Face Forward
Bethny Ricks 鈥06, 小优传媒 trustee and distinguished senior business executive, has published her first book, 鈥淔ace Forward: Reclaiming Hope When Everything Falls Apart.鈥 The book is a guide to finding strength and resilience when life feels overwhelming. Through personal stories and practical insights, Ricks鈥 book helps readers let go of the past, embrace inner strength and take steps toward a future filled with hope. It鈥檚 a roadmap for anyone feeling lost or stuck, showing that by facing forward, healing and growth are within reach.
鈥溾楩ace Forward鈥 was born out of a deeply personal journey,鈥 said Ricks. 鈥淚鈥檝e experienced moments when everything seemed to crumble around me鈥攚hen the future I envisioned was no longer within reach. The turning point came when I realized that true strength isn鈥檛 about avoiding challenges but facing them head-on.鈥
Ricks attributes much of her professional success to what she learned during her time here at Bluffton. Ricks said her professors taught her the importance of leadership and that her voice matters, which propelled her in the corporate work environment.
After having led multiple billion-dollar business transformations over 18 years as a business executive, Ricks has now transitioned her focus to writing, speaking and coaching others to succeed in their pursuits. During her corporate career, she received numerous awards and accolades including being named one of Savoy鈥檚 Most Influential African American Women in the U.S. and one of Ohio鈥檚 Most Influential and Powerful Women.
鈥淚f there鈥檚 one thing I want people to take away from 鈥楩ace Forward鈥, it鈥檚 that hope isn鈥檛 something you find鈥攊t鈥檚 something you reclaim,鈥 said Ricks. 鈥淣o matter how shattered your circumstances may feel, there鈥檚 always a way to piece together a future that鈥檚 worth looking forward to. It鈥檚 about choosing to face forward, even when the road is foggy, and trusting that every small step will lead you closer to a place of renewal and strength.鈥
Ricks鈥 book can be purchased at most major retailers such as Target, Barnes and Noble, and Amazon. More information about Ricks and 鈥楩ace Forward鈥 can be found on her website at .