IAM798- Career Strategist Helps Professionals Improve Their Overall Image

Elizabeth Koraca is a Career Strategist and Media Contributor in Los Angeles & New York City. She helps business professionals improve their image, messaging, and personal branding. She coaches and trains executives to reach their full potential by using a proven step-by-step program to sharpen presentation, interview, and communication skills. Representative clients include professionals at Google, Square, Facebook, Morgan Stanley, Pfizer, and many prominent New York-based hedge funds.

Previously, Elizabeth was a TV News Anchor for Reuters, where she ran the New York US/China TV business News Desk. She has interviewed hundreds of the world’s top CEOs and investors, such as Blackstone’s Stephen Schwarzman, Jim Rogers, and Wilbur Ross. Elizabeth is also a TV Contributor and a regular on CNN, Fox News, and Cheddar TV. Her advice has been featured in print publications New York Magazine, NASDAQ, Entrepreneur, and more.

• CEO Hack: I get my motivation by remembering my purpose and my why
• CEO Nugget: You don't have to know everything right now, Don't compare yourself with others, and take your time towards your goal
• CEO Defined: Being able to help others, make your own decisions, and be your own boss

Website: http://www.elizabethkoraca.com

Twitter: @elizabethkoraca

Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/ElizabethKoraca/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethkoraca/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethkoraca/

Full Interview:

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Transcription

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Intro 0:02

Do you want to learn effective ways to build relationships, generate sales, and grow your business from successful entrepreneurs, startups, and CEOs without listening to a long, long, long interview? If so, you’ve come to the right place, Gresham Harkless values your time and is ready to share with you precisely the information you’re in search of. This is the I am CEO podcast.

Gresham Harkless 0:29

Hello. Hello. Hello. This is Gresh from the I am CEO podcast and here we have a very special guest on the show today. And we have Elizabeth Koraca of Elizabeth crossly, calm Elizabeth. It's awesome. have you been on the show?

Elizabeth Koraca 0:41

Thank you so much Gresh for having me. I am thrilled to be here today.

Gresham Harkless 0:45

No problem. Super excited to have you on and before we jump in, I want to read a little bit more about Elizabeth so you can hear about all the awesome things that she's doing. Elizabeth Koraca is a Career Strategist and Media Contributor in Los Angeles & New York City. She helps business professionals improve their image, messaging, and personal branding. She coaches and trains executives to reach their full potential by using a proven step-by-step program to sharpen presentation, interview, and communication skills. Representative clients include professionals at Google, Square, Facebook, Morgan Stanley, Pfizer, and many prominent New York-based hedge funds. Previously, Elizabeth was a TV News Anchor for Reuters, where she ran the New York US/China TV business News Desk. She has interviewed hundreds of the world’s top CEOs and investors, such as Blackstone’s Stephen Schwarzman, Jim Rogers, and Wilbur Ross. Elizabeth is also a TV Contributor and a regular on CNN, Fox News, and Cheddar TV. Her advice has been featured in print publications New York Magazine, NASDAQ, Entrepreneur, and more. Elizabeth, are you ready to speak to the I AM CEO community?

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Elizabeth Koraca 1:53

I'm so excited. I'm ready.

Gresham Harkless 1:55

Let's do it. So to kick everything off, I wanted to kind of rewind the clock a little bit here a little bit more on how you got started. Can you take us through your CEO story, I'll let you start all about some things you're working on.

Elizabeth Koraca 2:05

Yes, as you mentioned, I was a television anchor at Reuters TV, and I ran the US-China business TV news desk. So I traveled the globe, over-reporting from different stock exchanges, including New York City. And, you know, I found that even though I was so grateful for that experience, my favorite part of the job was when I would be in front of somebody in the green room getting ready for that interview. And if they were nervous, or, you know, sweating, or whatever it was giving them the tips and tools to speak with confidence was so rewarding. So I knew that's what I needed to do. And that's what I had to do. So, I left, and I was then hired as a consultant for Thomson Reuters, doing business and executive training. Then from there, I started my own practice and got my coaching certification. And now, you know, coach, many amazing individuals and companies.

Gresham Harkless 2:59

Yeah, absolutely love that. And I think if it's not the highest fear, it might be right after that is public speaking, and being able to kind of communicate yourself. And I feel like, I don't know if you definitely feel the same way that a lot of times the way in how you communicate yourself and your personal brand. How that comes across sometimes determines how successful you are, and how great your products and services are. And a lot of times you want to make sure you're sure of that. So you put forth your best self?

Elizabeth Koraca 3:24

Well, yes, for sure. I mean, I had a real fear of public speaking for most of my life before I became a reporter and TV anchor, and then just kind of thrust me into the spotlight. So it was kind of do or die had to do it. But I mean, I know how it feels to have that fear. So I always, you know, speak about practicing when the stakes are high, when you're about to have an important conversation or pitch yourself, practice, you know, write it out, write out, like, what is the main goal of this conversation that I'm having? What are the three key points that I want them to walk away with? Because at the end of the day, they're going to end up remembering 8% of your conversation. So what's most important? And then what is your call to action? What is your ask, have that prepared? I mean, even if it's just in the notes of your phone, you know, or in a text to yourself, whatever it is, have a plan and be prepared. Because when you write it out and practice saying it beforehand, your words are spoken for you when you do feel those butterflies or you do feel those nerves.

