We recently had the chance to connect with Irma Parone and have shared our conversation below.
Irma, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Who are you learning from right now?
Honestly, the better question is “When will I stop learning?” I’m a hopelessly curious, habitual student. Every year I tell myself, “That’s it—no more courses, no more coaches.” And every year… I lie.
Just two of many examples this year. At the last two Florida Speakers Association meetings, I somehow ended up the high bidder (translation: overly enthusiastic learner) on two amazing opportunities—one with CSP John Chen, and another with CSP, CPAE, and Hall of Fame speaker Brian Walter. So yes, I’m still learning… and apparently still unable to resist a good auction paddle.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
If you spend five minutes with Irma Parone, you’ll quickly sense two things — she loves people, and she loves solving their problems (preferably before coffee runs out). As a speaker, consultant, and multiple award-winning author, Irma is the founder of Parone Group, where she helps organizations tackle their toughest employee challenges — accountability, leadership, and time management — all while building teams that actually enjoy working together.
Her approach blends real-world experience with humor and heart. Her two books on problem-solving give leaders and employees practical ways to work better together — and maybe even like each other in the process.
These days, Irma is also serving as president of the Florida Speakers Association, where she works alongside a talented 15-member board of directors who, as she says, “keep me on my toes — and laughing — every step of the way.” Her vision for FSA is to create a place where ideas are born, careers are transformed, and friendships last a lifetime.
Whether she’s on stage, in the boardroom, or collaborating with her fellow speakers, Irma brings humor, insight, and an infectious energy to everything she does. As she often jokes, “I keep saying I’m done learning… and yet, here I am again.”
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
That’s a tough one — I’ve learned from so many people that narrowing it down feels like leaving family members off a wedding invite. But here are a few who taught me lessons I’ll never forget.
First, my parents. They didn’t talk about integrity — they lived it. They taught me that success without character isn’t really success at all, and that how you treat people matters as much as what you achieve.
Then there was my boss, Jack. He showed me the magic that happens when you truly care about people at every level of an organization. The more we listened and understood what our team needed, the stronger everyone became. He taught me that connection isn’t “soft stuff” — it’s leadership gold.
And then came Len. One of the many lessons I learned from him was the power of measurement — understanding how leading and lagging indicators can tell the real story behind performance. That insight changed how I approached problem-solving and decision-making forever.
Those three taught me just a slice of what I’ve learned from the incredible people I’ve met along the way. I’ve been lucky — my teachers came disguised as parents, bosses, colleagues, and even the occasional employee who challenged me to be better.
Is there something you miss that no one else knows about?
I miss dancing! A long time ago, I taught ballroom dancing as a little side job — which, like most of my “little ideas,” quickly got out of hand. It led to performing for the Jim Moran Institute, and when that ended, I somehow decided to open a studio so we could keep dancing. That one studio turned into two, and before I knew it, I was running The Irma Parone Dance Company of Dance Fantasia. Yes, all while working, with travel, full-time.
I wasn’t the best dancer — not even close — but I was surrounded by some seriously talented people. PJ, our artistic director, was brilliant; Karen, our ballet pro with a master’s degree, made everything look graceful; and the rest of the team made me look far better than I deserved.
Our big claim to fame? We opened for The Temptations in Pittsburgh! It was one of the best times of my life. When I had to move to Connecticut for work, that chapter ended — though every once in a while, I still break into a cha-cha in the kitchen.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What important truth do very few people agree with you on?
I’m not sure people disagree — they just refuse to practice it. My truth is simple: beware the danger of the single story.
Take politics. Republicans watch conservative news, Democrats watch liberal news, and nobody dares peek at “the other side.” I have friends — and a husband — on both sides of the aisle, and let’s just say… when my husband walks in and catches me watching “the other” channel, his head spins like The Exorcist.
Here’s the thing: both sides skew their stories. Both have valid points. But the world would be a lot saner if we stopped hating and started listening — or at least stayed curious enough not to need an exorcism.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
That’s easy. My family and friends. Priceless.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://paronegroup.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irmaparone/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paronegroup/
- Twitter: https://x.com/paronegroup
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paronegroup/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=irma+parone
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