*We apologize for any issues with sound quality. Due to the ever-changing state of the world because of Covid-19, many of our guests are taking interviews and recording shows outside of their homes which interferes with the recording.*

Global impact requires taking huge action. There is no one better suited to sharing her whirlwind journey into entrepreneurship than Tess Kossow, author of I’m Very Ferris. After struggling with infertility and choosing to try In Vitro, Tess realized that the story of where babies come from is being re-written. 

She wanted to provide families who have struggled with infertility, who then had their miracle child, with a resource to explain their journey. When her son gets older and asks where babies come from, she wants to be able to tell him his story.

Tess was in a steady career and just had her son when she had a now or never moment and took the plunge. She quit her corporate job and went all in on becoming an author. She did the research, built the website, learned the ins and outs of marketing a book, all while writing. 

The result? A children’s book, told from a child’s perspective, explaining how a baby born from in vitro fertilization came to be. She has touched the lives of families all over the world and is hoping to re-write some of the negative thoughts and emotions that surround infertility.

Listen in as she shares why she went all in from the get-go, where her courage came from, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. 

Show Notes:

• [02:51] Welcome Tess Kossow to chat about making big changes in life and business.
• [05:22] How did Tess start on her entrepreneurial journey?
• [06:35] Learn the ways Tess tackled all the different aspects of building a business. 
• [08:09] Has the pandemic created new challenges for Tess and her business? 
• [10:43] Which social platforms are the most helpful for authors and entrepreneurs? 
• [12:52] What makes a great relationship? 
• [15:54] Have there been learning moments along the journey? 
• [19:15] Where does Tess’s strength and courage come from? 
• [22:39] Listen as Tess shares her advice on making a big change. 
• [26:48] Connect with Tess.

Links and Resources:

Tess’s Website

Tess on Instagram
Tess on LinkedIn

Tess on Facebook

I’m Very Ferris by Tess Kossow
I’m Very Ferris via YouTube

Episode Sponsor: Routledge

*We apologize for any issues with sound quality. Due to the ever-changing state of the world because of Covid-19, many of our guests are taking interviews and recording shows outside of their homes which interferes with the recording.*

Communication is the common thread that connects to each other and the world surrounding us. When global events impact your communication network, it’s important that the leaders in your organization work to communicate effectively and empathetically with the workforce.

Tracey Mendelsohn, Co-Principle of Human Impact Solutions and President and CEO of Black Public Relations Society-New York, joins me to chat about the importance of communication in trying times.

No matter if you’re facing a global pandemic or some other economic issue, remember that you and your company will be remembered for what you do and not for what you say you’ll do. Tracey shares some wonderful pieces of advice regarding communicating with extreme empathy in trying times. 

We briefly touch on the issues of diversity and inclusion as well. Now more than ever companies need to remember that culture is what is important. While the happenings around the world are terrible. The loss of life and the utter devastation that many are feeling is incomprehensible.

The moment that we have been given to pause and tend to oneself and one’s family is a miraculous byproduct. Many people have come to Tracey and expressed their realization that they’ve not been happy with their job or the stressors.

She stresses that everyone take this time to reconnect with the things they’re passionate about and to invest time in building those skills. 

What are you learning? How are you growing? Have you been spending more time with your kids and your family? What will this mean in the future?

Take this time to ponder upon these questions. Hopefully we won’t have this kind of time again!

Show Notes:

• [01:45] Communication is the thread that moves through all areas of our lives.
• [02:46] Welcome Tracey Mendelsohn to the show to chat about effective communication.
• [03:34] Why brand management and marketing communications? 
• [06:08] What is the best way to communicate with our coworkers, peers, and staff?
• [11:03] Tracey clarifies which study she referenced that Richard Edelman did recently.
• [12:28] How can you maintain your networking in these troubling times? 
• [15:29] Learn how you can approach a challenge while still providing support.
• [19:37] While not everyone is made to be an entrepreneur, you can find a positive work environment. 
• [21:37] Diversity is not a numbers game it’s a culture investment.
• [23:15] How can you use this moment to benefit your future? 
• [26:13] Connect with Tracey.

