Meet Debbie Feinberg

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Debbie Feinberg a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Debbie, you’ve got such an interesting story, but before we jump into that, let’s first talk about a topic near and dear to us – generosity. We think success, happiness and wellbeing depends on authentic generosity and empathy and so we’d love to hear about how you become such a generous person – where do you think your generosity comes from?

I believe human behavior and habits are developed by modeling others, particularly people we respect and admire, even before we realize what we are doing cognitively. Whether we observe good or bad habits, we are a function of those around us. And so, I learned how important being generous was with my time, money, and attention at an early age. First, I saw my parents give back to their religious home, the overall community, and in genuine service to others or causes. I saw the fact that giving with the heart enriched their lives. Perhaps it was because early in their marriage, they were faced with seemingly insurmountable health challenges that they felt this way. I tend to believe they witnessed the same from their parents and passed this along to me and my siblings. Second, I remember several times in my personal and professional life where the generosity of individuals in deeds or words gave me the impetus to move forward. The note from an assistant who secretly packed a message into my computer bag, wishing me success at an event I was planning. The ad rep who sent me flowers unexpectedly to cheer me up after a cancer diagnosis. The sales leader who sat with me in the hotel lobby after I heard about the sudden passing of my father. I will forever be grateful for their kindness and compassion. A third example is when one sees the impact of your support. It’s the large financial gifts that fund programs, as well as the encouragement of others in seeking a new job or asking for advice. One literally never knows when that small act of paying attention and genuinely showing interest will bounce back in joy and heartfelt thanks. That is rewarding enough for me.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I am at the point in my career where I have time to support clients but also the greater community. My professional experience lies in consumer products and particularly in medical devices and diagnostics, both in the professional medical area as well as in OTC applications. Whether a firm is experiencing rapid change, introducing a new product, is curious about a market opportunity, or needs support on a specific milestone, Jumpstart can help. I am fortunate in that I apply my marketing skills in serving on several non-profit boards, including the Girl Scouts of San Diego, the Sigma Delta Tau National Foundation, and the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO – San Diego). I am a founding member of Professional Women in Healthcare and enjoy providing advice and mentoring younger women who are entering the marketing and sales fields.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

I believe that it is important to always be learning – volunteering for that extra assignment just to gain experience is a fantastic way to learn a new skill, be exposed to other disciplines, and gain leadership skills. Secondly, be kind. As I reflect on great leaders I have had the privilege to work with over the years, they each provided amazing leadership and excelled in their profession, but what made them superb role models was their kindness to others. Kindness is not a weakness, but kindness, coupled with being humble, shows others that one has empathy and cares for the people they work with in an organization. This breeds loyalty. Lastly, I think it is important to take time to celebrate with one’s team. I remember disagreeing with a senior VP once when I was managing a project. He said not to celebrate before the project is finished. I felt that my recognizing people’s accomplishments along the way was motivating and created a group’s sense of pride. We spend a great deal of our time at work; take time to enjoy successes and celebrate others.

How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?

Heavy question! I would spend time with my family and continue to volunteer in my community. If I could be helpful to a client or assist a friend, I would. I try as much as possible to do this without this time limit, but I imagine the deadline would make the priorities clear for me than they are today. I would ask for forgiveness from others I have harmed in the past, whether knowlingly or unknowingly and forgive others who have done the same to me. I would be sure my loved ones knew I loved them now and forever.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jumpstartsandiego.com
• Instagram: @jumpstartsandiego
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbiefeinberg/

Image Credits

Photo by Robin Harris