We recently connected with Devra Jacobs and have shared our conversation below.
Devra, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
I really didn’t have much confidence as a young child. I was the only girl and youngest child in a very Jewish home. I was told all I needed to do was just look pretty and learn to cook so I could eventually marry a doctor or lawyer. This was hard for me because I was not a very pretty child. Wild curly hair and always a bit overweight I realized that there had to be a better path for me than marriage.
And then when—I was in my early teens—I was the victim of sexual abuse. Unlike other victims I have spoken to over the years, I was not a victim. I was a survivor. I never allowed myself to be trapped in fear, pain, or anger. Instead, the experience made me stronger and resilient to anything else life would throw at me. I decided right then that I was worth more than anyone else’s opinions of what they wanted or expected from me. I was strong, smart and could learn to do anything I wanted to do with my life.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I have always loved reading all kinds of books so becoming a literary agent was an easy decision. When my mother was diagnosed with cancer, I had to find a job where I had flexible hours so I could take care of her. Since I had owned a national magazine for 10 years, I had made great connections with some of the world’s most amazing authors who wrote for my magazine. Because I have always had known I could learn to do anything I put my mind to, I decided to become a literary agent and represent authors.
I love being the driving force to bring authors and publishers together and to bring amazing books to the public. It’s so exciting when I get the opportunity to negotiate contracts and get my authors the best deals with the most wonderful publishers. What’s even better to me are the amazing relationships I have been honored to develop with both authors and publishers. To date I have successfully completed 70 book deals.
I say I have always known I could learn anything because I have reinvented myself many times throughout my life. I have worked as a dental assistant, barber, journalist, real estate agent, mental health counselor, graphic artist, magazine editor/owner, website designer and social media marketing specialist and now an agent. Many of these life changes were either due to interest, health limitations, or the economy. With each change I either went back to school or self-taught the skills I needed to be successful in that field.
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?
The first is self-belief. Many people have negative self-talk which leads to low self-esteem. I learned to listen to this inner voice, identify where or who it came from, and if it was negative to shift the voice to an empowering motivating voice from within. When you have faith in yourself nothing can hold you back from happiness and success.
I believe in a cup half full approach to life. Everything I look at has the ability to be full of possibilities—even the most challenging events in my life. I look at where benefits or opportunities can be created from the experience. Even when I had a major heart attack I did not fall into the negative. If the cup is half full, then there are always more ways to fill it with love, light, and happiness.
The third quality is learning how to speak your truth from a place of love. If you don’t stand in your truth, you can never truly be content in life. It’s important to ask for what you need from both you and others, and question the world’s attitudes, which can—at times—be very loud and overwhelming. Stand in your truth and speak it from your heart. You never have to be harsh or cruel with your words, but you must be strong. There is a difference.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
My parents taught me a very strong work ethic. When I say I will do something I always do it to my best possible ability and in a timely manner. They also taught me to the ethical in everything I do in life. Your word is your commitment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dancingwordgroup.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dancingwordgroup
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devra-jacobs-ab053a9/
