Acclaimed funeral industry leader and entrepreneur, Lisa Baue (lisabaue.com), is proud to announce the release of her new book, Wake-Up Calls: A Journey of Learning to Lead and Succeed in the Funeral and Deathcare Profession, publishing nationwide on September 3, 2025, with 100% of book proceeds being given to industry charities including Funeral Women Lead Foundation, Selected Independent Funeral Homes Educational Trust, ICCFA Educational Trust and Funeral Service Foundation.
Part memoir, part professional guidebook, Wake-Up Calls offers a deeply personal and motivating look at Baue’s journey through decades in the funeral industry — an often overlooked but vitally important profession. As a third-generation funeral director and former owner of Baue Funeral Homes, Baue draws from her 40+ years of experience to share stories of resilience, reinvention, and rising through adversity.
Women now represent a growing majority of the funeral service industry, yet they continue to face unique challenges when it comes to longevity, leadership, and professional support. Baue’s book directly addresses these issues by offering mentorship through storytelling—encouraging women to lead with courage, empathy, and vision in an industry that needs them more than ever.
“Wake-Up Calls is about more than my story — it’s about encouraging women in deathcare to listen to their own wake-up calls, trust their instincts, and lead from the heart, head and with grit,” Baue says. “We have an opportunity to transform this profession by investing in the next generation of compassionate, capable leaders — especially women. I’m very excited that the book proceeds will be supporting vital initiatives to educate and support women as leaders in the industry through our charitable donations.”
In the book, Baue shares pivotal moments from her own life, including personal losses, business decisions, and leadership challenges that pushed her to grow, adapt, and ultimately thrive. Each chapter serves as a blueprint for future leaders — offering both practical wisdom and heartfelt encouragement.
“Wake Up Calls is a vital read for today’s deathcare professionals,” says Barbara Kemmis, executive director, Cremation Association of North America. Lisa draws on decades of leadership to offer a candid, forward-thinking look at the challenges we face, from staffing shortages to shifting consumer expectations. Her insights are especially timely as more women enter and shape the future of our profession. This book is an essential guide for those committed to leading with authenticity, adaptability, and purpose.”
Following her successful tenure as president & CEO of Baue Funeral Homes, Baue went on to found Your Funeral Coach, consulting with funeral businesses and helping individuals grow into strong, values-based leaders. Most recently in 2024, she established the Funeral Women Lead Foundation, the first nonprofit dedicated exclusively to advancing women’s leadership in the funeral profession.
- Book Details:
Wake-Up Calls: A Journey of Learning to Lead and Succeed in the Funeral and Deathcare Profession - By Lisa Baue
- Available September 3, 2025
- River Grove Books
- To Purchase on September 3rd: https://www.lisabaue.com/
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