About Ivy Gilbert

My story has never followed just one path.

For more than four decades, I’ve lived at the intersection of business and creativity. I’ve founded and grown multi-million-dollar companies and startups, served as a CFO and CEO, and worked in finance, management, sales, business development, mergers and acquisitions.

I love the challenge of taking an idea that exists only in someone’s mind and figuring out how to make it real. That instinct has shaped almost everything I’ve done—from building companies to writing books to helping other people discover what they are capable of creating.

My career has taught me that success rarely comes from one dramatic decision. It comes from what we choose to do consistently, how willing we are to adapt, and whether we keep moving when the path changes.

Entrepreneurship

Building from the ground up.

In 2009, I entered the rapidly growing solar and renewable-energy industry. What began as a startup grew into one of Florida’s leading solar companies, receiving national recognition including INC Magazine’s list of fast-growing private companies and Solar Power World’s Top Solar Contractors.

That experience reinforced something I had already learned many times: businesses grow when vision is paired with persistence, practical systems and the willingness to keep learning.

Author

Writing is the part of me that never turns off.

Even while running businesses, I kept writing. I’ve written fiction, personal-growth books, books for young readers, journals and practical guides—and I’ve helped many other people turn their own ideas and manuscripts into published books.

I’m grateful when readers connect with something I’ve written, but the truth is I would write even if no one ever read a word. I love the process: the blank page, the idea taking shape, the moment a collection of thoughts becomes something you can hold in your hands.

That is also why I created Author Assist. I know how meaningful it can be to finally bring a book into the world.

“Your life becomes what you do every day. Make it meaningful.”

Beyond Work

A meaningful life is bigger than a résumé.

Business has given me the opportunity to travel extensively and experience different countries, people and cultures. Those experiences changed the way I see both success and life.

I also believe strongly in taking care of the person behind the work. Healthy living, competitive tennis and meditation have helped me stay grounded while navigating the pressures that come with entrepreneurship.

Family changed my definition of success.

Watching my children become successful adults and experiencing the extraordinary love of being a grandmother has given me a different perspective on what achievement really means.

After the passing of my granddaughter, my daughter and I created Kit’s Kindness, a nonprofit dedicated to encouraging more kindness in the world. The Kindness Journal grew from that mission, with proceeds supporting the organization.

Today, simply building something bigger or making more money is not enough to motivate me. I’m far more interested in creating opportunities—for family, employees, authors, entrepreneurs and people who know there is another chapter waiting for them.

What I Believe

You are never finished becoming.

Success and fulfillment aren’t built on a single secret. They’re created through consistent effort, intention, curiosity and the courage to change direction when something no longer fits. I’m still learning, still creating and still asking what’s next. If you are too, we already have something in common.