Fire Up Your Moxie with Debra Trappen

Molly Cantrell-Kraig leveraged her years in media and life-lessons learned as a former single mother on welfare to establish Women With Drive Foundation. She has been featured as one of the CNN 10 Visionary Women and been profiled by the Shriver Report, the Christian Science Monitor, Women’s Media Center in D.C., AutoBody News, Woman’s World Magazine, the Chicago Tribune, ABC7 Chicago, WGN Radio and most recently was a Nominated Changemaker Attendee at the inaugural United State of Women Summit, convened by the White House in June 2016.

I was downsized from my position at Social Media Liaison at an advertising agency on a Friday the 13th in 2010. Thinking that I could get a job in social media, I called a friend in Chicago, asking if she knew of opportunities. She replied instead, “Why don’t you launch that nonprofit you told me about?” The rest is history.

When I am able to be myself without infringing upon the freedoms of others. When I can have choices about where I go and how I spend my time. Knowing that another’s life is better for having come into contact with mine. Loving who I am, who I’m with and what I’m doing.

Not trusting my gut. This lesson, however, manifested itself through many situations: relationships with men, partnerships with clients, individuals I met through WWDF… each lesson was different, but the overarching element that led to misalignment was my not trusting my gut and acting on it when I first realized my own truth.

I’m an anarchist who believes in hierarchy. I like protocols and respect for process, but I also love being able to override or rewrite rules when necessary.

Trust yourself.

My kids. My friends. My partner. The people I serve. The people who have invested in what I’ve built.

Check my email and social media accounts. Then coffee.

I actually give a shit about people. They can tell. Caring about another ~ truly caring about them ~ engages what I refer to as “reciprocity velocity.” It activates the teamwork function in others.

Starbucks. Because coffee. Groupon. Because fun way to try things and save some coin. Instagram. Because it’s my window to the world. The CTA train/bus tracker. Because it keeps me running on time. PayPal/CHASE. Because of the Benjamins. :)

It really depends on the day. I stream a lot of Spotify/playlists based on whether I’m working or playing. I can only write to Mozart, though.

Evolve.

Everything you’ve gone through, you use. Trials, tribulations, lessons, love, … all of it. You’ll sift as you grow, but when you need a “tool” from your past, it will appear. Promise.

Molly Cantrell-Kraig leveraged her years in media and life-lessons learned as a former single mother on welfare to establish Women With Drive Foundation.

She has been featured as one of the CNN 10 Visionary Women and been profiled by the Shriver Report, the Christian Science Monitor, Women’s Media Center in D.C., AutoBody News, Woman’s World Magazine, the Chicago Tribune, ABC7 Chicago, WGN Radio and most recently was a Nominated Changemaker Attendee at the inaugural United State of Women Summit, convened by the White House in June 2016.

| mollycantrellkraig.com | Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | Google+ |

“This Riesling is really crisp and doesn’t taste as sweet as most Rieslings you find in the US. It’s also not a huge alcoholic wine (right around 12.5% alc.) so you can enjoy a glass or two guilt-free.”

The post Chat with Molly Cantrell-Kraig appeared first on Debra Trappen.

Laurie Levin is the founder of Another Mother’s Daughter. When she is not sorting & organizing for others, she can be found running back trails, decorating her weekly planner, or playing in the dirt. She finds satisfaction in refinishing old furniture to give it a new life and is a compassionate vegan. Sun lover. Mountain Climber. Digs yoga & pilates but usually sips strong coffee instead.

A couple of factors gave me the nudge to take the leap. First, a dear friend of mine’s wife passed away very young and I had a realization that there is only one life and I’m in it to live! Next, my parents were in transition and my passion for organization, downsizing, color-coding, and finding solutions was put to great use. I was inspired! I changed the mix-tape I had been listening to in my head to one that screamed ” Stop doubting yourself! Be brave!”

Synergy between my business and home life. Time to be a homemaker while contributing to the household income and being of service in the community is my ideal success.

I have learned from every misguided decision I have made in my life. I am always growing in courage to step into the life I am meant to live, so up until now, my biggest mistake has been to doubt myself and let others idea of my limitations become my own.

At 41 years old, I too am an empty nester!

Oh man, I would tell myself to just keep moving forward. Take the next indicated step and follow direction from those who have what I want. I would tell myself that sometimes I would have to do things I just didn’t feel like doing, but when I just got the courage and did them, I would feel amazing!

