Thursday, July 5, 2007
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Interview with WIIFM Success Radio
Welcome to our radio show called "Extraordinary People" where we interview ordinary people who tell their extraordinary stories. Bringing you the best of the best in successful professionals who tell their personal stories of challenges they have overcome, to achieve success.
Helen Orloff, Founder & CEO of Right Way Advisors, Inc.
It's 30 minutes past the hour. "Success is when preparedness meets opportunity" - Steven Spielberg
Helen Orloff is in the studio with us this afternoon. I met Helen a few months back through a mutual associate, named Rod Colon. As one of my coaching clients, I have great respect for Helen as her zest for life mixed with a rock solid determination to succeeed and her excellent social networking skills insures her star will be continuously on the rise. Thanx for joining us in the studio today, Helen.
What is the name of your company and what products or services does it provide?
Right Way Advisors, Inc. designs and provides innovative consulting services, seminars and workshops in the areas of diversity, disability policies and procedures, employee relations, and fund development.
For information on how Right Way Advisors, Inc. can help you make the right choices email horloff@rightwayadvisors.com
What role do you play in your organization?
I am the Founder & President of Right Way Advisors, Inc.
As a successful person, how did you get started?
Before starting my own company, I worked for organizations that I felt I would not have to compromise my focus and passion— companies where education, development and diversity were key to their mission. As far as what led me on the path of starting my own business, I am an out of the box thinker with a must do attitude and results oriented-it's integral to who I am.
How did you learn what it takes to succeed?
I can not speak to how I learned to become successful as it is a continuing growth process. I don’t want anyone to think success is like a recipe. In my experience it’s not “get some of this, add a smidgen of that, and a pinch of luck, shake vigorously and presto you have the formula for success. However, there are some key elements—a desire to learn, hard work and unfaltering tenacity are great qualities that one can build upon. Being open and not resistant is as must. I do know that arrogance of any kind is a deal breaker to prohibiting any success.
What personal/family activities do you enjoy?
Overall I enjoy being a person who is open to new experiences so I would have to say activities in every realm from coffee at the corner diner to yet to be defined. I do enjoy cooking-for me it's one outlet for my creative side. I enjoy power walking-it clears my mind, writing, long drives to no where and clay work-of course all while listening to music-got to have tunes!
What experiences in your life have helped you expand who you are as a person?
I was a “back into it” kind of person. I didn’t necessarily know what I wanted but I did and do know what I don't want in my life. I experienced many things I didn't like which made me stretch for change. I learned early on that taking a more proactive approach would be helpful. I did and still do self assessments. The daunting question I ask myself is what do you want to do about it? The actions needed for resolution or solution helps and continues to help me expand who I am as a person. I don’t shy away from challenges.
What are your concerns about the world today?
The state of our race-Human! When did so many forget that we are all part of this world? Diversity and inclusion is so important in every aspect of life. In addition to diversity and inclusion, I am also concerned about domestic violence, child abuse, teen issues, the education of our youth.
If you had all the time and all the money you needed, what types of things would you do? - Consider money as no object.
What a wonderful notion...I would enjoy being able to fund a global marketing campaign and initiative for diversity. A pull out all the stops deal—where it will not be accepted as something you tolerate, do or simply go through motions in doing but embrace because our race (human) our economies, and our well being are really at stake without it.
I'd also like the idea of building a community of schools for individuals with disabilies along with a network of support service organizations for their families comes to mind. Too often individuals with disabilities and their families lack concrete tangible resources and the support they need-After building the schools and service organizations, if there was money left, it would be designated to research-there is still much to be done. "They" say that money talks and research does takes money-well then my credo in this regard would be lets get talking... yack it up! I would also like to have a similiar model for at–risk teens. Taking a holistic approach for creating change, education, technical skills and services needed to keep on track would be the focus. Each entity would embody an “I get it” mission recognizing that everyone does not flourish within “standardized methods.” and that is just fine. In my experience, in these situations, it’s not the individuals failing within the system, it’s the system that has failed them!
Are there any tips or advice you would like to offer people?
Be honest with yourself.
Remember that compassion is learned.
