Books – Opening Pathways Collective

Opening Pathways

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Morning Ground is a daily reset that meets you where your day begins, offering a moment of reflection within your existing ritual so you step forward steady, clear, and grounded rather than rushed.

New Book Release | NOW AVAILABLE

Morning Ground

My Life in Business Suits, Hospital Gowns, and High Heels

is Tom LeNoble’s unforgettable memoir of risk, resilience, and reinvention. From scaling billion-dollar brands at companies like Facebook, Walmart.com, Palm, and MCI to facing life-altering diagnoses that brought him to the edge three times, Tom’s story is proof that the strongest chapters are often written after life’s biggest challenges.

With raw honesty, sharp insight, and a touch of humor, Tom invites you into the boardrooms, hospital rooms, and bold life choices that shaped him. This is more than a memoir. It’s a call to lead with courage, embrace reinvention, and keep writing your next chapter, no matter what life throws your way.

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Voices of Survivors Vol. 5

Breaking the Silence:

Tom LeNoble is a contributing author in Breaking the Silence: Voices of Survivors, Vol. 5, curated by international speaker and bestselling author Michelle Jewsbury.

In this powerful anthology, Tom joins a chorus of courageous voices choosing vulnerability over fear. His chapter is part of a global movement dedicated to healing, hope, and helping others reclaim their story. If his words have moved you, this collection is your next read.

Testimonials

"LeNoble looks back at the many paths he’s taken in life in this memoir.
At the heart of LeNoble’s memoir is an examination of identity. We all experience different chapters in life in which new elements of our personalities may blossom and take the spotlight; the author affirms that, despite the very human tendency to compartmentalize, all of these pieces can coexist and form a whole person. LeNoble’s journey began in 1954, when he was born in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. As a teen, he was closeted and overweight, and as a result he often felt like he didn’t quite belong. Though the author had slightly more freedom as a teen when he joined the drama club and began to explore his sexuality, it was his move to Gainesville for college in 1972 that truly brought him into a new era. He became a drag queen—the lovely Rita Dayworth. As Rita, LeNoble received accolades and felt confidence that was missing in his life outside of drag (“as Tom, I didn’t have a healthy amount of self-respect, self-worth, or self-knowledge”). During this time, the author worked odd jobs (including a stint as a bartender at a Fort Lauderdale beach hotel), but he eventually entered the corporate world; at one point, he worked for Facebook. After his brother died of AIDS, LeNoble tested positive for HIV in 1989. Although given a dire prognosis, the author refused to give up, stating, “I had let AIDS crash the party, but no way was I going to let it steal the spotlight.” The memoir suffers from a couple of minor issues: First, in terms of formatting, the frequent use of pull quotes throughout the chapters is distracting. Second, LeNoble’s prose often reads like he’s simply recounting random memories rather than constructing a satisfying narrative, such as when he details his father trying to keep his driver’s license or describes how he braided his girlfriend’s hair in school once. Despite these quibbles, LeNoble’s memoir remains riveting and evocative.
A detailed examination of a life fully and gratefully lived."
-Kirkus Reviews

"Tom LeNoble writes with refreshing honesty in this memoir that blends personal struggles with professional achievements. His story takes readers through a journey that begins with humble roots and eventually leads him into the fast moving world of Silicon Valley and major global companies. The way he tells his story feels genuine and easy to connect with.
What I appreciated most is that Tom does not only talk about success. He also shares moments of vulnerability, especially when discussing the AIDS epidemic, the loss of loved ones, and his own life threatening health challenges. Reading about how he was told multiple times that he had only months to live was deeply moving.
At the same time, the book carries a surprising amount of humor and warmth. Tom’s personality shines through his storytelling, making the pages feel lively rather than heavy. His reflections on leadership, courage, and personal growth add depth to the narrative.
This memoir left me feeling inspired. It shows that life rarely follows a straight path, but with resilience and determination, it is possible to keep moving forward and reinvent yourself again and again."

@hrtmarketing

"It first glance, this memoir looks like it might be a typical success story, but it turns out to be much more personal and meaningful. Tom LeNoble opens up about his life in a way that feels genuine and heartfelt.
His journey begins with humble beginnings and slowly moves into the world of big business and leadership. Along the way, he worked with some of the most recognized companies in the tech industry, which makes his professional story very interesting to read.
What truly makes the book stand out, however, is the honesty with which he shares his struggles. From living through the painful years of the AIDS epidemic to battling life threatening illnesses, Tom’s story shows just how unpredictable life can be.
There were several moments in the book where I had to pause and reflect on how much strength it must take to keep moving forward after hearing that you only have months to live. His ability to continue building a meaningful life despite those moments is incredibly inspiring.
By the end, I felt like I had learned more than just one person’s life story. The book carries an important reminder that resilience, courage, and the willingness to reinvent ourselves can help us face whatever life throws our way."

@abiding_reader

"This book is a heartfelt memoir about resilience, survival, and personal transformation. Tom LeNoble shares his life story in a way that feels honest and approachable, taking readers from his modest upbringing all the way to leadership roles in some of the biggest companies in the tech industry.
What makes the story powerful is how openly Tom talks about the challenges he faced along the way. He describes the emotional weight of the AIDS crisis, personal losses, and the frightening moments when doctors told him he might only have months to live. These parts of the book make you realize how strong the human spirit can be.
I personally found the book both inspiring and comforting. It reminds readers that life will always bring unexpected challenges, but resilience and the willingness to reinvent ourselves can help us keep moving forward.
Thanks for reading."

@motivationaldailythoughts

"My Life in Business Suits, Hospital Gowns, and High Heels is a powerful memoir that shows how unpredictable life can be. The book follows Tom LeNoble’s journey from very modest beginnings to working with some of the most influential companies in the tech world. What stood out to me was how openly he talks about both his achievements and his struggles without trying to make his life look perfect.
As I read through the pages, I felt like I was hearing stories from someone who has truly lived many different lives in one lifetime. From corporate boardrooms to hospital rooms, Tom shares moments that are inspiring, heartbreaking, and sometimes even humorous. His experiences during difficult times, including serious health battles and personal losses, make the story feel very real.
By the end, the book left me thinking a lot about resilience and the importance of never giving up. It is not just about business success but about learning how to face life’s storms with courage and honesty. I found it to be both motivating and deeply human."

5/5⭐
Mysterious Soul