Faith. I believe God’s plan for me is in action. Anytime I become fearful or in doubt, I let go of the control I am trying to take and follow Him.

Before I open my eyes, I thank God for another day I am alive & then quietly listen to His guidance for my day. Once the smell of coffee wafts my way, I’m up and go go going!!!

Analogy-ism. My superpower allows me to compare complex ideas to relatable events in order to help others better understand. Common phrases from those affected include ” Ah-ha!” or “That makes perfect sense!”

Snapchat, Instagram, Voxer, Fitbit, ebay – Keeping in touch with my family & friends is important to me. I daily challenge myself to go above and beyond my fitness goals, and ebay…well, that one is just pure indulgence!

Tim Timmons- Awake Our Souls album and Rend Collective- The Art of Celebration album. They play everywhere I go…in the car, on the trails, in the gym…in the house! I even know the hand motions!

Attitude.

This adventure has only begun and already it is bringing me closer to happiness! I’m fired up!!!

| anothermothersdaughter.com | Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram |

The post Chat with Laurie Levin appeared first on Debra Trappen.

Katie is the Founder of Katie Lance Consulting – a social media and marketing firm. Katie’s clients include companies such as RE/MAX International, DocuSign, RPM Mortgage, SmartZip and many others. She is also a frequent keynote speaker, a contributor to The Huffington Post and formerly was the Chief Strategist for Inman News.  

(Debra’s 11 cents: Katie also LOVES wine, Hello Kitty and sings the word “faaaabulous”!)

For me, it was just the right time – when I left my corporate job in 2012 – it was a dream job, but it was just the right place at the right time. I wanted to be able to set my own destiny and have the quality of life I felt like I was missing a bit; being able to be there every morning and evening for my kids, not having to commute, and the ability to work with a lot of different brands was really exciting to me. I’ve always had the entrepreneur spirit in any job I’ve had – but this was just the right timing for me and our family.

Success is having the financial freedom to do the things we want to do like go on great vacations with our kids, spend time together as a family – AND be doing what I love to do (and staying true to what I love to do and where my talents are.)

I think my biggest mistake was anytime I said “yes” to something that wasn’t really true to me or my brand. Early on in my business I would say yes to projects that had to do with email marketing, PR, branding, etc – and although I am capable of handling those projects – that’s not where my core strength is I bring to a client. So now, I have learned to say no and refer that business out. I’ve learned you don’t have to be all things to all people.

Hmm, not sure. I’m a picky eater LOL – I hate mac and cheese :) The other thing is I love games on my iPhone to unwind and zone out. Plants v. Zombies is a favorite :)

Wow, 10 years ago I was 6 months into my 1st real estate job – I was working at a real estate company as their marketing manager. I think I would tell myself to keep working hard, never stop learning and pushing the envelope. The work ethic I developed back then really set the stage for where I am at now. I probably would have also told myself to stand up for myself more at my job – I am a people pleaser and avoid conflict like the plague – and I think my one regret there was getting pushed around more than needed. :)

I feel like we are all given gifts and talents – and as long as I stay true to what I do best – I know it will always work out – it always does!

After hitting the snooze button a few times, I get my boys up and make a cup of coffee :)

Speaking and educating. I love, love, love speaking and delivering those ‘a-ha’ moments for people. There is nothing more exhilarating.

In order of my day: Snapchat, email, Instagram, Twitter/Periscope, Facebook/FB Pages (sorry not too exciting here) Other apps I love and use almost every day are Repost, FB Messenger, Word Swag, Dropbox

This girl is on fire :), Happy, Uptown Funk, Sugar (Maroon 5)

“Serve more” (sorry that is two) :) also followed by “why not me?!”

#GetSocialSmart Academy officially launched on 6/14/16! Now my passion for giving agents back their TIME has a whole new layer!  Time is all we have and my focus with this academy is for agents to get laser focused on the time they are spending in social – so they can be smarter about their time – so they can get more business on social AND do everything else they need to do for their business and family. Lastly, my book is coming out this summer *hopefully* :)

(Promo codes are case-sensitive!)