Gresham Harkless 4:27

Yeah, I appreciate you for bringing that down. Because I think so many times, we don't always see kind of a behind-the-scenes and the build-up and the practice that it takes to get and have that interview. A lot of times we just see the interview. And that's all we know. And that's all we think. But a lot of times even with the preparation that leads us forward what we see is something that we have to focus on.

Elizabeth Koraca 4:49

Yes, And what you said was the focus. I mean, that word really just kind of resonates with me. It's that laser-sharp has a plan? What is it that I want? What is it that I want to do? And how can I get there? How can I ask? I always say you don't get what you don't ask for. So what is your ask, you know, what is your outcome? What outcome do you want? And then from there, you know, backtrack, the steps that you need to be taking.

Gresham Harkless 5:22

Yeah, absolutely all about understanding where you want to go and and kind of reverse engineering there. And sometimes we forget that when we're on interviews, or in front of the limelight, so to speak. So I know you touched on it a little bit. And I know that's something you do for clients you work with. So could you take us through a little bit more about those services? And how exactly do you help support those clients, and what exactly does that process look like?

Elizabeth Koraca 5:44

Sure, I mean, people usually come to me prospective clients come to me because they're, they're looking for more, they're feeling either frustrated, or they're unhappy in the position that they're in, they either want a new job or perhaps transfer to another department. A lot of people also come to me to try to get their own plan together for asking for a promotion or raise, so I can help them with that. And I mean, at the end of the day, it's all about getting clear on what you want, which is a process that we go through, and then mapping out the steps, the timeline, and figuring out what is it that I have to do to get that promotion to get that raise? I kind of had the courage to have some of these conversations, but you're not just winging it, you're planning it. And there's a strategy behind all of it.

Gresham Harkless 6:33

Yeah, I appreciate you again, for kind of talking about that. Because a lot of times when you get a raise, or you have a success, again, you just see that finish line moment, you don't see the preparation, I knew that, you know, six months from now or a year from now, I wanted to ask for that raise. So in order to increase the likelihood of that happening, I'm going to do these things. So that's why I love that kind of continual support. It sounds like you provide for your clients.

Elizabeth Koraca 6:56

Yes, It's really very collaborative. It's not just me telling somebody what to do. It's, it's really brainstorming and coming up with that master plan. Like for example, I had a client who, you know, was in quarantine and working from home and she was in her contract, a raise was supposed to be on the table, a promotion. And she said, you know, but I am a little bit nervous about asking for it right now. I said, Well, okay, there are a few things you want to look for. Is your manager, your company? Are they happy with you right now? Be? Are you in the green? Do they have the money for it, because of course, with COVID, you know, a lot of companies are in the red.

From there, you want to make sure your boss or manager, if you do go for this is in a good mood, don't approach something when you want something so horribly cranky, or you can just tell her not themselves. So that is not the time to ask. But we came up with a plan. And because of these different factors that were in her favor, it was time to remind her manager, her boss, that she had this conversation. He said I'm so happy you told me because I haven't even looked at your contract in over a year. So let's get this rolling. So at the end of the day, you don't get what you don't ask for. But you want to make sure it's the right timing.

Gresham Harkless 8:09

Yeah, absolutely. That's definitely why sometimes he gets so caught up in the ash, you don't kind of read the room, so to speak, and understand the situation everything's happening. But I love that kind of three melodic, methodical questions you asked because it helps you to kind of be aware of not just what you want, but also the timing the environment, and all those things to make sure again, you can be successful.

Elizabeth Koraca 8:29

Exactly. Like you said, read the room. I mean, know your audience. I mean, that's almost as important as the plan. As we all know, we've probably all experienced when we have asked for something or we just have it in our mind by this date, I'm going to ask for it. And I'm not going to let another day go by. And then whoever you're asking is in a horrible mood, and then it blows up in your face. So act your timing into it. Yeah, for sure.

Gresham Harkless 8:55

Awesome. Awesome. Awesome. So I wanted to ask you now for what I call your secret sauce. And this could be for you personally, or your business, or a combination of both. But what do you feel kind of sets you apart and makes you unique?

