Book | Celia Swanson

Make this the Year You Become 'Gracious and Strong'

Get the first book from the first female EVP of Walmart Inc., Celia Swanson.

Have you ever faced an unexpected left turn that changes everything? Perhaps it’s an unexpected career shift, a personal or family illness, divorce or toxic leadership at work?

These types of challenges can be completely life-changing and put us in a relentless self-survival mode that causes us to question who we really are.

What would your life look like if you could rise above these challenges with grace and strength?

Gracious and Strong is an essential guide for facing into adversity and making hard-right decisions that lead to life-changing opportunities.

Purchase from these online retailers:

For bulk orders of 10 or more, purchase at Celia’s Store

"How you manage adversity is the truest test of what being a leader really is."

- Celia Swanson, Gracious and Strong

About the Book

Celia’s personal stories of her life and career are at the core of this book. She shares practical insights for you to apply to your own leadership journey.

You will learn how to:

Feel the freedom to be your most authentic self
Overcome leadership strongholds, appearing as fears and limiting beliefs
Inspire others to be a part of your journey and make it worthwhile for them
Expand your networks, and do not keep yourself in isolation
Change the voice in your head to one of confidence and belief in yourself
Align yourself with people and organizations that possess your values, and
Harness the secret ingredient of steadfast resilience.

More importantly, this book will teach you what it means to adopt a ‘Gracious and Strong’ leadership style that will help you experience a life well-led.

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Praise for Gracious And Strong

“I was privileged to observe Celia’s leadership style as she clearly understood the value of manifesting her talents through others. Her encouragement to those she interacted with to be all that they could be truly made a difference as a successful leader. She is a great role model for everyone.”

David Glass

Former President and CEO of Walmart Inc.; current owner of the Kansas City Royals

“Celia has a leadership style that projects hope and possibility regardless of the circumstance, she is fearless. Her ability to lift an organization is remarkable.”

Bill Simon

Former CEO, Walmart U.S.

“Vulnerability finds its power through Celia’s personal examples and reflections. She explores and tackles challenges and boundaries with elegant perseverance.”

Gisel Ruiz

EVP, COO, Sam’s Club

“Gracious and Strong is the perfect title for a book authored by Celia Swanson. Celia graciously instills confidence as a strong leader, no matter the circumstances. In the book, she thoughtfully shares personal experiences from her corporate and philanthropic life and provides broad insight to help others become ‘servant leaders.’ An inspiring read.”

Brett Hutchens

President, Casto Southeast Real Estate and 35-year Board Member of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals

“Celia has decided to share the personal and professional experience she has unselfishly offered to many over the years. As my longtime friend and one who I have worked with professionally during our Walmart careers, I know that you are in for a thoughtful, pragmatic read on leadership and life.”

Coleman Peterson

Retired EVP, People Division of Walmart Inc.

“I read Gracious and Strong from cover to cover and am super impressed with the many personal and professional leadership lessons Celia shared. The book captures her essence perfectly—and her emphasis on helping other women. Celia’s tips and practical application at the end of each chapter requires the readers to do some serious introspection in order to determine their best course of action.

Celia, you put your heart and soul into the book and it shows!! I am so proud of you and the difference you have made and continue to make in women’s lives.”

Sharon Orlopp

President Orlopp Enterprise; Retired Global Chief Diversity Officer at Walmart Inc.

“I picked up Gracious and Strong and just could not put it down! Celia’s stories, nuggets of wisdom and life journey absolutely touched my heart. So very, very relatable.”

Crystal Johnson

President and CEO, Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce

Who Is This Book For?

Women in Business – The workplace is very dynamic for women today. Gracious and Strong provides real-world tips and tools for women leaders to achieve success and thrive.

Rising Talent – Those who are seen as the up-and-comers of their organizations who show strong potential and need a plan to navigate unexpected career and life challenges.

Executives and Managers – Company leaders and managers who have a strong desire to influence their team and company culture in a powerful way while leaving a legacy.

Book Clubs and Networking Groups – Those who have common goals and personal interests who are looking for their next leadership read.

Media Inquiries

Please direct all media inquiries to info@celiaswanson.com.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best way to purchase books for my team?

We ask that bulk purchases of 10 or more be purchased through shop.celiaswanson.com. This will ensure your order gets processed and delivered in a timely manner.

How can I request Celia as a speaker for my event?

Celia would love for you to consider her for your upcoming event. Please direct all requests to info@celiaswanson.com. You can find more information about Celia’s speaking information here.

Where is the book sold?

You can purchase Gracious and Strong at Walmart.com, Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other online retailers.

Where can I purchase 'Gracious and Strong' in bulk?

You can purchase all bulk orders at Celia’s Online Shop. For more information contact info@celiaswanson.com.

Who is the publisher?

Gracious and Strong is published by Clovercroft Publishing.

What inspired you to write the book?

My life and business career have been so full of rich experiences and learnings that when I left full-time work behind I felt inspired to write the book and hopefully share my experiences in a real-world way, and in a way that helps others navigate successfully through unexpected twists and turns in life and work.

How did you come up with the name Gracious and Strong?

One of my colleagues at Sam’s Club once described my leadership style as “gracious and strong.” I certainly took it as a compliment, and to me, it means that you are a strong leader who is able to rise above the unexpected challenges and face the front lines of leadership, but also a gracious leader that is humble and servant-minded.