Lisa J. Weiss
Lisa J. Weiss is a Transformation Maven, International Speaker and Best Selling Co-Author, and author of the recently published book Breath Sensations Words.
She says that, “I create experiential learning environments inviting individuals to SHIFT their mindset, TRANSFORM their relationships and EVOLVE their world. I create alignment between your heart and head and work with individuals who feel lost, alone, misunderstood, who are stressed out, exhausted and find themselves sabotaging their relationships. As a speaker I believe in engaging the audience in conversations to create experiences which invite participants into their bodies. I love travelling, outdoor activities and engaging in life changing conversations.”
What were your initial years of growing up like? Tell us about your life before starting your corporate journey/venture/initiative.
I came to Montreal, Canada when I was four years old from Trinidad so from the beginning I learned how to live and adapt within two cultures. I am the middle child and have two brothers. I grew up in what you may call a middle class environment. My parents were very involved in the West Indian Community and provided lots of opportunities for my siblings and I to be exposed to various cultural activities. I was involved in sports and dance for most of my life in some way shape or form. Physical exercise and time to reflect have always been an important part of my life. I was what you called a late bloomer. While most of my friends were off getting married I travelled, exploring Canada, Europe and Turkey. I obtained a Bachelor of Arts and then completed a Certificate in Public Relations. I was fortunate with work opportunities and started my career in health care in Public Relations, went on to work as a consultant in the high tech video and film industry and then as a communications officer at a high tech company in Ottawa where I also became a facilitator. I have been very fortunate to work and be mentored by women and men who modelled respect, integrity and generosity of spirit. The 2001 high tech meltdown provided the opportunity for me to consider consulting and becoming an entrepreneur. I incorporated in 2005. In 2012 I added public speaker to my portfolio speaking at various networking Group events, Universities and more recently being on stage at CreativeMornings Ottawa a global breakfast lecture series and speaking internationally at the Go All In FEST 2022, a motivational TED Talk like event.
Was there any turning point in your life that changed your journey? If so, what was it? Please tell us the backstory behind it.
The biggest turning point that changed my journey would be the tech meltdown of 2001. It changed the trajectory of my work life because I was given an opportunity to think beyond having a job and to create something that had immediate impact.
Every industry that is now a large-scale, top-notch business once started as a small idea in the minds of entrepreneurs. What was that idea or motivation that made you start your business /initiative? What motivated you within to say “YES, go for it!”
The motivation as an offer, a gesture of kindness from an acquaintance who believed I could work on a contract. Once I had a taste of working for myself there was no going back. I knew then I could be in complete control of my life.
Everyone has their own set of challenges when starting an entrepreneurial journey. Still, the most essential part for others to learn is how you deal with those. Would you like to share with us your challenges and your coping mechanisms?
Being an entrepreneur is not always easy and not always fun. There are many, many ups and downs especially financially. I often say I have gotten used to lumpy money. The other most challenging thing is self sabotage. It can be sneaky. Being an entrepreneur often means doing things differently than others. I sometimes find myself falling into the trap of thinking someone else is “doing it better” than me. This leads to thoughts of not good enough. The biggest help in this is having a community that supports you. I have an incredible community of friends, colleagues and family that are willing to keep me ‘in check‘ by voicing what they are seeing. Also because of the work I do, practicing what I preach is sooo important. That means checking in every now and then and telling myself the truth, even if I don’t want to admit it and talking about it with people I trust. It also means being willing to ask for help. I think most entrepreneurs believe we have to do everything ourselves. I have learned that asking for help is ok.
While the global pandemic of COVID-19 is associated primarily with adversities, it has also brought about a true boom in startups, with successful entrepreneurship in many countries. The pandemic has impacted all of us in one way or another. Would you like to share your experience on a personal and professional level?
On a personal level the pandemic didn’t really affect me. I lived in a neighbourhood that watched out for each other and I had a good group of friends that stayed connected. Business wise it was an opportunity for me to let go of things that no longer served me.
Your ourney and your vision are very inspiring, but are there any achievements or accomplishments you would like to mention?
Some of my accomplishments I’m proud of are: – Being in business for 22 years – Writing and publishing Breath Sensations Words in 2023 – Co-Author of the International Best Selling Emerge Be the Unmistakable Authority in Your Field with Brian Tracy – Now a contributing writer for Expert Profile Magazine in the UK, Community Contact local newspaper in Montreal and Living Well Living Green Magazine in Ottawa – Becoming an International Speaker
Would you like to share with our young budding women entrepreneurs the change you would like to see in the world if given an opportunity?
I would love to see individuals relaxing into and embracing their uniqueness and developing trust in themselves. My belief is when we stop looking outside ourselves and nurture the leader of the lives within each of us, our LeaderSELF, we will carve out a world which invites curiosity enabling us to SHIFT our perspectives, TRANSFORM our relationships and EVOLVE our world.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned in your personal life and professional journey? What is your personal motto in life?
There are several important lessons I have learned over the years. They include: – It’s never about what it’s about – My instincts are never wrong, My personal motto is – It’s a never ending journey!
Women are a growing force in the workplaces worldwide, standing shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts. There are cracks in glass ceilings everywhere, with many women breaking through to carve out a space right at the top of the pyramid. What are your thoughts about women’s leadership today?
I believe we still have a long way to go for everyone to be able to realize their full potential. Because words are so important to me using the word leadership elicits the beliefs of an old paradigm. I would prefer to use the term LeaderSELF. It carries a different vibration in terms of looking at what’s possible.
With your grit and determination, you are making a considerable impact, breaking through, and serving as role models for many budding entrepreneurs. What would you want to say to our young women leaders/audience reading this?
Trust what you know (in your body), challenge yourSELF, Everything is possible, cultivate a community that supports you and who are willing to be open, honest, clear and direct in a loving way.