Interview with Jennifer Rudolph Walsh: Literary Boss & Together Creator
"My mission on earth is to share stories so people feel less alone."
I love speaking with people who are passionate. They give off such an infectious vibe that feeds your spirit and leaves you smiling. That is exactly what happened when I spoke with the one and only Jennifer Rudolph Walsh.
Known for slaying the literary world as Head of the World Wide Literary Department at William Morris Endeavor (WME) and working with clients such as Oprah Winfrey and Arianna Huffington. She is taking on a whole new adventure as creator of Together. An organization dedicated to connecting people through story and fulfilling your purpose.
"There is this magical power storytelling has to transform people's lives."
When speaking of the success of Together's first 6 city US tour, which had speakers from Hollywood royalty like Alicia Keys, Ciara, and Sophia Bush to Olympic gold medalist, Abby Wambach, and award-winning filmmaker and founder of Groundswell Movement, Valarie Kaur. I couldn't help but feel I was in a prime position to learn from a powerful woman that has managed to build a career she loves while creating an organization she's passionate about.
During our interview I asked, "What advice would you give yourself knowing what you know now?" Here's what she said:
Follow the breadcrumbs that lead you to your purpose. These breadcrumbs are the things that make time fly, that people come to you for and that fill you with energy instead of depleting you. I found my purpose in storytelling and helping thought leaders share their stories far and wide. Once I started to pay attention to my breadcrumbs, I realized people felt enlightened, healed, and lifted up by my work and passion for using storytelling as a way to connect people. From there, my path as a literary agent, mother, friend, and human being became clear and much easier to follow.
Surround your with people who make you feel positive and inspired. Don't waste time with people who make you feel small and unimportant.
Make time for self care and that includes self kindness. Talk to your self the way you would talk to your dear friend, with love and compassion. I call myself sweetheart sometimes, as in "It's okay, sweetheart. Everyone makes mistakes. Now you know better so you'll do better.
Instead of trying harder, try easier. Don't force things. Follow the unfolding and realize you do not always have to make things happen. This applies to your personal life, career, and everything in between. Sometimes, when we're working to force something to happen, we interfere with the process of letting it happen. If you allow things to unfold, the universe will often work things out in your favor.
It's okay to not know the answer. Ask questions. Sleep on things. Save as a draft. Only act when you feel ready, not because you feel compelled to move forward at any cost.
In the mist of building a career and a brand that I'm passionate about these words hold truth. I'm a true believer in the power of storytelling and the things you learn from each and every one of them.
These words of wisdom may not have been told in a story fashion but that is exactly where they came from. Her personal story of how she got to where she is and where she plans to go.
Together is working on their second US tour with plans to start in Spring 2017. For more information about this powerful organization of thought leaders and visionaries visit Together online or to become apart of the Together movement download their app Together Live.
Psst...I did!