Katie is the Founder of Katie Lance Consulting – a social media and marketing firm. Katie’s clients include companies such as RE/MAX International, DocuSign, RPM Mortgage, SmartZip and many others. Katie is also a frequent keynote speaker, a contributor to The Huffington Post and formerly was the Chief Strategist for Inman News.

| katielance.com | Twitter | Facebook | Google+ | LinkedIn | Instagram |

The post Chat with Katie Lance appeared first on Debra Trappen.

Bestselling celebrity ghostwriter Christine Whitmarsh helps authors, speakers, and personalities share their stories, communicate their messages, and build thought leadership platforms through their books. As a ghostwriter for high profile personalities since 2001, Christine has worked with major publishing houses including Simon & Schuster, Penguin Group USA, and Morgan James Publishing. Christine is also the #1 Amazon bestselling author of the book “Personal Paparazzi: Your Brand Story Told Your Way.” Her creative agency of professional writers and strategists has served clients worldwide since 2003. Today Christine’s company serves business leaders, entertainment personalities, and other thought leaders, by helping them write and publish their books, and then build solid brand platforms around those books with content marketing, social media, and other online strategies. Her personal mission is to change the world – one story at a time!

My mom (who comes from a line of entrepreneurs). I was freelance writing like crazy for a bunch of clients and she said – “You’re doing so many things why don’t you start your own company? Christine Incorporated…” = Christine Inc… Christine, Ink was born. 2003.

Freedom. My time, my ideas implemented, my creations… I’m like a little kid playing in a sandbox – mine, mine, mine! (But not in a selfish way; in a free way.)

Growing so fast I almost toppled over from pumping SO much money into the business; had to make some enormous decisions to right the ship. Fortunately, mission accomplished! (ex. too big of a team, office space I didn’t need, pricing was all out of whack.)

I doubt anyone would be surprised to know anything about me. I’m an open book. So to speak.

Take a business finance course – NOW!

Exercise, meditation, journaling. 7 days a week. 1st thing of the day. My power trifecta of habits.

Putting myself in my clients’ shoes when writing their memoirs (this is an understatement; I’ve been known to channel certain scenes from their life – smell the smells, see what they saw; people tell me I’m slightly psychic).

Putting myself in my clients’ shoes when writing their memoirs (this is an understatement; I’ve been known to channel certain scenes from their life – smell the smells, see what they saw; people tell me I’m slightly psychic).

Gmail, weather, facebook, Ring, Waze. Because they serve the functions I need the most frequently.

I listen to the film scores Pandora station when ghostwriting people’s memoirs. It helps me envision my client like the main character in the movie of their life. People tell me the books I write “read like movies” – yep!

Selfish – in a positive way. This is the first year where I’ve truly put myself first – my creative writing, my healthy habits, my state of mind… and now I’m being of better service to my company, my clients, my husband, my employees, etc. as a result of this decision.

Fired up over our current dual rebrand – new company brand + my personal brand – dually launching this summer!

Bestselling celebrity ghostwriter Christine Whitmarsh helps authors, speakers, and personalities share their stories, communicate their messages, and build thought leadership platforms through their books. As a ghostwriter for high profile personalities since 2001, Christine has worked with major publishing houses including Simon & Schuster, Penguin Group USA, and Morgan James Publishing. Christine is also the #1 Amazon bestselling author of the book “Personal Paparazzi: Your Brand Story Told Your Way.”

Her creative agency of professional writers and strategists has served clients worldwide since 2003.

Today Christine’s company serves business leaders, entertainment personalities, and other thought leaders, by helping them write and publish their books, and then build solid brand platforms around those books with content marketing, social media, and other online strategies.

Her personal mission is to change the world – one story at a time!

| www.christine-ink.com | Twitter | Facebook | Google+ | LinkedIn |

The post Chat with Christine Whitmarsh appeared first on Debra Trappen.

Meet Lacey Lybecker. She co-owns Cairdeas Winery with her husband and winemaker, Charlie Lybecker. Cairdeas Winery is a true family affair. Their two boys, Eugene (4) and Francis (2) contribute artwork for select artist series wine labels and are known around the tasting room as the whine-maker and assistant whine-maker. Lacey grew up on a farm in northwestern Minnesota and graduated from the University of Minnesota before moving to Seattle to embark on a career in marketing. She worked in the hospitality and event industries before she and her husband fell for making wine. On the side, Lacey dabbles in designing kitchen textiles with an emphasis on {vin}tage inspired goods.

