Today we’d like to introduce you to Paul Hellman.
Paul, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
There’s an idea–and I believe it–about building your career around your strengths. But that’s not so easy: your true strengths are often invisible to you; you dismiss them by thinking, “nothing special, anyone can do that.”
In high school, I was the absolute worst person on our tennis team. So tennis was not going be my career. But in senior year, I had the chance to teach a class. It went well, probably the best hour I ever spent in school. I also used to get good feedback on my writing.
Unfortunately, It took a while to start paying attention to these career clues.
And then a while longer to develop the skills. Performance experts like Dr. Anders Ericsson say it takes about 10,000 hours to master a skill. That’s certainly been my experience. It took almost 20 years to develop a viable consulting/speaking/writing career.
Has it been a smooth road?
No one’s career is a smooth road; that’s a good thing: obstacles spark growth. I wanted to get published in major newspapers like The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post—and I did, but I also got rejected again and again (and still do) along the way.
Same thing with getting three books published: it’s a challenge to find a literary agent to represent you, especially for a first book when you’re a complete unknown.
Same thing for getting on radio and TV. And the same thing for getting—and keeping—clients. Work is hard, but the hardness is what develops you as a professional and as a person.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Express Potential – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
“You’ve Got 8 Seconds: Communication Secrets for a Distracted World,” is my latest book, and it’s at the heart of what I do. The book has been translated into five languages and named one of the best biz books of the year by an obscure, but obviously brilliant, Canadian newspaper.
I help business people cut through the clutter and increase their impact every time they speak—whether it’s to 1.000 people, or just one.
My corporate workshops and keynote speeches include: “Your Point?” “When Leaders Speak;” “Presence;” “Stories that Work;” “Dynamic Speaking.” The purpose is to help people get heard, get remembered & get results.
I’m also known for my fast tips—CNBC.com has published over 100—on high-impact communication. These tips are no-cost, and anyone can sign up at https://expresspotential.com/fast-tips/.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love Boston and have lived here most of my adult life. My wife and I raised our two children here. I love that Boston is small, you can walk into it, and you can walk out of it.
But mostly I love that when my plane lands at Logan, I always feel I’m home.
I dislike the snow.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://expresspotential.com/
- Phone: 508-879-0934
- Email: paul@expresspotential.com
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