New Braunfels-based leadership consultant Lisa Duran said she knows firsthand what it's like to struggle with listening and has seen the impact listening poorly can have on relationships in every aspect of life, from relationships with spouses and children at home to interactions with colleagues in the workplace.

Duran drew from her own communication challenges to write her debut book, "Strong Enough to Listen." "Strong Enough to Listen" focuses on the CLR Model, a model of interacting with others by choosing the person over the problem, listening to show you care and then responding with "yes, and." Through this model, disagreements or problems can be solved while maintaining relationships, Duran said.

Though she does not consider herself a writer, Duran felt compelled to share her message publicly, stepping outside her comfort zone to complete the project.