Elizabeth Koraca 9:06

Well, you know a few things. I feel like my television anchor background really helps me because I've interviewed hundreds if not thousands of business professionals, executives, CEOs, and millionaire billionaire investors, and from learning from them, learning about their background, and really learning how to communicate and help somebody come up with a strategy because I've had all these resources for all those years. I feel like one thing that sets me apart and another thing that clients tell me is that I'm very relatable. Okay, so first of all, I care I care about people, I'm very empathetic, but at the same time, I don't make them feel bad about themselves. If they've just done a presentation, show me the recording. It's not their best work. I'll let them know that I'm not going to sugarcoat it, but I'll also let them know when the exact thing happened to me or somebody I know, so they don't walk away feeling deflated, and their confidence lower, they actually feel lifted, elevated and kind of motivated and given that energy to really improve and make those create those steps they need to take.

Gresham Harkless 10:14

I wanted to switch gears a little bit, and I want to ask you for what I call a CEO hack. So this could be like an apple book or a habit that you have. But what's something that makes you more effective and efficient?

Elizabeth Koraca 10:26

I think something that makes me more effective and efficient is really remembering my purpose. My why is because we all get those moments where we do not feel motivated that we question ourselves. And we're wondering, what am I even doing this for, you know, at times in your career? I feel like when you remember your why and your purpose, for example, I know what my why purpose is because I want to help people feel like their best self, I never want them to feel self-doubting and have that imposter syndrome that I used to have. So I want to teach them those tips and tools I use to overcome that.

So nobody else has to feel like that. And I feel I get very fulfilled by sharing those tips and seeing the progress of my clients. So that is my why. So when I have to do the admin, or other things of that about my job that I don't love, that is what fuels me and pushes me forward. So in those moments, when you've got bad news, or you've gotten bad feedback, or a client is not happy, or whatever the scenario is, remember why you're doing this. And that will help push you forward.

Gresham Harkless 11:38

I wanted to ask you now for what I call a CEO nugget. And this could be a word of wisdom or a piece of advice, it might be something you would tell a client, or if you happen to be a time machine, you might tell your younger business self.

Elizabeth Koraca 11:49

Okay, my younger self younger business self, oh, way back, I would tell myself, you've got this, okay. You don't have to know everything right now. Because I feel like with young people, you know, kind of getting out of college. Sometimes we compare ourselves with free, even now at any stage in your career, we compare ourselves with people who have been doing it for years, do not do that in get into your head that way. And self-doubt starts to creep in, compare yourself with your you know, yourself the year before, how much progress Have I made? How much progress do I want to make in the next year, two years, or five years, and map that out? But I would say stop comparing yourself to people, especially those who have been doing it for so long and have already achieved mastery, you will get there. Take your time, people know the level you're at. And that's okay, they have accepted that. So don't feel bad that you're not somewhere else. Just keep working towards it.

Gresham Harkless 12:57

Now, I want to ask you my absolute favorite question, which is the definition of what it means to be a CEO. And we're hoping that different quote, unquote, CEOs on this show. So Elizabeth, what does being a CEO mean to you?

Elizabeth Koraca 13:06

Being a CEO? What does that mean? To me? That's a great question. I feel like being a CEO is being able to help others. Right? Of course, you're running a business, and you need to have income to run that business. But at the end of the day, for me, it's really being able to help others, it's being able to be your own boss, being able to make your own decisions, the buck stops with you. I mean, there's a lot of pressure on that as well. But it's being able to help others and surrounding yourself, again, with people who can help you because it can be very lonely at the top. Having interviewed so many, and being one myself, um, it can be very isolating, because sometimes people feel that pressure when they're at the top, and they're a CEO, that they need to know everything. And that's why don't isolate yourself.

Gresham Harkless 13:57

Truly appreciate that Elizabeth, and I appreciate your time even more. What I wanted to do is pass you the mic, so to speak, just to see if there's anything additional, you can let our readers and listeners know and of course, how best they can get a hold of you and find out about all the awesome things you're working on.

Elizabeth Koraca 14:11

Yeah, I mean, I think at the end of the day, remember, it's normal to have challenges. It's normal to feel frustrated, it's sometimes normal to feel isolated, but you need to be decisive. And remember, the more decisive you are and the more you are able to make those decisions, the less you have to worry about it. Now that decision is made for you. And once you make that decision, you can keep moving forward, keep moving forward, keep moving forward. The best way to reach me You can reach me on my website at elizabethkoraca.com or any of my social media handles which is at Elizabeth Koraca.

Gresham Harkless 14:48

Awesome. Awesome. Awesome. Thank you so much. Again, Elizabeth. We will have the links and information in the show notes and I appreciate that last reminder as well too. You know, it's hard to not know which way to go. right if you don't make any decisions also the most important thing to do is to make those decisions and you can always adjust from there. So I appreciate that reminder and appreciate all of your patient doing and I hope you have a great rest of the day.

Outro 15:10

Thank you for listening to the I AM CEO podcast powered by Blue 16 Media. Tune in next time and visit us at IAMCEO.CO. I am CEO is not just a phrase, it’s a community. Be sure to follow us on social media and subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and everywhere you listen to podcasts. Subscribe and leave us a five-star rating. Grab CEO gear a www.CEOgear.co This has been the I AM CEO podcast with Gresham Harkless. Thank you for listening.

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