Episode 271: Laura Gassner Otting: Why Success Doesn't Feel Like It Should + What to Do About It

Have you ever wondered what it would take to write a best-selling book? Imagine going from a phone call, to crafting an inspiring narrative, to becoming an acclaimed author. This exhilarating journey comes to life in our conversation with accomplished author and motivational speaker, Laura Gassner Otting. Laura shares her extraordinary evolution as an author, the importance of a book as a marker of legitimacy, and her unique perspective on public speaking.

Laura also dives into sales techniques and the life-changing transition from working in an executive search firm to launching her own venture. Laura's emphasis on the significance of client trust and her candid admissions about the role it played in her success are truly enlightening. She also gives us an insight into her fight against self-doubt, and how her achievements served as stepping stones to fulfilling her potential.

Laura has appeared regularly on Good Morning America and the TODAY Show, and her writing has been seen in Harvard Business Review, Forbes, HR Magazine. She is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of three books, including Wonderhell: Why Success Doesn’t Feel Like It Should… and What to Do About It, Limitless: How to Ignore Everybody, Carve Your Own Path, and Live Your Best Life, and Mission-Drive: Moving from Profit to Purpose. Her books have been translated into five languages.

What we discuss:

(0:00:01) - Laura’s journey into literature and public speaking

(0:05:29) - Sales techniques 

(0:13:40) - Overcoming self-doubt to fulfill potential

(0:25:46) - Influence of your social circle

(0:30:02) - Embracing ambition and overcoming doubt

(0:40:17) - Gaining strength through belief

(0:45:34) - Success, networking and recognizing self-worth

(0:52:09) - Emphasizing the importance of support

Key Takeaways: 

1. Self-doubt and fear can act as catalysts to success: Laura discusses how she navigated self-doubt and used it to fuel her ambition. Instead of letting self-doubt hinder her, she harnessed it as a driving force towards achieving her full potential. She also shares insights on how to manage fear, particularly in public speaking, viewing it as an invitation to adventure rather than a deterrent.

2. Surrounding yourself with the right people is crucial: Laura emphasizes the importance of the people you surround yourself with in shaping your journey to success. She warns about the dangers of having the wrong people in your circle and stresses the need for a supportive network that encourages and sees your worth.

3. Embracing failure and understanding that it's a part of the journey: Laura shares her perspective on failure, seeing it not as a finale but as a fulcrum from which we learn and grow. She suggests making a list of your proudest achievements and acknowledging the failures and lessons along the way, as these experiences contribute to personal growth and reaching your next goal.

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