The Book

Bad Weed Grows Tall
Growing Through Concrete

3D Book Mockup Book cover of the book Bad weed grows tall The first cover page is the picture of dark grey The high-rise building in the background a light in the horizon and a dandelion growing up throught the concrete. The back cover page is a picture of the dark grey high-rise building in the back ground and the empty chair waiting for someone searching for belonging

Some stories are difficult to tell.

Some are even more difficult to live.

Bad Weed Grows Tall: Growing Through Concrete is my memoir—a true story of survival, resilience and hope. It follows a journey through adversity, loss and injustice, while exploring the courage it takes to break cycles, rebuild a life and choose a different future.

This is not a story about being defined by what happened.

It is a story about what becomes possible when we refuse to let our past determine our future.

The title reflects a simple truth: even in the harshest conditions, life finds a way to grow. Like a weed pushing through concrete, resilience can emerge where no one expects it.

The book also reflects the values that inspired The Long Table Institute. It reminds us that healing begins when people feel heard, that leadership begins with compassion, and that every person deserves dignity, belonging and a place at the table.

Whether you have experienced adversity yourself, support others through difficult times, or simply believe in the power of the human spirit, I hope this book leaves you with one message:

No matter where you begin, your story is not over.

About the Author

Mirjam Hagen is the founder of The Long Table Institute, where she works with leadership, artificial intelligence, organisational development, education and publishing. Through her work and writing, she explores how resilience, learning and belonging can create lasting change.

Bad Weed Grows Tall: Growing Through Concrete is her first memoir.

Coming Soon

The book will be available in hardback, paperback and eBook editions.

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