No need to be grandiose, your accomplishments and who you are will speak for themselves.
“I don’t know” is an acceptable answer- it allows for learning and teachable moments.
Simple does not mean simple minded.
Give back -always!
Are people more interesting than product stories?
Always!
What are your goals and aspirations for the future?
An interesting question that conjurs within me a belief more than a list. To be open to new opportunities and keep passion and laughter in all that I do.
What obstacles do you have to overcome to achieve your goals?
Pateince! Patience! Patience! Each aspiration and goal I set for myself I make sure they “raise the bar”—challenging myself, both in business and personally. Often I am impatient and want it quicker than allowed by the process of obtaining my goals. I have to remind myself from time to time that goals without respect for the process, is like eating a decadent cupcake with a cold. You know it is good—but you can’t taste it.
Which people have been role models to you?
As a youngster, it would have to be my family—in a very different way they laid a foundation for who I became. As a teenager, two teachers come immediately to mind. They afforded me the opportunity in their classes to learn in an unconventional way with a unique approach.. I was allowed to ask questions and in it learned the system is not always right. They were always there to support me when I was correct and provide guidance when I wasn’t! Thank you Ms. Hobson and Mr. Reddick, I will be forever grateful. As an adult, that gets a bit sticky. I don’t like the term role model. For me it removes individuality. I prefer the term mentors. Within mentoring be it mentor or mentee, you determine what you like and by choice determine what works for you. The added bonus is you get to bring your own style to that behavior or characteristic-be it professionally or personally.
What are your favorite books, computer programs, or forms of entertainment?
I love to read but the two books that had an impact on my life would have to be Down These Mean Streets and Dibs In Search of Self. Two great reads! Entertainment for me is socializing with friends, traveling, the theater, movies, going to the ballet, the opera, writing, pool playing (although I stink at it) and enjoying various activities both in and out of the city.
What is it that you are most passionate about or gives you the greatest enjoyment in life?
When I facilitate a conference, I get jazzed watching that “aha” moment people have when they “get it". That moment that leads to a shift in their perspective—you know and more importantly they know they have gained information and can not go back to their old way of seeing or doing things. For me that's a good feeling because of the empowerment they feel—it’s wonderful to be a part of that process.
Helen Orloff, Founder & CEO of Right Way Advisors, Inc.
It's 30 minutes past the hour. "Success is when preparedness meets opportunity" - Steven Spielberg
Helen Orloff is in the studio with us this afternoon. I met Helen a few months back through a mutual associate, named Rod Colon. As one of my coaching clients, I have great respect for Helen as her zest for life mixed with a rock solid determination to succeeed and her excellent social networking skills insures her star will be continuously on the rise. Thanx for joining us in the studio today, Helen.
What is the name of your company and what products or services does it provide?
Right Way Advisors, Inc. designs and provides innovative consulting services, seminars and workshops in the areas of diversity, disability policies and procedures, employee relations, and fund development.
For information on how Right Way Advisors, Inc. can help you make the right choices email horloff@rightwayadvisors.com
What role do you play in your organization?
I am the Founder & President of Right Way Advisors, Inc.
As a successful person, how did you get started?
Before starting my own company, I worked for organizations that I felt I would not have to compromise my focus and passion— companies where education, development and diversity were key to their mission. As far as what led me on the path of starting my own business, I am an out of the box thinker with a must do attitude and results oriented-it's integral to who I am.
How did you learn what it takes to succeed?
I can not speak to how I learned to become successful as it is a continuing growth process. I don’t want anyone to think success is like a recipe. In my experience it’s not “get some of this, add a smidgen of that, and a pinch of luck, shake vigorously and presto you have the formula for success. However, there are some key elements—a desire to learn, hard work and unfaltering tenacity are great qualities that one can build upon. Being open and not resistant is as must. I do know that arrogance of any kind is a deal breaker to prohibiting any success.
What personal/family activities do you enjoy?
Overall I enjoy being a person who is open to new experiences so I would have to say activities in every realm from coffee at the corner diner to yet to be defined. I do enjoy cooking-for me it's one outlet for my creative side. I enjoy power walking-it clears my mind, writing, long drives to no where and clay work-of course all while listening to music-got to have tunes!
What experiences in your life have helped you expand who you are as a person?
I was a “back into it” kind of person. I didn’t necessarily know what I wanted but I did and do know what I don't want in my life. I experienced many things I didn't like which made me stretch for change. I learned early on that taking a more proactive approach would be helpful. I did and still do self assessments. The daunting question I ask myself is what do you want to do about it? The actions needed for resolution or solution helps and continues to help me expand who I am as a person. I don’t shy away from challenges.
What are your concerns about the world today?
The state of our race-Human! When did so many forget that we are all part of this world? Diversity and inclusion is so important in every aspect of life. In addition to diversity and inclusion, I am also concerned about domestic violence, child abuse, teen issues, the education of our youth.
If you had all the time and all the money you needed, what types of things would you do? - Consider money as no object.
What a wonderful notion...I would enjoy being able to fund a global marketing campaign and initiative for diversity. A pull out all the stops deal—where it will not be accepted as something you tolerate, do or simply go through motions in doing but embrace because our race (human) our economies, and our well being are really at stake without it.
I'd also like the idea of building a community of schools for individuals with disabilies along with a network of support service organizations for their families comes to mind. Too often individuals with disabilities and their families lack concrete tangible resources and the support they need-After building the schools and service organizations, if there was money left, it would be designated to research-there is still much to be done. "They" say that money talks and research does takes money-well then my credo in this regard would be lets get talking... yack it up! I would also like to have a similiar model for at–risk teens. Taking a holistic approach for creating change, education, technical skills and services needed to keep on track would be the focus. Each entity would embody an “I get it” mission recognizing that everyone does not flourish within “standardized methods.” and that is just fine. In my experience, in these situations, it’s not the individuals failing within the system, it’s the system that has failed them!
Are there any tips or advice you would like to offer people?
Be honest with yourself.
Remember that compassion is learned.
No need to be grandiose, your accomplishments and who you are will speak for themselves.
“I don’t know” is an acceptable answer- it allows for learning and teachable moments.
Simple does not mean simple minded.
Give back -always!
Are people more interesting than product stories?
Always!
What are your goals and aspirations for the future?
An interesting question that conjurs within me a belief more than a list. To be open to new opportunities and keep passion and laughter in all that I do.
What obstacles do you have to overcome to achieve your goals?
Pateince! Patience! Patience! Each aspiration and goal I set for myself I make sure they “raise the bar”—challenging myself, both in business and personally. Often I am impatient and want it quicker than allowed by the process of obtaining my goals. I have to remind myself from time to time that goals without respect for the process, is like eating a decadent cupcake with a cold. You know it is good—but you can’t taste it.
Which people have been role models to you?
As a youngster, it would have to be my family—in a very different way they laid a foundation for who I became. As a teenager, two teachers come immediately to mind. They afforded me the opportunity in their classes to learn in an unconventional way with a unique approach.. I was allowed to ask questions and in it learned the system is not always right. They were always there to support me when I was correct and provide guidance when I wasn’t! Thank you Ms. Hobson and Mr. Reddick, I will be forever grateful. As an adult, that gets a bit sticky. I don’t like the term role model. For me it removes individuality. I prefer the term mentors. Within mentoring be it mentor or mentee, you determine what you like and by choice determine what works for you. The added bonus is you get to bring your own style to that behavior or characteristic-be it professionally or personally.
What are your favorite books, computer programs, or forms of entertainment?
I love to read but the two books that had an impact on my life would have to be Down These Mean Streets and Dibs In Search of Self. Two great reads! Entertainment for me is socializing with friends, traveling, the theater, movies, going to the ballet, the opera, writing, pool playing (although I stink at it) and enjoying various activities both in and out of the city.
What is it that you are most passionate about or gives you the greatest enjoyment in life?
When I facilitate a conference, I get jazzed watching that “aha” moment people have when they “get it". That moment that leads to a shift in their perspective—you know and more importantly they know they have gained information and can not go back to their old way of seeing or doing things. For me that's a good feeling because of the empowerment they feel—it’s wonderful to be a part of that process.
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