Jezra Kaye of Speak Up For Success has a mantra that is an Eleanor Roosevelt quote.
Business Name
Speak Up For Success
Business Description
Speaker coaching, speechwriting, keynote speaking. I show women (and in particular, women lawyers) how to advocate for their own career success using a powerful, authentic and feminine speaking style that works.
Start Date: January 2008
Best thing about working for yourself?
Working at home in my pajamas. I’m one of those people who can make a tube of lipstick last for 2 years; going out of the house is overrated! It’s also great to be able to work my own hours. When my daughter was young, I used to start work at 9PM, and that’s still my most productive time.
Worst thing about working for yourself?
Emotions. In public, there are big incentives for acting “buttoned down,” but in private (and, by definition, a one-person business is private) the pull of fear and self-doubt can be strong. Lately I’ve been getting better at soothing myself when the feelings run amok. Eleanor Roosevelt’s quote, “You must do the thing you think you cannot do” is my mantra.
Why did you start your business?
As a corporate speechwriter (in my previous life), most of what I wrote was formulaic, and much of it was straight-up lies. I started my own company so that I could work with clients I like and admire, and help them communicate the important things they’re passionate about.
When did you start to think of yourself as an entrepreneur?
In July 2009, when I took Adelaide and Amy’s “Grow It!” class. Before that, I thought of myself as a freelancer. But under it all, I still think of myself as a housewife from Brooklyn. J
How do you relax?
Relax? What’s that? No seriously, I love reading romance novels and have lately gotten hooked on J.D. Robb’s “In Death” series. The hero is New York’s top homicide cop in 2058. She lives on coffee, never sleeps (I’m so jealous) and snarls at everything. That’s my idea of relaxation!
What is something that you are known for?
Killer intuition. I can sit with someone for 20 minutes and know just what piece has to move for them to feel more powerful and prepared to communicate what they value. Then I can move it.
What 5 things would you never like to be without?
1. My husband, daughter, sisters and friends
2. My vintage 5-½ ft. claw foot bathtub with its view of the tree outside our bathroom window
3. Coffee (I’m a writer; what did you expect?)
4. Romance novels
5. My clients, colleagues and the community of people who are on this journey of entrepreneurship with me
Sarah Leah Gootnick