An Inspired Chat with Elizabeth Koraca of Los Angeles/Orange County

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Elizabeth Koraca. Check out our conversation below.

Good morning Elizabeth, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
I think many people struggle with negative self-talk. It’s easy to second-guess yourself. Sometimes you forget how deserving you are of being where you are — whether on stage or making a presentation to your colleagues.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a Career Strategist & the Host of The Speaking Up Podcast, which is ranked in the top 2% of all podcasts globally. It has also ranked #1 on the top listener charts.

I help business professionals improve their image, messaging, and personal branding. I also coach and train executives to reach their full potential by utilizing a proven, step-by-step program to sharpen their presentation, interview, and communication skills.

Clients I’ve worked with in the past include professionals at Google, Square, Harman, Activision, JLL, and many prominent New York-based hedge funds.

I previously worked as a TV News Anchor for Reuters, where I was on the New York US/China TV business News Desk. I’ve interviewed hundreds of the world’s top CEOs and investors, such as Blackstone’s Stephen Schwarzman, Jim Rogers, and Wilbur Ross.

I’m a regular TV contributor and a regular on ABC, CNN, NBC, and Fox News. My advice has been featured in print publications New York Magazine, NASDAQ, Entrepreneur and more.

My clients receive strategies to enhance job performance, excel in their careers, and discover their leadership voice. I coach with empathy and with a focus on results.

I was also recently invited to join the prestigious Forbes Coaches Council, where I will collaborate with other business leaders, coaches, and executives. I will also be a contributing author on Forbes articles.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
“Don’t quit your day job.” That’s what my high school English teacher said to me following a class presentation. It was a horrible and defeating comment. I was a shy and fearful child, and this statement reinforced my fears.
Was that comment the driving force that propelled me forward into my career as an on-air TV reporter? It might have been. I do know that I never wanted anyone to feel the way I felt that day.

My high school English teacher may not have been in my corner or believed in me, but I have a wonderful family who did. That said, I rarely spoke up for myself. I pushed down my thoughts and feelings and felt powerless for many years. The memory of that classroom presentation stayed with me. That is, until I left my Canadian homeland in 2004 and headed to New York City. I was determined to fulfill my dream of becoming an on-air reporter.

No matter how much enthusiasm and determination I had. I was met with a barrage of rejection and criticism.

Those were painful blows, but rather than turning around and going home, they only fueled my drive and persistence to get what I wanted.

Do you remember a time someone truly listened to you?
Someone who listened to me and truly encouraged me when I was starting out was Toni Reinhold, an editor at Reuters. I met Toni when she was President of The Newswomen’s Club of New York. All those years ago, she believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. She taught me everything she knew about financial journalism. Not only was she a mentor, but she was also my most outstanding advocate who helped me get my big break as a news anchor at Reuters TV.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
The version the public sees is the real me. What you see is what you get because I believe in being authentic. I walk the walk and talk the talk in my coaching practice; what I coach my clients on is what I practice myself.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
An interesting story from my career was the transition from television anchor to career strategist and host. When I was a TV anchor, I learned how to simultaneously ask critical questions of my sources while putting them at ease in front of the camera. My favorite part of the job was giving them the tips and tools to speak with confidence on air.

It was so rewarding! Many years ago, I too was very nervous and fearful of public speaking, and I never wanted anyone to feel the way I used to feel.

One of the main reasons I transitioned into a career coach was to help people develop effective strategies and achieve their exact goals.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.elizabethkoraca.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethkoraca/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethkoraca/
• Twitter: @ElizabethKoraca
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethKoraca
• Other: https://www.elizabethkoraca.com/podcast/