Anne Pollard: Illuminating Life with Wisdom and Words
“Some authors write to live. I live to write.”
Anne Pollard’s professional journey is one of evolution, resilience, and reinvention. With over three and a half decades of experience spanning executive IT leadership to acclaimed authorship, Anne exemplifies the modern renaissance leader, fusing logic with creativity, and business precision with boundless curiosity. Her life’s arc reflects not only the milestones of a storied corporate career, but also a deeply personal transformation that has inspired her to share her voice with the world. In every endeavor, Anne brings strategic clarity, empathetic leadership, and an unwavering commitment to truth.
Beginning her career in the mid-1980s, Anne entered the world of programming and systems analysis at a time when technology was rapidly redefining business landscapes. Early roles at Royal & SunAlliance and Ivey’s Department Stores provided her with a foundational understanding of data systems, business logic, and operational efficiency. Her aptitude for understanding complex systems, combined with a natural leadership style, quickly distinguished her in a field where adaptability and foresight were paramount.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Anne rose through the IT ranks with a blend of discipline, strategic vision, and human-centered leadership. At CSX World Terminals, she oversaw global infrastructure and application design during pivotal corporate transitions, expertly guiding teams through change while ensuring service continuity. Her ability to manage large international teams, spanning Hong Kong to the Americas, showcased her global fluency and cultural agility, which would become a signature strength throughout her career.
Anne’s tenure at Textron marked a turning point in her career, positioning her as an influential figure in enterprise IT leadership. As Director of IT, she was responsible for the full lifecycle of infrastructure support across multiple business units, driving down costs while enhancing technological performance. Her leadership earned recognition from the CEO of E-Z-GO for her exceptional commitment to customer satisfaction and operational excellence. These acknowledgments reflected a leadership style that was both responsive and visionary, qualities essential to executive governance.
In her final corporate chapter, Anne served as Senior Director and CIO of IT for APM Terminals, a division of Maersk, where she led North and South American IT operations. Over her 10-year tenure, she guided digital transformation efforts, implemented strategic technology platforms, and ensured regional alignment with global objectives. She was a trusted advisor to senior leadership, known for translating technical complexity into clear business strategy, and for developing high-performing teams rooted in trust and empowerment.
By the time she “retired” at age 62, Anne had accumulated not only accolades and accomplishments, but a profound inner shift. A life-changing consciousness awakening ignited a new path, one driven by passion, creativity, and a desire to explore the metaphysical dimensions of existence. No longer bound by the confines of a boardroom, Anne turned inward, embracing the world of writing with the same intensity she once applied to IT strategy. She published her first book, Fabulous, an autobiographical reflection on the transformative decade leading to her consciousness exploration.
Writing became more than a hobby. It became a calling. Anne’s second book, Cleo’s Fabulous Adventures: The Realm of the Woods, launched a new series that blended fantasy, animal consciousness, and personal discovery. Her third work, A Dance of Light and Dark, co-authored with Jerry Style, delves into poetry that explores the balance of joy and sorrow, expansion and introspection. Through these works, Anne invites readers to experience the world through new dimensions, offering narratives as both entertainment and enlightenment.
Her latest book releases include two new offerings. The second book in the Cleo’s Fabulous Adventures series, The Realm of the Dragons, invites readers into a magical journey through worlds where dragons play and time is forgotten. In a world where everything is alive and listening, Cleo and Marcus discover a language beyond words. One that awakens memory, courage, and a deeper knowing of who they are becoming.
Lights, Camera…YOU!, co-authored with Hollywood screenwriter Alan Roth, is a fun exploration where personal growth meets cinematic storytelling, as everyday experiences are reframed through the lens of filmmaking. From casting the inner characters who shape your choices to scouting the locations that influence your perspective, this book offers a fresh, grounded approach to self-discovery, one scene at a time.
Your professional journey is one of evolution, resilience, and reinvention. Share your backstory.
I spent more than thirty years in the Information Technology industry, growing from programmer to executive leadership while working with several remarkable companies. Along the way, I had the privilege of learning from outstanding leaders who helped shape my own leadership style.
My career also included multiple corporate buyouts and the uncertainty that often follows that kind of disruption. I was laid off more than once, and those experiences taught me one of my greatest lessons: change is not the enemy. Resilience is learning to release fear and look for the opportunities hidden inside transition. And there were always opportunities.
In my final corporate chapter, I was asked to serve as Global CIO on an interim basis during a major leadership shift. It was an honor and a profound learning experience. The role demanded constant global travel, long days, and rebuilding strained relationships across organizations. While the work was meaningful, I also realized career success is not always fulfilling for the heart.
That realization led me to take early retirement and begin listening to a different calling.
What I carried forward from those years was invaluable. Listening matters more than speaking, people thrive when encouraged to share their gifts, and passion is very different from purpose. Today, I choose to follow my passion.
I wouldn’t change any part of that journey. It shaped me, introduced me to lifelong friends, and ultimately prepared me for the most meaningful reinvention of all, becoming an author.
A life-changing consciousness awakening occurred. Tell us about that experience that ignited a new path.
That awakening came during the most difficult time in my life.
