I met Andreas initially back in August 2024 when a friend of mine connected us. He was looking for a writer for a few freelance projects, and one assignment quickly turned into many. By February 2025, Andreas mentioned that he wanted to write a book and asked me to be his ghostwriter since English is his second language.
What drew me in wasn’t just the money or the work, but his vision behind it. He didn’t want to write a book simply for the sake of writing a book. Rather, he had goals and a purpose: He wanted to empower women in leadership, bridge the gap between men and women in business, and create a world where we rise together instead of stand in opposition. So, with this project, I knew I was contributing to something that has the power to change our current world and shift things entirely for the next generation.
You’d think a project of this magnitude (an entire book!) would take quite a while. However, working together, we did it in just a matter of months. How? Because he had three necessary things: a clear vision, consistency, and commitment. And that made it possible for me to reflect that same energy back to him.
From the beginning, I was involved in every step: mapping the structure, shaping the chapters, weaving in the voices of thirteen incredible women leaders, and refining his insights into a cohesive guide. Over than a few in-person 8-hour work days, we did everything online and over Zoom. Andreas would send me voice memos or videos with his raw thoughts, and I would translate those into chapters that truly captured him: his candid stories, his humor, his business knowledge.
The biggest surprise for me with this project wasn’t how efficiently we worked though—it came while working on chapter one, where Andreas shares his personal story. During our conversations, I learned how much his mother—herself a powerful leader but under-recognized—influenced his mission to uplift women. It also struck me why he had chosen me for this project, even though I’m not a decades-seasoned corporate professional: He saw value in my voice, my perspective as a young professional, and my ability to capture stories with empathy and authenticity. In a way, he sponsored me in the very way he urges leaders to sponsor the next generation in his book. That meant a lot to me.
So, what exactly did we create with Power Without Permission? Well, I can tell you it’s not just another leadership book. It’s a personal and professional development guide that is here to help women see that they already hold power—that they don’t need permission from a boss, a partner, or society to step into their true selves or become leaders. It combines practical tools with real stories from women across industries who have broken barriers and redefined success. The book also speaks directly to male allies and leaders who want to close the gap and elevate the women around them. For all of these reasons, it is unlike any book that is on the market today.
You can find Power Without Permission on Amazon and learn more about Andreas' book on his website: https://www.leadersadapt.com/book/.
Overall, working on this book was an honor. I met incredible women from all walks of life. I was pushed to grow as a writer, which I’m incredibly grateful for. I watched someone have epiphany after epiphany as they laid out their life story on paper. (That is always a treat to see as an author who has done it before!) Above all, I got to help someone bring their vision to life and what’s better than that? (Nothing!)
If you’re looking for a writer—whether for a big project like a book, or something smaller like editing, publishing support, or even a love poem on Valentine’s Day—you can reach me at itsallwithheart@gmail.com. I’d love to help bring your words, your story, and your vision to life. I also offer copy editing, book formatting, and publishing coaching services, as well. (Just know, if it’s in the book world, I probably do it.)
Ryanna Hammond has been working in the book industry for six years. Writing. Editing. Formatting. Publishing. Truly, she does it all. Utilizing both her BA in Psychology and MFA in Creative Writing, she is able to bring life to any page she touches. All seven of her own books can be found on her website. Contact her at itsallwithheart@gmail.com.