In this lively interview, Tara talks to legendary public speaker Patricia Fripp about why everyone gets authenticity in public speaking wrong, why leaders need to stop pandering to young people, and why we miss the big opportunities all around us.
A nationally renowned speaker and the first female president of the National Speaker’s Association, Patricia got her unlikely start as a hairdresser in small-town England at age 15. After setting off for San Francisco at 20 with no money, no degree and no connections, Patricia built a public speaking empire from the unlikeliest of places: teaching other hair stylists how to get more customers.
Episode Highlights
• 13:08 – How being an average student helped Patricia succeed
• 15:38 – Why Patricia uprooted and moved to America (and the surprising reason she chose San Francisco)
• 16:08 – How she built a business with no money and no connections
• 21:40 – Why most people miss the opportunities all around them
• 31:46 – The piece of advice that changed her life (and why she almost didn’t take it)
• 37:12 – Being yourself “on purpose” and the HUGE thing everyone gets wrong about authenticity
• 43:50 – The taboo question Patricia always asks new people
• Related: Download my free 22-page e-book, 9 Mistakes That Kill Your Love Life and Keep You Single
1. Favorite book for women?
- Any thriller. We are so focused on self-help and success.
2. Favorite self-care hack?
- Going to bed early and watching detective shows.
3. A valuable mentor you’d like to acknowledge?
- Chris Haggerty for advising her to go to the National Speakers Association conference.
- Mike Frank because he was the first one to “discover” Patricia, and he actively promoted women speakers
4. Female CEO or thought leader you’re into right now?
- All the smart women on Sunday morning talk shows. Cokie Roberts. Hillary Clinton.
5. One thing you’d tell your 5 years younger self?
- “Don’t work so hard!”
Resources Mentioned
• National Speakers Association
• Related: Download my free e-book, 9 Mistakes That Kill Your Love Life and Keep You Single
Last Time on The NextFem Podcast…
Personal Branding 101 (Plus: How to Make a Career Transition) with Dorie Clark
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