We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jacqueline Powell. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jacqueline below.
Jacqueline, we’ve been so fortunate to work with so many incredible folks and one common thread we have seen is that those who have built amazing lives for themselves are also often the folks who are most generous. Where do you think your generosity comes from?
I have been through two divorces and had people show me their absolute worst when I thought I could trust them with my life. I never want people to experience those emotions. My family is all back in Canada, so when times became incredibly tough and the days were dark, I would just crave a hug from my parents to put pieces of me back together, and that was not available as we were in two different countries. I had to adapt and find my own way to overcome those emotions; I did that by learning to love the person in the mirror.
This is not an easy place to get to when you find yourself at such a low point where you have to rebuild your entire life, however it is in those moments I found strength from the kindness from strangers which helped me smile a little every day. My oath to myself, all those years ago, was to always pay the kindness forward to the best of my ability every day.
I do my best to give strangers compliments, just to see them smile, as you never know what they are going through or battling in their head. If I can make someone smile or laugh and bring a little sunshine to their day, even if just for a moment, that to me is a great day. You do that seven days a week, the ripple effect of your generous act, is exponential year after year.
I believe we should all laugh everyday and smile at each other a little more, it’s contagious and that in and of itself is a great thing!
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My “9-5” job is in the wine industry, and while I do enjoy a glass or two of wine, my favorite part of my job is interacting with customers and consumers. That can be anything from tasting events, trade shows, sales presentations, or wine education seminars. Hearing their stories and experiences, whether wine related or not, is something I never tire of hearing about. It was upon realizing this that I started thinking about what else I can do, to interact with people, on a broader platform.
I decided to get into public speaking and start my own business, Powell 2 Empower. While I still enjoy speaking engagements on wine (and making them fun and engaging, not boring!), I have so much more I want to share with people. I joined a group called Toastmasters that is helping me level up my speaking skills to a global level.
For me, the most exciting part about this new adventure is being able inspire and empower people to help them achieve their highest potential. My speaking engagements share my stories of my struggles, trials, and tribulations in my own life, and how I overcame them, through grit, determination, and smiling almost every step of the way! I may have also celebrated my 40th birthday, single, with a gift to myself to drive a tank and crush cars! Sometimes you have to do something that lights a fire within you, for YOU! Remember, you are never alone, the amazing person in the mirror is always with you!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Compassion and empathy are two very important qualities I believe someone should have. This doesn’t mean you have to always agree with someone, however it does mean you will listen and try to understand where they are coming from. This is valuable in all areas of your life.
Another thing that I feel is very important which took until I was in my early 40’s to really learn this, and that is to say ‘no’. This can be incredibly difficult, especially when you have to say no to friends or family. At the end of the day, you have to protect your peace of mind and happiness, and those who are close to you will understand.
Finally, an area of knowledge that I feel was very impactful on my journey is pushing your comfort zone. None of us like change, however when we are faced with it, and we all will be, we need to have faith in ourselves and push through. Doing this will help you grow and become stronger! It took me years and a few devastating setbacks to learn to accept change, once you do, it can be a very empowering place to grow from.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
As a motivational speaker, my ideal clients would be organizations, businesses, or individuals seeking inspiration, personal growth, and positive change. This includes corporate clients, educational institutes, non-profits and community groups, conferences and seminars, entrepreneurs and small business owners, and personal development enthusiasts. I am always excited to work with someone who values personal development and understands the power of motivation to drive change and success.
I am open to speaking engagements both in person and virtaully.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.powell2empower.com/
- Instagram: powell2empower
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-d-powell/
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