Today we’d like to introduce you to Carol Ann Small.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
When you grow up chubby with the last name “Small”, you learn to develop a sense of humor. Ha! Ha! I always wanted to be an entrepreneur but it wasn’t the straight line to success. When I was 16, dad came home from work and said, “Those court stenographers work part time and make a ton of money!” I said “Job for me!” Didn’t realize sitting in the corner being quiet wasn’t for this loquacious blonde. I should have known court reporting wasn’t for me because when you’re in the third year of a two-year program, it might not be a match. When I left court reporting, I had many Plan B jobs and then got a job for the state in the Office of Real Property. I still don’t know what that means even today. To lighten things up, I would sometimes answer the phone, “Fake property.” They weren’t amused.
I needed to find a job that was a better match for my personality and entrepreneurial spirit. I always wanted to heal people through humor. A friend at the state encouraged me to call Emerson College about taking a comedy class with Denis Leary. I didn’t get into the class, but instead, I got a full-time job at Emerson planning events and stayed eight years while pursuing my degree in Speech Communication and Performing Arts. This led me to join the National Speakers Association and becoming a funny motivational speaker.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
When I went back to college at 26, someone said but by the time you graduate you’ll be 34. To which I replied, “I’m going to be 34 anyway.” I’ve had many years of obstacles but having a sense of humor got me through it.
Like most people now, I overextended myself and paid the price. I got burned out from working full time, doing gigs on the weekend, going to college year round for eight years, and also dealing with my own and some serious family health issues.
It’s been a long haul for Small.
I overcame my health challenges and I’m so happy I found a better life balance. After recovering from adrenal fatigue and major burnout, I learned everything I could about stress management techniques, life balance, and wellness. Now I help people who are stressed out be more productive and find a better work/life balance. I know what it’s like because I’ve been there.
I joke, “I use to be a Type A…..now I’m a B+”
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Carol Ann Small – Laughter with a Lesson story. Tell us more about the business.
I teach people how to take their work seriously while taking themselves lightly. As founder of Laughter with a Lesson, I help organizations reduce stress, boost morale and create a happy and healthy workforce.
I’m a national stress and work/life balance expert. And now I can even say I’m an international stress expert…. I work in Canada!
Lately, my most in demand programs have been “From Wired and Tired to Inspired,” “Don’t Strain – Retrain your Brain” and “If I Only Go Around Once In Life, Why Am I So Dizzy?”
I’ve been fortunate to have a diverse clientele for the last 20 years. Whether it’s a Fortune 500 Company, health care professionals or organizations large and “small”.
I created my programs with the goal of alleviating stress, finding work/life balance, enhancing teamwork and exploring the fascinating science of the human brain. In other words, I speak to a bunch of overcommitted and thoroughly overwhelmed professionals striving to reduce stress and maintain a satisfying work/life balance.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Two of my favorite sayings, “Get out of the problem into the solution.” and “It’s about the next time.”
Who also deserves credit? Who else deserves credit – have you had mentors, supporters, cheerleaders, advocates, clients or teammates that have played a big role in your success or the success of the business? If so – who are they and what role did they plan / how did they help.
My speech communication professor at Emerson College in Boston, Dr. Ken Crannell, pushed me to pursue my calling to use my sense of humor to inspire others and be a national speaker. I’ll always be grateful since he helped me tone down my Bahston accent, but it’s right there when I’m ty – ed. My first mentor Joe Naro was one of the funniest and most supportive people I’ve ever met. He made you laugh until you cried. I made Joe the honorary VP of Laughter with a Lesson. Joe was also an entrepreneur. Five years into the mentorship I said, “Do you realize we’re the team of Small and Naro?” Joe replied, “Well since I have a belly like Santa, Naro isn’t too narrow!” We laughed for five minutes. His favorite line was “Don’t quit before the miracle happens, success is right around the corner.” And I’m proud to report I am now the “20-year overnight success!” Joe even introduced me to my husband Brian, he’s the one who has to live with the sometimes, “stressed-out stress expert”. We teach what we need to learn.
Contact Info:
- Address: Greater Boston
- Website: www.CarolAnnSmall.com, www.LaughterwithaLesson.com
- Phone: 781-662-2078
- Email: carolann@smallspeak.com
Image Credit:
Karen Moriarty, David Fox
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