Emily Burnett

Former tech manager → writer for the builders/dreamers in corporate and out. Author of Dear Fellow Dreamer and Dear Fellow Spender.

Writing about personal autonomy, corporate dysfunction, and betting on yourself. Saying what the good ones think but can't share. Also writing sometimes-funny stories + essays on Substack at More to Your Life.

Image of author sitting in windowsill

“It's your life. Trust yourself with it.”

Get on the list.

My private email list for builders/dreamers. It's where I share author updates and stuff related to the themes of my current (and future) books.

Topics include betting on yourself/intuition, corporate reality checks, building something of your own, using your money to buy a life you actually like, and life off the hamster wheel. No corporate jargon ever.

How I can help:

I'd love to help you or your organization in one of the following ways:

Financial coaching: I help smart people get organized financially, break up with debt, and learn to use their money & time to intentionally create a life they like.

Speaking: I talk with groups about preparing for AI possibilities and disruption,* increasing your personal autonomy, and taking risks to make a life of your own.

An AI and Life Wake-up Call for, Oh, Everyone: A non-technical, non-heavy look at using AI thoughtfully, waking up to its implications, and what it can never replace about being human.
The Magic in Uncertainty: We cling hard to certainty, but the memories and the growth come from change. Here’s how you do it and mindsets for the messy middle.
Dear Fellow Dreamer: What If You’re Not Actually Lost? Real talk about ambition, reinvention, and reminders that you’re never starting from zero.

*AI disruption is a party coming for all of us. I put some of my thoughts and research on the subject into a conversational primer called "An AI and Life Wake-Up Call for, Oh, Everyone." It's for us regular people about AI, using it, and how it could change everything about how we live—fast.

Books

Dear Fellow Dreamer:

Waking Up, Taking Chances, and Creating a Life of Your Own

Dear Fellow Dreamer is based on my journey leaving the "security" of corporate life for the third time. It was time to take a chance on myself and my dreams, to discover what actually makes life rich, and to get comfortable with the uncertainty we may all be facing in an AI future.

Ready to do the same? The more the merrier—the world needs dreamers and builders like us. And for those of you already working on your dreams, you'll find welcome companionship and inspiration in this book.

“I'm reading Dear Fellow Dreamer and I was reminded of Big Magic! Your book is speaking to my soul rn. It's ruffling my feathers in a scary good way.” (Claudia)

Dear Fellow Spender:

Enjoy Managing Your Money to Get Out of Debt, Build Savings, and Create a Life You Love

This only sort of a money book. It's honestly more of a life book about creating what you want for your life with your current money, not just settling for the life you're currently affording. Status quo only works for so long.

If you're going to be able to do stuff about your dreams, getting your money organized and maximized makes all the difference.

“It felt like I was having a money conversation with a best friend who wants to empower me to take control, not only of my money, but of my life.” (Annie)

“OMG - WOW. I have been struggling with budgeting for years and I have never, ever, ever, read more approachable, kind, tough loving advice for budgeting.”(Meghan)

Find me on Substack

More to Your Life is where I share sometimes humorous stories about what makes life cool and people interesting. Everyday life, solo travel, Dateline, corporate life/leaving, faith, relationships, and SO MUCH MORE. I share a personal essay/story every week.

Check it out →