We recently had the chance to connect with Jenni Prisk and have shared our conversation below.
Jenni, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A regular day for me begins with a swim, answering a slew of emails, checking in with friends, family and colleagues, especially any who are unwell or in need of a listening ear, and then it’s on with the show that could entail a myriad of different events and projects. I’m semi-retired and busier than ever.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
For 36+ years since I founded Prisk Communication, I’ve been a communications coach, providing public speaking, leadership, and assertiveness training – partnering with people individually or in groups to promote their vision, their voice and their personal power. In today’s world, speaking up against the wrongs and injustices we observe has never been more important. And women especially must have their voices heard!
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I was a young New Zealand girl desperately wanting to be a ballerina! Unfortunately, the fates and my genes didn’t allow that to happen, but I spent many hours pirouetting in front of a mirror in my childhood home, trying very hard to look graceful and swan-like! However, I also had a love of theatre and the spoken word, so in time they manifested in my career.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
When the depression I suffered in the 1990s threatened to take over my life, not only did I think my professional role wasn’t important, I wasn’t either. My husband, friends and some very effective medication helped me through. I learned at that time that depression isn’t a stigma, it’s a disease, and must be respected and treated accordingly. It’s a debilitating disease and one that must be handled with care. However, life now for me is full of rewarding adventures and experiences.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Recognition of everyone no matter their station in life, their background, culture, sexual identity, successes or failures. Everyone needs to be seen and heard, and know that they are here with, and for, a purpose.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
Agonizing about FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out!) You would think at the age of 76, that I would be over this by now, however, when I’ms involved in a collaborative enterprise, if I’m not up to date with all the highlights and happenings, I become concerned and over-curious.
Contact Info:
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniprisk/
- Other: [email protected]
Image Credits
Northland (NZ) Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
