Despina Gurlides, author of Not a Guru: One Woman's Spiritual Journey to Happiness

Born in New York City of Greek immigrant parents, Despina worked her way to the top of the corporate ladder, after obtaining an MBA from New York University. At 37 she was a successful vice president, married to an investment banker, with a life that looked great on the outside but was empty on the inside. Then it all fell apart when her husband left her for another woman, and she left her career in New York. That's when her spiritual journey began.

 In 1997 she moved to Marin County, north of San Francisco, learned how to drive, and rejoined the business world. When the internet industry crashed, she found herself unemployed. New careers opened up for her: tutoring math to high school students, editing spiritual books, and working for the non-profit foundation of her spiritual teacher. When the foundation moved to another state, she moved with it, only to be laid off six months later. Having lost her job, she also lost her spiritual community and teacher, when he confessed to having a sexual relationship with one of his students.

Leaving the "spiritual" life behind, Despina moved back to the San Francisco Bay area. This story describes her journey--first through the material world and then through the spiritual world—to find happiness. Her deepest intent is that her story supports others in their journey to freedom and joy.

She currently resides in the Bay Area with her two cats, Max and Bradley. She is happy.