Links and Resources:

Human Impact Solutions
Black Public Relations Society of New York
BPRSNY on Instagram
BPRSNY on Twitter

Episode Sponsor: Routledge

*We apologize for any issues with sound quality. Due to the ever-changing state of the world because of Covid-19, many of our guests are taking interviews and recording shows outside of their homes which interferes with recording.*

As these crazy times continue, the likelihood that we will know or be acquainted with survivors of Covid 19 gets much higher. Tamar Weinberg, the professional hustler, contracted it, survived it, and is here to chat about what it takes to move past uncertain times. 

Tamar has been involved in social media and online marketing since the very beginning. She has navigated all the twists and turns and even wrote a book on it. However her whole life and perspective changed after having her kids.

She fought through postpartum depression and all the damage that it causes and found a new path for her life and business. 

Her story is truly remarkable. To have gone through so much adversity while still paving her own path and finding success is certainly a tale of shifting and riding through change. Listen in as she shares her Covid-19 story and how it was just one more twist in the topsy turvy road she’s been walking. 

Show Notes:

• [01:46] More relevant than ever, learn to navigate uncertain times without losing ground.
• [03:04] Tamar shares how she is doing right now and why she was quarantined early.
• [05:58] Listen as Tamar retells her experience after testing positive for Coronavirus.
• [08:39] What kinds of symptoms did she experience? 
• [10:56] The difference between tightness in your chest and shortness of breath.
• [12:28] How Tamar knew she had Covid-19 before testing positive.
• [15:06] Why she chose to keep self-quarantining and how she’s worked to keep her family safe.
• [16:56] Tamar shares her tips for upping your learning online. 
• [19:51] Why Reddit is a great resource when you find the right sub-Reddits.
• [22:53] Learn more about Tamar’s current pursuits.
• [24:25] Tamar defines the professional hustler title she has given herself as well as the skills you need to be one.
• [27:44] How having children changed her outlook on life.  
• [30:12] Where did her passion for personal fragrance come from? 
• [31:42] Tamar shares her advice for being flexible and moving through change.
• [34:55] Connect with Tamar.

Links and Resources:

• Tamar’s Website
  
• Hire Tamar
• The New Community Rules by Tamar Weinberg
• I Tested Positive for Coronavirus: Here’s what I want you to know by Tamar Weinberg
• Tamar on LinkedIn
  
• Tamar on Twitter
• Tamar on Facebook
  
• Tamar on Instagram

*We apologize for any issues with sound quality. Due to the ever-changing state of the world because of Covid-19, many of our guests are taking interviews and recording shows outside of their homes which interferes with recording.*

In this unprecedented time of isolation, we should be so thankful that we have the technology to remain connected. Here to discuss her new venture as well as what it means to be technologically connected is JJ Ramberg. JJ is no stranger to media and her new company is an amazing way to connect and learn all at the same time.

JJ is an entrepreneur, TV host, speaker, and best-selling author, and she is no stranger to the perils and beauty of media. Earlier this year she and her brother launched Goodpods, an app that allows you to follow your podcast loving friends and see what they’re listening to. 

Her insights on the ways that we can connect in this crazy world and how to navigate entrepreneurship in this new landscape are impressively poignant. Her words of advice and encouragement are much needed and the fact that she has successfully launched a business in spite of world events is uplifting. 

You won’t want to miss any of JJ’s nuggets of wisdom and reflection. Take a moment, step away from the enforced family time, and listen as we chat about all things business and entrepreneurship.

Show Notes:

• [01:46] Welcome back! We live in an amazing world of technology. 
• [03:02] Deirdre welcomes JJ Ramberg to the show to discuss how lucky we are to have the technology we do today. 
• [03:57] What prompted JJ to shift her business? 
• [05:33] JJ shares what skills she had to learn to pivot her business.
• [07:23] How do the challenges of being a TV host differ from being an entrepreneur? 
• [08:32] Which responsibilities would JJ like to delegate to her brother and business partner? 
• [11:31] Learn more about Goodpods.
• [14:09] How does JJ face fears as an entrepreneur? 
• [15:49] Has JJ had any “aha!” moments that have impacted her path? 
• [19:37] JJ shares how she is managing her stress so that she can help others.
• [22:49] Listen as JJ leaves you with her parting words of advice. 
• [23:57] Connect with JJ.

Links and Resources:

• Goodpods
• Goodshop
• JJ on Twitter
  
• JJ on Instagram
  
• JJ on LinkedIn
  
• Goodpods on Twitter
  
• Goodpods on Instagram

Episode Sponsor: FEEL First Test