Deer Park writer’s business book earns national honor

Nancy Shepherdson, a writer from Deer Park has won an honorable mention in the national American Society of Journalists and Authors awards for her book, “Built on Values: Creating an Enviable Culture that Outperforms the Competition.”

The book, written with JetBlue co-founder Ann Rhoades, was one of only 11 book awards given by the group this year.

“Prize-winning entries in the ASJA Awards reflect such writing and stylistic excellence that we authors read them and think ‘I wish I’d written that!’” said Salley Shannon, ASJA’s president. “We created the awards not just to honor outstanding work, but to inspire us.”

The awards were presented on April 26 during the 41st annual ASJA Writers Conference, held in New York City at the Roosevelt Hotel.

Founded in 1948, ASJA is the professional association of independent nonfiction writers, with more than 1,400 members who have met exacting standards for professional achievement.

“Built on Values” is a step-by-step guide to creating a high-performing corporate culture based on the idea that happy employees are also the most productive employees.

Shepherdson wrote the book based on Rhoades’ culture-change concepts, as well as interviews with CEOs and other top executives in companies where her ideas have been put into practice.

The executives included Dave Barger, CEO of JetBlue, and P.F. Chang’s CEO Rick Frederico. Shepherdson also interviewed Stephen Covey, author of “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People,” who wrote the book’s foreword.

Shepherdson is an author and freelance journalist who has written five books and more than 500 magazine articles during the past 20 years.