Professional Confessionals

"Nothing for me beats being an artist. The practice of it, the satisfaction of it."

“Usually the best people in my profession are the most difficult to get along with. They have difficult personalities. It’s funny the way that works.”

A fateful family loss during childhood led Dr. Robert Raniolo to follow an otherwise unlikely professional path. He discusses his unique personal/professional journey, shares wisdom and advice for those interested in healthcare as a career, plus how the corporate takeover of the medical field has changed the traditional role of caregivers and its effect on medical care.

"You have to think like a renaissance person. That's been really great because I love changing it up and I love visual challenges."

Stylist Raquel Vidal takes us through her engaging journey from fashion design to photo stylist, and tells us about her experiences working with legendary photographers like Richard Avedon. For those that might follow in her footsteps, Raquel shares insights she's gained from wearing a multitude of different hats in the fashion industry.

"The best part is problem solving and puzzles. Putting together pieces from different things that have bounced around your brain because you've been working on it for a long time, and when something comes together and it works out, it's incredibly satisfying."

Tim Hall always wanted to be a scientist. An analytical mind and boyhood fascination with black holes and the origin of the universe guided him to where could continue pondering big questions - the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies, where he is a Senior Research Scientist.

"If a school isn't working for you, if a profession isn't working for you, choose something else. Choose yourself."

Ascend founder Melia Marzollo reveals her path from English teacher to Wellness Center founder. Courageously following her heart and her gut into a field that holds more resonance, she’s created a life of fulfillment in which she seeks to nurture wellness in her community.

"I want to move people, create a space where people would feel lifted spiritually, and make it worthwhile for someone to visit that space."

Architect Juhee Lee-Hartford is the managing and founding partner of River Architects. She shares her passion for architecture and the challenges inherent in starting her own firm.

"Even if someone has committed a crime, it doesn't necessarily mean they're a bad person. Sometimes it's an underlying condition."

Robert Langley has experienced many roles in law enforcement including canine and forensics duty, and is currently the Sheriff of Putnam County, New York. In this frank and honest interview, Robert shares his perspective about his profession, explains his motivations for wanting to be an officer, and raises important considerations for people interested in pursuing a similar career.

"Yes, I did scenes with George Clooney and people like that, but when you're on a set, it's like being in the trenches. It's hard work, it's not this glamorous love scenario fairy tale."

Liz Keifer has appeared in many films and TV shows, and is familiar to millions as Blake Marler from the TV soap Guiding Light, where she brought the character to life for 17 years. Liz tells us about her experiences, and relates her insider's perspective working in the TV industry.

After a career as head chef at a number of fine restaurants, Richard Kukle now works as a personal chef to the rich and famous. He gives us an inside look into a profession that can be fun and creative at times, but cautions that it has been over-glamorized by celebrity chefs. Folks considering entering the field need to consider the long hours and physical demands, he advises.

"You're going to get knocked down a lot, you just have to never pay attention to that. Don't take the rejection personally. Just remember whoever rejects you on Tuesday, the person on Friday might be telling you you're great."

Jo Pitkin's poetry was first published nationally when she was 21 years old, and she shares with us how her early love of words led to a life focused on creating works based on the artistic use of language. She often acts as a mentor to young poets, and kindly offers her wisdom and advice for those with a similar passion for the art form and for those who wonder about writing poetry as a career.

Jo Pitkin.com