I’ve always been a dreamer, but never really knew how to take the first step. I remember when my husband and I would drive to our pre-marital counseling workshops, we’d wonder about “what we were going to do in 10 years.” Bed and breakfast on the Oregon coast, a wine shop, a cooking school – you see we always had a theme. A huge push for me was jumping on board when a good friend and co-worker of mine started teaching, for lack of a better word, life coaching workshops. She really helped me break it down on how to take one step at a time… so, when my husband said maybe one day we can start a winery, I was able to say how can we start now? It’s amazing how far we’ve come by just continuing to put one foot in front of the other.

Personally, I feel the most successful when I feel joyful and happy in the now – while continuing to challenge myself and be open to what’s next. I also have to pinch myself when I think about the relationships we’ve built with the winery (with our customers and wine club members) and how that is bringing abundance into our world. We just posted tickets for an intimate spring wine dinner and it sold out in less than 24 hours. Four years ago, that would not have seemed possible.

I accepted the “wrong” job once (despite everyone around me telling me it did not seem like a good fit). I was then offered the “right” job my first week on the “wrong” job and instead of sticking it out with the job I accepted first, I held my head up and bowed out. That decision set me on an even better path that eventually inspired our move to Lake Chelan. If I had stayed in the “wrong” job, I’d be out of a job because I don’t think that company is in business any longer. The experience taught me to not be so stubborn, number 1, and listen to those around me. And number 2, it also showed me that even when you take a wrong turn, you can still pivot and get back on the right track.

I went on my first wine tasting tour when I was 19 (and I didn’t have a fake ID) and I’ve been skydiving.

Just trust. There have been so many moments in my life where I felt unhappy or off track… or side tracked. But looking back, every slight turn I’ve taken on my path was for something – a lesson learned, a connection made, a paycheck to help fund our dreams. Looking back, this whole crazy life is one big puzzle and all the pieces seem to fit.

Um… not wanting to have to go back to a full-time, sit-at-my-desk job. But really, faith that we are on the right path and we are doing the right. Inspiring ourselves, our boys, our customers, our friends that there is value in following your dream.

Snuggle with my 4-year-old.

I wish I had a cape! Where can I find one?

ThredUp (I love a good deal, the easy return policy and finding a second life for a piece of clothing.)

FitBit (because, well, my fitness and eating habits have gotten a little off track – I’m now obsessed with checking my steps, but I still can’t seem to hit 10,000 – must get up from my computer…)

Google Maps (cuz a girl needs to know how to get where she’s going)

Orbitz (I’m always checking on ticket prices for flights home to Minnesota – love spending time there with my family)

Camera/Photos (snapping silly photos of my boys, reminiscing over baby pics, and snapping fancy shots for Instagram).

I’m not very good with songs… and I haven’t had Pandora on for ages. We listen to Deeper Shades on House on BBC in the tasting room.

Good question! My word for 2015 was “forward” and my lesson was that the best way to move forward is sometimes to sit still – ha! It’s not always about pushing yourself forward but about putting out your desires and letting the universe help you line up the stars.

I haven’t quite narrowed it down and we’re a quarter of a way in, but for 2016 I’m really focusing on GRATITUDE and BLESSING. Being grateful for my path and paying attention to ways that I can bless and inspire others.

Something a fellow Toastmaster once told me, “Even if you don’t think you’re making progress, believe me, you are!”

Lacey Lybecker co-owns Cairdeas Winery with her husband and winemaker, Charlie Lybecker. Cairdeas Winery is a true family affair. Their two boys, Eugene (4) and Francis (2) contribute artwork for select artist series wine labels and are known around the tasting room as the whine-maker and assistant whine-maker.

Lacey grew up on a farm in northwestern Minnesota and graduated from the University of Minnesota before moving to Seattle to embark on a career in marketing. She worked in the hospitality and event industries before she and her husband fell for making wine. On the side,

Lacey dabbles in designing kitchen textiles with an emphasis on {vin}tage inspired goods.

| www.cairdeaswinery.com | Twitter | Facebook | Google+ | LinkedIn | Instagram |

The post Chat with Lacey Lybecker appeared first on Debra Trappen.

Meet John-Ross Parks! He is an award-winning entrepreneur in the real estate industry who is passionate about serving his community.  His goal to experience a new wine every time he sips this year is one of the many intriguing elements of this man.  Take a listen, read on and learn more!

