Bernadette Jiwa

Bernadette Jiwa is an Irish Australian author celebrated for her insightful storytelling and emotional depth. Born in Dublin, she grew up in a home filled with stories, which sparked a lifelong passion for narrative and human connection. She now lives in Melbourne with her husband and their adult sons.

Jiwa began her career as a business strategist and became widely recognized for her work in brand storytelling. She authored nine best-selling non-fiction books on marketing and communication, including Make Your Idea Matter, The Fortune Cookie Principle, and Story Driven. Her writing earned accolades for its clarity and heart-centered approach, and she was recognized among top branding experts and influential business voices.

In recent years, Jiwa transitioned into fiction, earning critical acclaim for her debut novel, The Making of Her—a moving story set in Dublin, spanning the 1960s to the 1990s, that explores themes of motherhood, secrecy, and personal redemption. The novel was named one of the best books of the year by several major publications. Her second novel, Every Shade of Love, continues her exploration of complex emotional landscapes through the lens of an unconventional Irish love story.

Throughout her career, whether writing about branding or family, Jiwa’s focus has remained on the power of story to inspire, connect, and transform. Her work continues to resonate with readers around the world who value authenticity, vulnerability, and the quiet strength of everyday lives.