, supporting us to find our own compassionate voice.”
Nina Lockwood, CEO at Intuitive Talent Solutions
“Wendy is a gift. She has an incredible talent and an honest approach to her writing. This beautiful playbook is authentic and reminds us how important it is to live in the present moment.”
Elissa Taylor, Chief of Staff at Inkbranded
About me
Wendy Gardner is a renowned author, speaker, reformed yes-woman, and former corporate machine. She writes and teaches at the intersection of leadership, human sustainability, and wholehearted living. Her work blends vivid storytelling with evidence-based practices to help people move from performance to presence.
FAQs
Who is this book for?
Is it practical or just stories?
How do I get a sample?
Bulk orders & events?
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