When I wrote Annoyingly Persistent, I wanted to share my story, from stepping into the professional world to feeling like a real professional. My hope is that my experiences and perspective might offer encouragement to others navigating their own path. Persistence is not about pushing blindly or showing off achievements. It is about quietly showing up, doing the work, and trusting that small, consistent steps matter.
I am in my fourth year as an executive director, and in many ways, it feels like I have been doing this work much longer. I didn’t have a manual or much guidance. The transition was a “here you go” moment. My time on city council, working at another nonprofit, and my background in corporate banking gave me lessons that prepared me for this role. The connections I made along the way have helped me move projects forward and find support when I needed it.
Writing this book gave me the space to reflect on some of my early days when persistence often felt like the only option. One passage reads:
"Persistence is not about never failing. It is about showing up again, even when the path is unclear and the support is minimal. It is about trusting yourself when no one else seems to."
This approach has guided me as a leader. The work is rarely glamorous, but it is meaningful. Being intentional, valuing relationships, and keeping sight of the mission are what make a difference over time. I feel like I am fulfilling my calling in many areas of my life, and I hope readers can take from this a sense of quiet confidence: yes, you can do it too.
I hope people read Annoyingly Persistent and feel supported rather than pressured. Being named Citizen of the Year in my small town was a humbling reminder that steady, consistent effort matters. Recognition is not about accolades. It is about seeing that the work we do—often quietly and without fanfare—creates ripples in our communities.
This book is an invitation to keep showing up, to keep learning, and to trust that persistence pays off. It is about making connections, honoring those who paved the way, and embracing your journey with purpose, patience, and intentionality.
Annoyingly Persistent: A 30-something Woman’s Guide to Success is a refreshingly honest, empowering guide for women navigating their thirties with ambition, self-doubt, and a touch of sass. Written by nonprofit executive director and city councilwoman Lyndsay Dennis, this candid book is part pep talk, part practical advice—perfect for women striving to balance careers, family, and their own expectations.
Through personal stories and hard-earned lessons, Lyndsay dives into what it means to be direct without being abrasive, to laugh through the chaos, to battle imposter syndrome, and to say “no” without guilt. She confronts the “good ol’ boys club,” champions the importance of supportive relationships, and celebrates the messy beauty of embracing change.
Whether you’re a rising leader, a burned-out professional, or just figuring it out one awkward Zoom call at a time, this book is a reminder that you don’t have to be perfect—you just have to be persistent. With humor, heart, and real-world grit, Annoyingly Persistent will leave you feeling seen, strengthened, and ready to take up space.
Because you already know who the duck you are.
You can purchase your copy here:
https://a.co/d/363MVRZ