I was healing from divorce after twenty-two years of marriage. Struggling through deep grief, depression and self-doubt, I worked through a lot of shadows. When my two beloved Bernese Mountain dogs passed away, I hit an emotional low that I wasn’t sure I would come back from. Then, add in a few more failed relationships, and it took all my strength to simply get through the day. I had to challenge every belief that I had.
But sometimes the darkest shadows reveal the light that is waiting inside. Through books, videos, and deep inner reflection, I was introduced to the broader understanding of consciousness. And my world expanded exponentially. I saw that life is far more connected, meaningful, and expansive than I had once believed. And the best part, I found my joy again. I remembered that joy is a choice, and one I could choose in any moment.
And that shift changed everything.
I felt absolutely compelled to write about that transformation. That became my memoir and first book, Fabulous. I discovered that writing clarified my thoughts and gave me the freedom to speak honestly about pain, healing and ultimately finding the power of my heart. Having the courage to share my story so authentically was the most freeing experience of my life. And it opened the door to my next chapter.
Your second book, Cleo’s Fabulous Adventures: The Realm of the Woods received accolades. Tell us about it.
Cleo’s Fabulous Adventures: The Realm of the Woods is a magical adventure centered on self-discovery, courage and the wisdom of the heart.
The story follows Cleo as she meets her animal spirit guide, Bacchus, a mysterious black panther. Together they begin a hero’s journey through enchanted landscapes, filled with remarkable animals. Each encounter offers insight, encouragement, and an unfolding piece of understanding about life and about herself. And the book explores unusual facts about the actual animals, like Michael the Mongoose, who is immune to cobra venom.
While the adventure is whimsical and imaginative, the themes are deeply human. Cleo and Bacchus learn about trust, healing, connection, intuition and personal growth. In many ways, Cleo’s journey mirrors my own path of discovery, which is why writing it felt so meaningful.
What I love most is that each reader will experience this book differently. Younger readers can enjoy it as a fantasy adventure, while adults often connect to the deeper symbolism and life lessons woven through the chapters. Everyone will take away something different. It is the kind of book people can return to again and again, because as we grow, the stories reveal new meanings.
Your latest book releases include the second book in the Cleo’s Fabulous Adventures series, The Realm of the Dragons. What makes these adored by so many?
I believe readers connect with the Cleo series because the books blend adventure, heart, humor, and beautiful imagery with deeper themes that stay with them long after the story is told. They can be enjoyed as magical stories, but there are layers of meaning about courage, love and discovering who we truly are.
In Cleo’s Fabulous Adventures: The Realm of the Dragons, the journey expands into an even more mystical world as Cleo and her brother Marcus encounter dragons, wise guides, hidden caves and powerful energy. The dragons are both teachers and tricksters, bringing wisdom and humor to the adventure.
At its heart, the Dragon Realm explores a different kind of transformation. It culminates in creation and love that transcends time. Readers often tell me they love the fantasy, but remember it because of how the story made them feel.
What is your hope for your books?
My hope is that people remember how much wonder is available to us all. If readers find comfort through imagination, inspiration through story, or courage through the characters, then I feel I’ve succeeded.
I want my books to remind people that life is supposed to be fun. It is meant to be explored, experienced, and appreciated for the miracle that it is. Stories are an invitation to suspend disbelief and step into possibilities we may have forgotten. They invite us to open our hearts, see things from a higher perspective and reconnect with joy that is always waiting for us.
If my books help someone do that, even in the smallest way, then readers have received the same gift I found in writing them.
What does life look like for a successful writer? Any advice for new authors?
For me, a successful writer is someone who creates meaningful work and shares joy, insight and inspiration with readers. The connection is the real reward. I would never have imagined ten years ago that I would be writing fantasy, poetry and books about self-discovery. Now I cannot imagine living without it. That’s what happens when you follow passion.
For new authors, my biggest advice is simply this: finish your book. Stop waiting for permission. It doesn’t have to be perfect; it just needs your voice, your honesty, and your heart. You will learn more by completing one imperfect book than by endlessly planning a perfect one.
It is such a special feeling to see your words in print. But you don’t have to do it alone. Reach out for support. Fellow writers are often incredibly generous with their time, experience and encouragement.
Keep moving forward. Keep writing. And know that as you have something meaningful to say, there are always readers who are ready to receive it. So don’t hold your gift back from someone who needs it.
What is next?
I’m excited about several projects currently unfolding.
One of my favorites is Lights, Camera…YOU!, a book I’m co-authoring with Hollywood screenwriter Alan Roth. It uses the creative process of making a movie as a guide for creating the life you truly want. It spans concept to screenplay to stepping into the roles of actor, director, and producer of your own story.
And of course, Cleo is already heading into her next adventure: The Realm of the Angels. That will be followed by two more books in the series: The Realm of the Unicorns and The Realm of the Fairies.
I’m also working on a new poetry collection, Four Rivers, featuring the voices of four unique poets. It follows the beautiful journey of A Dance of Light and Dark: Poetry from the Heart, which I co-authored with Jerry Style.
And beyond the books, I see plenty of woods walks and motorcycle rides ahead. Afterall, life is meant to be fun!
