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Joni Mitchell Called Me Ugly: Persuasion and the Power of the Ask is a bold, insightful, and deeply human exploration of persuasion, connection, and the extraordinary things that can happen when you dare to ask for what you need.

Told through the unmistakable voice of Timothy Boynton — Broadway-turned-fundraiser, producer, executive leader, and master storyteller — the book blends memoir, strategy, and humor to reveal the secrets behind building authentic relationships and inspiring people to say yes. Anchored by the now-legendary story of how a simple ask led Joni Mitchell to sign records for his wedding party (and lovingly call him “kind of cute too”), the book uses personal experiences, celebrity encounters, and real-life fundraising wins to illuminate a universal truth: asking is not about audacity, it is about connection.

From the Broadway stage to leadership in one of the country’s largest health systems, Tim unpacks the conversations, risks, and moments of courage that shape meaningful outcomes — whether you are asking for a gift, a meeting, an opportunity, or a seat at the table. Through heartfelt stories of donors, mentors, and the people who changed his life, he reveals how trust is built, how relationships deepen, and how confidence becomes a force for good.

Part memoir, part masterclass, and part workbook, Joni Mitchell Called Me Ugly offers practical tools, journal prompts, and conversation starters that empower readers to cultivate courage, communicate with purpose, and step boldly into the moments that matter most. With warmth, wit, and authenticity, Timothy invites you to embrace the ask that could change everything — and then shows you how to make it.