My involvement in organized real estate came from my involvement in the OREA Young Professionals network. It really sparked my desire to contribute to the entire provincial body. This group of people who have a fresh perspective on the organization really inspired me to go out and learn more about what the entire province thinks is needed… that’s what drove me to this job!

If I’m able to connect the average REALTOR® across Ontario with whats actually happening on their behalf, then that is a HUGE accomplishment for all of us. Its not to negate the currrent established reps – I love them – but I feel that the disconnect for the average REALTOR® is by far one of the biggest issues with our incredible organization.

When I was fresh in the business (first year), I ignored the wise advice of a close mentor (Nana) and it had to do with a personal real estate transaction…at 21 years old I didn’t fully read/understand a document I was signing. Needless to say I had 6 months worth of headaches in regards to my PERSONAL mishap..from that moment on I fully understand how important it was to be prepared not only for myself but truely for the people I serve. Clients and professionally… hard lesson to learn at a young age but its made me an incredible representative both locally and across the province.

I have a passion for dogs breeding and showing (which I’ve put on hold for my career).

I would tell my 20-year old self to listen 15% more…it would have helped him take a moment to learn to breathe before acting… Its taken 10 years to fully appreciate the breath and to fully process prior to acting…Its 10 years Im proud to have had.

My undying belief that we can have the best industry in the entire world…We need to open up and share with our members going forward!

Check Twitter and Facebook.

Always a cape… and I would choose telepathy… I want to know what people REALLY want… we can’t make anyone happy without getting to the TRUTH.

Based on Battery % – FB messenger, Facebook, Twiter, Vivino, Grindr (don’t judge).

According to iTunes: 1. Hello by Adele,  2. Wake Me Up by Ed Sheeran, 3. Already Home by A Great Big World, 4. Love yourself by Justin Beiber, 5. Don’t stop believin’ by Queen

…I know I’m #cray.

No matter how small you feel…you’re able to make a massive difference in our community…regardless of country, province, state, or job title… stand up…and make your voice heard!

A young professional making as many big changes in the real estate industry as possible. Our industry is on the cutting edge of huge changes and its our responsibility to ensure we make the best steps going forward…

My goal is to ensure that every Canadian makes the best choice for what they want with our country – and that starts with our provincial governing body. Let’s understand whats happening and how decisions are made…its time for REALTORS® to get informed and understand how the process works. It’s our industry lets make the decisions together!

| www.johnrossparks.com | Twitter | Facebook | Google+ | LinkedIn | Instagram |

The post Chat with John-Ross Parks appeared first on Debra Trappen.

It’s UP!  Part Deux of the conversation with Vija Williams, Deb Champion, Vanessa Murray and Nicole Mangina on Get Real Radio on 1150 KKNW here in Seattle, WA!

The five of us really dug into this lively, info-packed, laughter-filled conversation about being successful women in business… We answered questions like these:

We also shared favorite books, inspirational quotes, alliterations to help you recall tips, etc!  So many fab tips in here… Wow!

One of my favorite things about this group is how different each of our stories is, but how much – at the core – we all have in common!  Some info about my fellow women entrepreneurs:

Vija Williams leads a super duper successful team at Keller Williams in Kirkland.  She is a wife, mom, and SASS, to name a few more hats…

Deb Champion is a mortgage banker in the Seattle area.  She works for a private bank and ROCKS biz in the lux/custom construction space.  I learned ooodles about Deb in this hour, including: she is a wife, mom, and seeker of excellence!

Vanessa Murray – Founder, TAKE Success, LLC.  V just launched a new business after being in Corporate America for the last several years!  Stay tuned for more details as she builds her brand and website… I will be sure to share her journey.

Nicole Mangina – REALTOR®, President of the local Women’s Council of REALTORS®, wife, math/science geek, mom and much more!

Listen To The Show Here:

http://d11consulting.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/GetREALRadio-EntrepreneurSuccess-1.mp3

Do you have a daily mantra you use to keep your attitude positive and focused?

Are you working through a “failure”, on your way to your success, and need support?

Feel free to leave your comments and needs below

Cheers!
D

The post Women Entrepreneurs Share Success Secrets – Part Deux appeared first on Debra Trappen.