Thanks again to Carissa Reiniger, Silver Lining, Mike Realba, PINK magazine, Healthy Girl and Petite Fashionista for giving me the opportunity to spend a day “job shadowing” PINK CEO and Co-Founder Cynthia Good!
Open the large foyer doors of PINK magazine and another world awaits you. A sunny yellow wall welcomes visitors with the words “Bright House” (Cynthia’s husband Joey Reiman’s world-renowned “ideation” corporation). Complementing this wall is a bright pink wall with the letters PINK. The continental-style furniture is upholstered in a cheery floral pattern, and in the center of it all sits Ashley, who radiates the décor’s sunny disposition.
The petite and dynamic Cynthia Good welcomes Mike and me to PINK magazine. Concerned that I don’t have a morning coffee in hand, Cynthia whisks us into the kitchen and offers us breakfast. With drinks in hand, we walk through the beautiful exposed brick interior and proceed upstairs along the feng shui wall of awards. There are so many awards throughout the building that Mike and I lose count! Upstairs, the painted walls are accented with inspirational quotes to inspire creativity and “outside-the-box” thinking.
Cynthia’s office reflects the same energy as the foyer: bright, strong and welcoming. Her vision board is filled with covers of past issues, with her family photos displayed in the center of the board. Next to the photos is the quote: “Believe in the ridiculous.” She immediately shares a recent example of not accepting any “no’s” into our lives. Recently, PINK submitted a proposal in which a “thank you, but not at this time” was given, so PINK went another avenue with the same company on their quest for a yes! Not only did they receive a yes, but it also was a yes bigger than they had imagined! Point taken!
Cynthia’s visionary language is contagious, and her perspective on life rubs off on me. It affects me to the point where I start matching her positive vocabulary because I’m feeling so energized by it! We discuss the “wearing of many hats” (balancing family and career, and staying focused). Mike and I then excuse ourselves from Cynthia and meet her staff. We ask each one how working for PINK has changed her life and how she has removed the word “no” from her vocabulary. It is thrilling to be around such positive, like-minded women! Each staff member shares her philosophy of having a positive outlook in her career and personal life.
Allison Cawley, PINK’s business development coordinator, becomes our ambassador for the day. We are so thankful for the introductions and guidance she gives us, along with a ride to lunch! Cynthia treats us to a fabulous lunch where we discuss Fit Your Style Inc., my philosophies and my mission for the business. As I’m talking, Cynthia feverishly takes notes on a napkin. At the end, she provides me with a napkin of creative topics and asks if I will blog them for the magazine! How exciting!
We return for a brainstorming session of ideas for the Little PINK Book, a free daily e-Note offering fashion tips, business tools and so much more (www.pinkmagazine.com)!
We create about two months’ worth of story themes. Cynthia is at the helm; however, all staff and interns play a valuable role in the session, in which Cynthia and the staff each compliment one another on their great ideas. Talk about a positive work environment!
Sadly, my day comes to an end. It is time to catch my carriage back to Toronto. Yes, I was in my element, like Cinderella at the ball! And I am the one thanked for my participation! I walked in as an observer and leave as an expert blogger for PINK magazine! Everyone bids their adieus after we discuss details of our first “blogging” call.
A personal thank-you to Cynthia: She is a true leader and mentor for all women. As I said to her in an e-mail, “You walk your walk and talk your talk!” I received a lovely e-mail from her following our meeting with specific content that showed how deeply she had listened to me, where she also displayed her integrity as she fulfilled her word in answering any follow-up questions I had from my visit.
It was a day that changed my life and my career. My advice for other entrepreneurs reflects Cynthia’s – that the words “no” and “can’t” are simply not options! Believe and you will achieve!
In good health,
Jennifer
Jennifer Ettinger is the founder of Fit Your Style Inc. www.fityourstyle.com
Posted
Apr 13 2009, 08:21 AM
by
Jennifer Ettinger