WomenOnTheFence.com

Erica Diamond Interviews Huffington Post Founder Arianna Huffington

Erica Diamond — Mon, 28 May 2012 04:57:23 +0000

I am still on a high from meeting a true pioneer and leader in her field, Arianna Huffington, founder of The Huffington Post. This woman is the real deal. When you talk to her, you can FEEL her energy. She gives you direct eye contact (which I love), a firm handshake, and lets you know she HEARS you. Arianna is open, and oozes creativity… it is palpable.

If you are not familiar with Arianna Huffington, she is the creator and founder of the popular blog The Huffington Post, which she sold to AOL in 2011 for $315 million. She was then named president and Editor-In-Chief of The Huffington Post Media Group, which included The Huffington Post and then-existing AOL properties such as Engadget, AOL Music, Patch Media, and StyleList. Arianna Huffington was named #12 on the Forbes list of the ‘Most Influential Women In Media.’ (Wikipedia)

Arianna Huffington

When I got word I was granted an interview with Arianna, I was excited. If you are a regular reader around here, you know that entrepreneurship is very near and dear to my heart, so to be able to chat about all things life and business, (and to pick her brain), was quite thrilling.

Here comes the bad news… the audio on the video was NOT recoverable in the end. I told you in my last post about my Murphy’s Law situation. Of course my video camera works PERFECTLY every time I use it, except the ONE time I’m interviewing Arianna Huffington. After practically crying, I grabbed some stills from our video interview, and here they are.

Me talking WomenOnTheFence.com and about being a Huffington Post contributor

Arianna discussing her newest venture, her App 'GPS for the Soul'

Thanking you for watching!

Without further ado, some life and business wisdom from Arianna Huffington…

On launching any new venture with The Huffington Post
AH: ”We don’t cut corners on anything. Not our people, not on a launch. We will delay a launch to get it perfect. We have no problem delaying things until they’re right. The idea is to get something great the first time.” (Interesting. I always hate delaying things, because I like to stay true to my word, so I found this concept interesting.)

On being an entrepreneur
AH: “Being an entrepreneur means being able to fail and be discouraged and keep going. There will always be obstacles along the way, but that is expected. Staying-power and perseverance are the true keys to success.” (Love and believe this).

On her next business idea. What business would you launch if you had to launch something new?
AH: ”Something related to Stress Reduction and Well-being. I believe it is where the future is headed and will be a big trend.”

On the importance of human connection in a world surrounded by technology
AH: ”The more we are surrounded by technology, the more we value human life. Face to face is crucial to stay connected. I am very connected to the people I work with, and to people in general. Computers don’t replace face to face connection. I still very much value and cherish human connection.” (Well said Arianna).

On her latest venture, the app ‘GPS for the Soul’ that is in the beta testing phase
AH: ”I am thrilled to announce our latest project, our app, “GPS For The Soul” – It is a new FREE Huff Post app (for Blackberry and IPhone users) to detect your stress level throughout the day. I kept thinking, I’d love to create an app that detects your stress level, so that we don’t end up with heart disease, stroke and other health conditions caused by stress. The app is designed to detect stress, and then it gets personalized and customized just for you, to make you course-correct, hence the name ‘GPS for the Soul.’

It is the nature of the beast to get anxious or stressed. The key is how to course-correct, and how to tap into the things that help us de-stress and find peace and joy. We all need a ‘GPS for the Soul’ to help us find our bearings when we lose them. How the app works, is the camera detects your stress level through the blood flow in your thumb. If the app detects you with stress, it gives you bio feedback exercises on the spot to reduce your stress- yoga exercises, mediation, music, pictures, poetry, prayer, etc… All personalized and customized for you. We hope to launch it in the next two months.” (HOW COOL IS THIS? I NEED THIS APP YESTERDAY).

On her other latest venture, her partnership with Oprah Winfrey and OWN TV

AH: ”At Huff Post, we just announced a partnership with Oprah and The Oprah Winfrey Network- around content and engagement. It’s very exciting. The Huffington Post Oprah section will contain a mix of articles, blogs and interactive content that will connect with the audience on an emotional and spiritual level. The site will provide practical advice and resources encouraging people to discover their best selves and to lead happy, fulfilling lives by taking steps to attain their goals.”

On the importance of sleep
AH: ”People do not realize the importance and value of sleep in their lives. Sleep is fuel for joy and creativity. We all need enough. Sleep is one of your most important tools.”

On the whole Facebook IPO craze

AH: ”Facebook’s IPO is a moment for celebration. Just think, one little idea to a multi billion dollar evaluation. It’s a very American phenomenon. Sheryl Sandberg is also an amazing addition to that team.”

On Huffington Post then, and now
AH: ”I am Greek and Greeks love to talk. We love conversation. Conversations have been a part of my entire life- conversations in the kitchen, on the street, everywhere. When I started, conversations were moving online, so my vision was to move the conversation online too. Today, we have 500 editors at The Huffington Post and we just won our first Pulitzer. A milestone indeed.”

The one piece of advice she would give to someone starting up in the digital world today
AH: “Find out what the world needs, no matter how small, and provide it. Find a niche that hasn’t yet been exploited. Once you figure out what that is, go do it!” (LOVE this advice).

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There you have it. What I have learned from interviewing entrepreneurs from around the globe, from Richard Branson to Craigslist founder Craig Newmark to Liz Lange, and many more, it’s that creativity, and the ability to generate ideas, is in their blood. It’s in their veins. They never stop creating. They’re not happy with the status quo. Their brains rarely shut off, and they don’t rest easily. Entrepreneurs see the invisible, and they make that invisible come to life. They pave the way. They aim to serve and make a difference.

And for this, I’m inspired to learn more. To do better. To up my game. To be an agent of change.

Are you?

xoxEDxox

Off To Canyon Ranch With Dove To Nourish My Soul

Erica Diamond — Fri, 25 May 2012 10:56:17 +0000

I am sitting at the gate, about to board my flight to Arizona. If you recall earlier this year, I was thrilled to announce my alliance with Dove® as their Ambassador for the “Nourish Your Mind, Body and Soul Campaign.” In honor of this campaign, I am now off to Canyon Ranch Resort in Arizona to do just that… Nourish My Soul.

Canyon Ranch Resort

These next 4 days will be a mix of yoga, meditation, health and wellness activities, workshops, hikes through the canyon, and spa treatments. I can feel my body already start to decompress as I sit here in my seat. These last few weeks have been honestly, overwhelming. I’m tired. If you’re a working mom, you can attest to the speed in which we move.

Take a look at some of these pics. Breathtaking.

Canyon Ranch Resort

In fact, today’s blog was supposed to be my video interview with Arianna Huffington, but life without a curve-ball would be so… boring. When I uploaded our video interview, low and behold, there was a scratchy sound over our voices, so you are able to see us, but you cannot hear us. I have someone working on correcting the audio as we speak, but if it doesn’t work, I’ve lost the interview. There has to be a reason…

On a lighter note, my son had his tooth pulled at the dentist yesterday. We told him last night to put it under his pillow for the tooth fairy to leave some money. He said, “Mommy, stop it. I know you’re the tooth fairy!” I looked at my husband, and I said, “No, I’m not!” And then, I whispered to my husband, “We need to Google this!” And then somehow, I felt it was time. I felt at 8 years old, he had a right to know the truth. And I just couldn’t lie, especially when confronted. So, my hubby and I looked at each other, he gave me the non-verbal green light, and I said, “Yes buddy. You’re right. Mommy is the tooth fairy.” Well, he was so excited! Jumping up and down, “I knew it! I knew it! I felt your hand slide money under my pillow the last time I lost my last tooth!”

Alright. The cat’s outta the bag. There is no tooth fairy. And my 5 year old just called me hysterically crying two minutes ago. I thought it was because he missed me, but no.

The crying little voice on the other end was almost inaudible, “It’s not fair, mommy! How come I never get any money!?”

Hold me.

Cheers to a Happy Memorial Day Weekend to my friends south of the border. I wish you rest, relaxation, quiet, and good times shared with friends and family.

I’d also love to know, when did YOU tell your kids there was no tooth fairy? When is the right time? How did I do? I was on the fence about confessing. I felt like a dream crusher, to be honest.

Time is flying by too quickly. We blink, and they grow up. It’s surreal.

xoxEDxox

* Disclosure: I am Dove Ambassador receiving a trip to Canyon Ranch on behalf of Dove.

Wordless Wednesday: A Dream Meeting With Arianna Huffington

Erica Diamond — Wed, 23 May 2012 17:04:46 +0000

Yes, today I got to meet and interview someone on my short list of “People I’d Like To Have Dinner With” Arianna Huffington, founder of The Huffington Post (others on my list include… Oprah Winfrey, Martha Stewart, Maya Angelou, Phil Knight, Richard Branson, Anthony Robbins, BIll Gates, Steven Spielberg, Madonna). As a Huffington Post contributor and an entrepreneur myself since the age of 24, it never grows tired when I have the opportunity to meet incredible visionaries and pioneers who have mastered their craft. It’s what turns me on. I’m still juiced.

I give you, the brains behind The Huffington Post, Arianna Huffington, et moi a Montreal.

Me and Arianna

What Arianna Huffington has recently created, will blow your socks off. My video interview with Arianna to follow.

I’d also love to know, who is on YOUR list of people you’d like to meet?

xoxEDxox

The Race To Have It All

Erica Diamond — Tue, 22 May 2012 15:46:26 +0000

Has there ever been a more pressure-filled time than now to be a child growing up in North America? I almost think not.

I was at the gym today, and was chit-chatting with another mom I hadn’t seen in a while. We caught up in our lives, and she asked me what my boys are doing this summer. I proceeded to tell her that my 5 year old son is going back to his day camp and hockey camp at the end of the summer. And that my older 8 year old son was going to sleepaway camp, up until last month, when we cancelled.

She then said to me, “You did the right thing, Erica. Besides, why are we in such a rush today to push our kids into everything?”

I told her about his adamant request to go to sleepaway camp this summer, at end of 3rd grade. Despite the fact that my husband and I felt he wasn’t emotionally ready, we didn’t deny his request. We visited the open house this winter, and he loved it. It was also the camp where his mommy and daddy met, and how cool that he’d be going there too! We asked him, “You’re ready, buddy?” He replied, “I love it. I’m so ready.” He begged us, and we happily complied. Our boy was growing up!

And, oh was he proud. When people asked him what he was doing this summer, he beamed. Sleepaway camp!

But in the end, it was all too much. He began to have recurring bad dreams and anxiety about camp. Perhaps we should have forbidden him to go in the first place, knowing he wasn’t ready this year. But that is not our way. We wanted to allow HIM to make his own decision, and spread his own wings. After another bad dream one night, I quietly asked him, “Are you sure you’re ready for sleepaway camp? It’s more than okay if you are not, sweetheart. It’s okay to sit this summer out. We will be proud of you and support your decision, either way.” I gave him a few weeks to think about it and decide.

And just a few weeks ago, he came up to me one day, “Mom, I am not ready for sleepaway camp.”

And just like that, he was a new person.

I breathed a sigh of relief, because I knew in my heart he really wasn’t ready. But the truth is, my husband and I would NOT have picked him up had he been homesick this summer. We wouldn’t. And the proof of that is right here. It’s not about tough love. It’s about the commitment. I was raised, that when you make a commitment, you see it through. And thankfully, my husband and I are a unified front when it comes to quitting.We both feel that when you make that commitment, you keep your word. It is character building and important. I knew in my heart that this summer would have been a total bust had he gone. But I didn’t put my foot down, and I gave him the benefit of the doubt. I let him lead the way. And in the end, I believe allowing him to make his own final decision was the best thing for him.

So, we’re sitting this summer out, and next year, he will be a full year older, more mature, and better prepared. We’ll reassess.

On a side note, read these. These were MY sleepaway camp letter when I was his age. Let’s pray to God he doesn’t follow in his mom’s footsteps.

——————————————————————————————————————–

I SCREEM.

——————————————————————————————————————–

If I send MANY WISHES, maybe THAT will work! Maybe they’ll come pick me up.

——————————————————————————————————————–

I cried 29 times, but PLEASE DON’T FORGET TO SEND GIFTS!

——————————————————————————————————————–

THEY AREN’T BRINGING ME HOME. I CAN SEE IT NOW. SO, LET’S SEND THE THREAT MAIL. NO “LOVE, ERICA” ANYMORE.

Then I ran away. No joke.

Ok, I know you’re dying from laughter now. Just imagine my mother. I was a frikkin’ nightmare.

But in all seriousness, what is with our society and the race to give our children everything, too quickly? My son is pretty much one of his only friends not going to sleepaway camp this summer. At 8 years old, he is just not ready to leave us for the summer. Why is this a bad thing?

And I’ll take it one step further. Why do we give our kids electronics at such a young age, often before they’re developmentally ready? I’m guilty. Why did I give in to basketball, swimming, hockey, and baseball, all for this spring season? Again, guilty. Why is sleepaway camp at 8 a must (as it is for many kids in my community)? Why do parents I know give their children extra summer reading to stay ahead of the game, instead of the summer off to relax and enjoy being a kid? Why are my son’s peers doing extra off-ice hockey training? Why are parents redshirting their kids at record numbers, for that competitive advantage? Why are anxiety and depression at record highs in children and teens due to the extreme pressures they feel trying to keep up with the curriculum, and social pressures? Why are kids smoking, doing drugs and having sex at younger ages than ever?

What is with the race to have everything and DO everything so soon? I ask you? I just feel like it’s a race to expose our kids, and push our kids to be smart, athletic and all-around great, at a very young age.

So today, I ask you, what do you make of this race to have it all? Am I completely off base? Have you been guilty of pushing your kids into something too soon? Is it all too much pressure? Should I have forced my son to go this summer? I’m often on the fence between ‘When is it pushing too hard, and when should you push in order to not raise a quitter? I would really love your take on all of this- are we pushing our kids too hard, too soon?

xoxEDxox

ANNOUNCEMENT: Erica Diamond Brand Ambassador for RetailMeNot.com

Erica Diamond — Fri, 18 May 2012 17:03:04 +0000

I have been waiting to make this fun announcement. If you know me well enough, you know I love great quality things, but only at the right price. When RetailMeNot.com reached out to me to partner up, I was thrilled! Who doesn’t love a great discount? As THE largest coupon site in the U.S., RetailMeNot.com has exclusive discounts for many of my favorite brands such as Target, Victoria’s Secret, Land’s End, Old Navy, Dominos Pizza, Macy’s, Forever 21, Home Depot, Bed Bath & Beyond, Nordstrom, Best Buy and MANY MORE.

So it gives me the greatest pleasure to announce that I am now the Brand Ambassador for RetailMeNot. Yay!

If you are new to RetailMeNot.com, here is some info on this AMAZING site where you can visit, and cut out new coupons DAILY for your favorite brands. Plus, they are in the US and Canada!

“RetailMeNot.com (www.retailmenot.com) is the leading consumer destination for collaborative online coupon, deal and promotional code hunting and sharing. Our mission is to help consumers save money and enjoy a hassle-free discount shopping experience. Since November 2006, our users have shared hundreds of thousands of deals and offers from retailers from across the globe. Online coupons are rated and ranked by users, ensuring that quality deals rise to the top and expired coupons drop down the list. RetailMeNot.com is the world’s leading marketplace for online coupons and deals.”

The most online coupons and deals to the stores you love. Our goal is to be your go-to source for savings while you shop online. Save an average of $20 every time you shop!”

Awesome, right?

Online shopping has never been more fun, or more affordable at RetailMeNot.com. I encourage you to go daily, and check out their deals and discounts. Need something at Home Depot? There are coupons for that. Wanna buy something on Amazon.com? There’s a deal for that too! There are even coupons to Cirque De Soleil shows in Canada. And the grocery coupons are incredible. It’s truly an unbelievable resource for everyone, and therefore a perfect fit for Women On The Fence readers.

So, be sure to “like” RetailMeNot.com on Facebook, follow them on Twitter @retailmenot for all the daily deals. You can also sign up for the RetailMeNot newsletter and the best online coupons and deals will be sent right to your inbox.

I’d love to know your thoughts, and if you are already using RetailMeNot.com. Please forward this post to anyone who loves shopping and saving money!

And to my Canadian readers, wishing you all a very happy long Victoria Day weekend.

xoxEDxox

Disclosure: I’m proud to be a paid RetailMeNot.com Brand Ambassador.

Why It’s Good To Fail (VIDEO)

Erica Diamond — Wed, 16 May 2012 13:05:19 +0000

I have just come off of a great run of speaking engagements from the past few weeks. Most recently, this weekend I was the closing Keynote Speaker for the Women’s Entrepreneurship Conference in Saskatchewan, and yesterday, I spoke at the famous 140 / State of Now Conference (Social Media Twitter Conference that travels around the world). My topic: Why it’s Good To Fail.

I encourage you to watch my talk. It is only 10 minutes.

Have you ever failed?

No one likes to talk about failure, but what I know as truth, is that it’s a prerequisite for success. It’s homework for living.

xoxEDxox

6 Ways to Keep Your Relationship Spicy

Erica Diamond — Mon, 14 May 2012 14:04:30 +0000

By Guest Blogger Laurie Gerber

I’ve been with my husband for 18 years and so far neither of us has cheated. We have something really great, but if you read my blog, you’d know it wasn’t always so good. We had our troubles and issues in our marriage, same as all couples. I will tell you that it is what we chose to do about our issues, that has kept our love thriving and our marriage hot. Prepare to change your thinking!

People get frustrated with keeping love alive, partly because they’ve been conditioned by movies and common culture to believe that with the “right” person, all the romance and spark will appear “naturally.” I teach a different story. Love and romance usually come easily when we’re young or when the relationship is young. After that, it takes work. Don’t view that as an injustice or a burden, but rather an opportunity to grow up and take charge of your life.

First, accept that it is your job to keep love and intimacy alive (for your happiness and to prevent cheating), and that it’s a privilege and a fun game to do so. Then, use my tips below to figure out what’s missing and how to build your relationship. Hint! It’s mainly about regular, open communication and connection. But I don’t want to spoil the surprise, so read on!

1. Give your spouse the power to please you sexually and otherwise.

It’s really important that your partner pleases you and knows that he does. Many people withhold pleasure on purpose, as a way to control their partner, or get back at their partner. We learned this at a young age when we’d throw a tantrum to try and get candy or attention from our parents. Withholding your happiness until you get what you want will only get you a messy, teary power struggle where name-calling and blaming will occur.

For years, I used this tactic on my husband. Not just sexually, but everywhere. He couldn’t drive right, do chores right, have conversations right, or “loosen me up” in bed. How convenient that my satisfaction was all HIS problem and failure. Once I grew up about this, I made my happiness and pleasure MY challenge to solve, and then life got much better for both of us. I now know it’s my job to like what my husband does, or find a great and graceful way to tweak it.

You get more bees with honey. This goes for your marriage too.

2. Make regular time together and treat it as sacred.

Every night, during regular face time with my husband, we have a ritual of asking questions that are designed to cause intimacy. We share things like: what we’re proud of in our marriage, successes, connections with others, when we played the victim, what we love about the other, what bad traits came up and everything we don’t want to say. We also re-assess our wedding vows and rewrite them every year on our anniversary, and then we give ourselves grades on how we are doing at keeping them each week during our nightly ritual.

This year, I promised to listen more deeply than ever and to consciously enjoy our marriage more. He promised to make eye contact and better manage his time for the sake of our family. See? We invent new and fun conversations about life, and our love, that are just ours, and that is what keeps us connected. (And you can, too.)

Connection is the road to all things great in your marriage.

3. Respect each other sexuality.

My husband is allowed to like what he likes sexually, so there is no sneaking. Even if I don’t want to do everything he likes (and vice versa), there is no shaming about any of it. Those topics are sacred and protected. If that is not the case in your partnership, please take a good hard look at why not. I had to do plenty of work on myself to understand that I am not the same as my partner, I don’t have to be, and none of it is personal (unless it is).

4. Make your spouse your HERO.

I am now in the business of finding what I love about my partner rather than focusing on what doesn’t work. I like to catch him being my hero. Whatever quality you want to see more of in your partner, start seeing it, and acknowledging it. I recommend you write down all the times you “catch” what you want to see.

5. Get involved in each other’s lives.

Do you know what your partner does with his/her time? Are you talking about it? Do you know his hobbies, interests, what he does when he’s not at work or with you? My husband and I are intimately involved in each other’s lives and we like that. Naturally, you do not have to have the same preferences or spend all your time together, but please think something is fishy if there are weird gaps in communication or understanding of what your partner’s life is like. Please do not persist in denial. Accountability and integrity are key ingredients to a successful relationship.

6. Have sex.

Here is the final, most important way to keep a marriage hot: have sex! My husband and I have promises about how frequently we have sex. I really recommend it. Don’t let the cliché of sex fading with marriage become true (or truer) in your relationship. Cut it out!! Lie back down in bed (or anywhere!) with that person you loved enough that you committed to him or her. Just get back on the bike and ride; it really does come back to you. Do NOT wait to be “in the mood.”

Growing up means causing what you want in your life, not waiting for it to magically happen. It is not a bad thing that relationships take work– the best things in life require real effort to make them flourish. May you consider this a blessed opportunity when it comes to keeping love alive and your marriage or partnership hot.

~Laurie

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About Laurie Gerber…

Laurie Gerber is President of Handel Group® Life Coaching and a Senior Coach. Laurie’s personal and professional mission is to change the world by teaching people to tell the truth and pursue their dreams. Her MTV True Life tv show debut and weekly teleseminar subscription Wake up Your Week are her current favorite modalities. When she’s not busy clearing out clients’ excuses and running the company, she also indulges herself by enjoying precious moments with her husband and two daughters.

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What are your thoughts here? I am sometimes on the fence about how much I should give, without expectations or being resentful if I don’t get what I need. Did anything here resonate for you? Do you agree with Laurie? How do YOU keep the passion alive in your marriage? Share YOUR secrets to a blissful marriage, or your frustrations. Laurie will be reading.

xoxEDxox

WomenOnTheFence.com

Erica Diamond Interviews Huffington Post Founder Arianna Huffington

Other articles you might enjoy:

Off To Canyon Ranch With Dove To Nourish My Soul

* Disclosure: I am Dove Ambassador receiving a trip to Canyon Ranch on behalf of Dove.

Other articles you might enjoy:

Wordless Wednesday: A Dream Meeting With Arianna Huffington

Other articles you might enjoy:

The Race To Have It All

Other articles you might enjoy:

ANNOUNCEMENT: Erica Diamond Brand Ambassador for RetailMeNot.com

Disclosure: I’m proud to be a paid RetailMeNot.com Brand Ambassador.

Other articles you might enjoy:

Why It’s Good To Fail (VIDEO)

Other articles you might enjoy:

6 Ways to Keep Your Relationship Spicy

Other articles you might enjoy: