Pam Slim is the author of the new book Body of Work, and is one of the most inspiring people I know. I met Pam in 2006 when she tried to leave a comment to win a copy of my book–on an old TypePad blog I had–but couldn’t because my e-mail address was wrong. YIKES! After being friends online for a long time, I finally met Pam live at World Domination Summit–one of the highlights of my time at WDS2013. In today’s episode, we got to talk to her about being a coach, what she’s afraid of, and so much more in this interview. So much learning from Pam Slim, for us. And now, for you.
~ Phil
Share Some Shut Up Love –> Creating a body of work that we’re really proud of is our life’s work. @PamSlim on #shutupshow (click to tweet)
Fun Facts:
- Pam has been coaching early stage entrepreneurs for the last 8 years.
- Prior to starting her own endeavor, Pam offered consulting inside corporations such as Cisco Systems, Hewlett-Packard and Charles Schwab coaching thousands of executives, managers and employees.
- Pam has been an entrepreneur for 17 years and started working at the age of 12.
- Pam’s first job was washing dishes for an ice cream shop.
- Pam’s favorite ice cream is mocha chip on a sugar cone rolled in almonds.
- Pam’s blog, Escape from Cubicle Nation, is one of the top career and marketing blogs on the web.
- Pam’s book, Pam’s book Escape from Cubicle Nation: From Corporate Prisoner to Thriving Entrepreneur won Best Small Business/Entrepreneur Book of 2009.
Defining Shut Up Moment:
I’ve worked since I was 12. I have always enjoyed what I have done work-wise in different work modes. When I start to get bored is when I start to make a shift and do something else.
I was not in a healthy relationship at all in my 20’s. It was very scary and very confining. I have this one favorite place in the world, Phoenix Lake. When I finally decided I wanted to leave the relationship, I got this vision of going to this lake. I went to the lake after a therapist visit and I had this spiritual epiphany. I could feel this energy and pace and music in my head as I walked around the lake. I saw this one spot–that I envisioned in my head–and as soon as I saw that spot in person, I just burst into tears. I felt this indescribable experience. It pushed me forward. It was clearly the moment I made the break. Walking through that experience gave me incredible courage of being in control of my destiny and wanting to do more with my life. It was after that, I quit my job to start my business.
Shut Up Tips:
What spurred the new book idea is the light and dark side of the force. It’s a VERY simplistic view that entrepreneurship is the “light” and corporate world is “dark.” And it’s not right. – Pam
Creating a body of work that we’re really proud of is our life’s work. It’s not the things we create, but also the environment we create. What kind of environment do you want? – Pam
We forget the most important and juicy part: what are you actually creating? Who really cares what work mode you have? Choose a mode that supports you, that reduces your stress, and gives you the most opportunities to create what you want to create. – Pam
You can’t create meaning or innovate in your life without having fear. – Pam
Navigating uncertainty, creating opportunity is a very critical thing. – Pam
What’s cool about a bootstrapping approach is you need to make sure there is value and viability in your business model. That’s a good thing. – Pam
I don’t do any new endeavor without thinking, “who do I know who’s way smarter than I am in this field” to help me make decisions? – Pam
We are all equal. Nobody is higher or lower than another. Many problems come when we begin to segment. It’s not helpful. – Pam
What is your own definition of success and you’re own way of being you? – Pam
The edges are sexy, but they are scary as hell. You can be successful in the middle. The biggest lesson we all can take, life in the middle. How can you take your story and weave that through everything you do? – Phil
You want to design your own journey, your own craft and body of work based on what actually gives you meaning and pleasure. Contribute what you want to contribute. – Pam
My own definition of success is enjoying my life while I’m living it. To enjoy it means I have to be learning and pushing myself to be growing. – Pam
How are you designing something that’s really made for you that will allow you to build the kinds of things you want to build as a legacy? – Pam
Pam Recommends:
Body of Work comes out on December 31st, 2013! For the book promo, freebies and your chance to win a day of consulting and coaching with Pam, go to PamelaSlim.com/bodyofwork.
Find Pam:
Pam blogs at EscapeFromCubicleNation.com where you can get more of her awesomesauce!