So… yeah. I know this is a week earlier than I’d normally send my newsletter, but I was looking at my Q4 calendar and realized I’d be bumping into Thanksgiving and winter breaks. So I made the executive decision to move these up to the first week of the month, with the mid-month note landing in the third week… at least through the rest of 2025.

October always feels like a transition to me. This year, with everything happening in the world, I’ve been grateful for small moments of joy, like Taylor Swift’s new album. Love her or hate her, I love the joy she brings so many of us through her music. It’s been on repeat in our house since its launch on Friday.

There’s a lot of uncertainty in the world these days. Life is always full of unknowns, but lately it feels more intense than in past years. When you work in finance, uncertainty leads to endless scenario planning and “what if” modeling (if only I had a crystal ball).

Since it’s spooky season, with Halloween closing out the month, I’ve been thinking about uncertainty and what makes it feel less spooky. I wasn’t great with uncertainty in my younger years and tended to over-plan everything (I may still do this from time to time). But lately, I’ve realized that a lot of my reading has helped me move through uncertainty with more confidence and grace. And the funny part? Those books aren’t business books… they’re fantasy novels.

What does fantasy have to do with navigating uncertainty? 

Let’s get into it.

P.S. If this was forwarded to you, welcome! Click here to subscribe so you don’t miss the next edition.

P.P.S. Make sure you add this email to your contacts so next month’s edition doesn’t hit your spam folder.

Uncertainty isn’t just a business problem… it’s a life one. You know… (waves hands at everything). And lately, I’ve noticed that some of the best reminders about courage, clarity, and moving forward show up in unexpected places.

This month, I’m looking at a few fantasy series that hit surprisingly close to home:

Each one has something to teach about starting before you’re ready, leading without all the answers, and adjusting when the plan meets reality.

Click here to read the full blog.

Why these books made the cut:
I don’t recommend just anything. These are titles I’ve read, loved, and still think about. Some links are affiliate, which helps support this newsletter, at no extra cost to you.

This month’s theme is courage in uncertainty and the books that unexpectedly taught me more about leadership than half the business section.

🔥Flesh & Fire Series by Jennifer L. Armentrout
For when you need a reminder that courage comes before confidence.

🗡️ Blood & Ash Series by Jennifer L. Armentrout
A story about moving forward even when you don’t have all the answers.

⛈️ The Bridge Kingdom Series by Danielle L. Jensen
Proof that strategy is all about adaptation, not perfection.

Note: The Blood & Ash and Flesh & Fire series connect,  the author’s suggested reading order is here.

📚 P.S. I read a lot… across strategy, memoir, psychology, and the occasional fantasy/romance/thriller/witchy novel. The book recs in this newsletter aren’t filler. They’re part of how I think, lead, and help clients navigate complexity. Want to see what else is on my shelf? Take a peek at my bookstore (affiliate link, updated regularly).

I only recommend things when I think, “Oh, this could actually help someone skip the spiral.” This is the stuff I use, enjoy, and would suggest over coffee if you mentioned the right kind of headache.

This newsletter runs on beehiiv, the platform I use to write, design, and send each issue.

If you’ve been thinking about starting your own newsletter (or moving yours to something more intuitive), give them a look (ad below).

beehiiv makes creating newsletters effortless: write beautifully, grow endlessly, and earn on autopilot. From day one.

No expensive add-ons. No “maybe if I connect 5 different apps this will work better.” Just one platform that creators, entrepreneurs, and the biggest media brands trust to turn emails into empires.

Thousands of creators (including the absolute genius sending this newsletter) are building real businesses on beehiiv. It’s time for you to get in on the action.

No credit card required. Start for free today.

If fantasy (or finance) is calling your name this month, here are a few of my favorite ways to build your own reading ritual, no giant online retailers required.

Each of these options is intentionally chosen (none are owned by Amazon). Your local library is also a great choice!

Hi, I’m Tara, Founder and Chief Alchemist of Alchemy Advising. I help growing businesses untangle their finances, rethink pricing, and build smarter systems so they can scale without burning out.

With nearly 20 years in operations and finance, including FP&A leadership at brands like HOKA and UGG, I now work with founders and execs who need clarity, not just spreadsheets. Think: budgeting, forecasting, pricing, and big-picture planning that actually connects to how your business runs day-to-day.

If this newsletter made you nod, pause, breathe a little easier, or curse less at your P&L, here’s what’s next: