Jo Condrill Motivational Speaker and Author is the founder and CEO of GoalMinds, Inc.

Interviewed by Beatrice Davis

Good afternoon Jo and thank you for taking the time out from your hectic schedule to be interviewed by No Strings Attached E News.

NSAEN: Could you tell us something about yourself?

JO: I’m just an ordinary person who has managed to achieve some extraordinary things in my life, mainly through persistence. Life is an adventure. I love what I do and I like to stay busy. I like learning and I try to keep up with new technology. I relish “rubbing brains” with other people...sharing new ideas, sometimes coming from opposite directions. I don’t like confrontation, but won’t run when things get tense. I believe that with respect for other people we can discuss just about anything.

NSAEN: Jo you worked in the past for the Pentagon as one of the first women in a non military position as Deputy Division Chief for Logistics Plans and operations Department of the Army, how did this position effect your life, future and personal life?

JO: My position in the Pentagon taught me a lot of things. I learned how to get things done by other people who had vastly different backgrounds from mine. Most of the officers coming into our division were coming from command positions where they had soldiers and secretaries to carry on some of their work. In our office, they had a computer and had to do most of the work themselves. They did not expect to find a civilian woman of authority. They knew that I had not commanded troops as they had. Most of them quickly learned, though, that I had experience that they needed to survive in the Pentagon environment and only once did an officer vociferously challenge me. I did not defend myself, but left him to think things over. He soon calmed down and came to my office to get a better understanding of the issue. I have never seen a harder-working, more dedicated group than in our office at the Pentagon.

Having the respect of the officers, including general officers, and civilians was a huge step up for me in my life and in my future. I worked through some major problems with them and one of the officers paid me a very high compliment when he was reassigned. When he came in for his “exit visit” he said that I was the best boss he ever had; I would listen and ask questions that let him arrive at his own solutions.

That same officer called me for help when he was moving his troops to Saudi Arabia in the first Gulf conflict. In the din of troop movement and preparation for war, it was extremely difficult to be heard. He knew he could count on me.

When I left the Pentagon the Secretary of the Army awarded me the highest distinction a civilian can receive from the Army, The Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service. That award and the fact that I graduated from the Army War College has earned me a lot of respect.

NSAEN: What obstacles did you have to overcome as a female in this powerful position?

JO: Working at the highest echelon of the military was a bit heady at first, later it was just hard work. My biggest challenge initially was building up my own confidence. The military wear their rank on their uniform; I didn’t have any insignia as a civilian and I worried at first that people in the hallways would think that I was on the clerical staff. I didn’t have another woman I could turn to for advice. So I never smiled, thinking that I would be sending the wrong message. That was in the late ‘80s. Things are different now. The general officers were not accustomed to a civilian woman at first, but gradually, I gained their confidence. I loved my job there and the daily challenges. I loved seeing how things really work, participating in, and sometimes leading, very important conferences.

NSAEN: You chose to leave the Pentagon to pursue your new career and dream, did you ever regret that decision?

JO: I make it a habit not to look back and wonder “what if.” I started laying the foundation for my company while still working in the Pentagon and went from that job into a business of my own the next day. I worked just as hard, only then, I owned the office! That was just as challenging as the Pentagon, but the level or responsibility was far less. The only thing I could lose was money. No regrets.

NSAEN You are a very busy woman and your weeks are filled with motivational speaking engagements, publishing your book and hosting your radio talk show. Can you tell our readers how you manage such a busy schedule, and is there enough time left for personal matters?

JO: If you had asked me that question two years ago, I would have said “What personal matters?” I was a work-a-holic! I poured everything into building a business, GoalMinds. Now, life is different. I’ve learned that my calendar has places for personal things. What a concept! I have friends in several countries and family nearby. I love to travel and I socialize a lot more, “smelling the roses.”

One of the most valuable time-savers for me is to add details to my appointment schedule, such as phone numbers, address and driving directions. That way, when the time comes, I don’t have to start looking for the information. That may seem elementary to some people, but it took me a while to discover how useful it is!

NSAEN: What is your personal motivation?

JO: I am a high energy person and I love challenges. I like to get my brain around a problem and wrestle with it. It brings me a lot of satisfaction to see the results of my work.

NSAEN: What is your greatest source of inspiration?

JO: My greatest source of inspiration is listening to or reading about other people who overcame obstacles and survived or even thrived. I interview many people for my Internet broadcasts and podcasts who inspire and teach me. I want to share their messages with the world so I’m setting up a new website, http://www.survivor-secrets.com. It used to surprise me how many of them mention God, Jesus, and Mohammad. Now I’m accustomed to it.

NSAEN: Did you have any mentor when you started out as a writer and motivational speaker?

JO: Yes, the late Dottie Walters was my mentor—quite by accident, I thought. When I was on the Board of Directors for Toastmasters International, I was assigned to introduce Dottie for her presentation at an International Convention. She asked to meet with me and I expected that she would be giving me her introduction. Rather than telling me all about herself and her numerous achievements, she asked me what I most would like to be doing. Without thinking, I replied that I wanted to become a published author. Dottie was a celebrity in the world of professional speaking. She had written several books, and published a magazine, “Sharing Ideas.” Dottie showed me the ropes and encouraged me for many years.

NSAEN: What motivated you to write “The Master Mind Manual; Take charge of your Life and 101 Ways to improve your communication skills instantly”?

JO: When I figure something out, I like to share it with others. I seem to have a talent for organizing facts and writing about them so that other people can more easily understand the process. I get pleasure in having people respond enthusiastically about my work. I admire fiction writers who can make up characters and write imaginative dialogue. My first book, 101 Ways to Improve Your Communication Skills Instantly, was coauthored by Bennie Bough, Ph.D. We were becoming professional speakers and a book is a great calling card. It establishes a speaker’s credentials. That book is now in its Fourth Edition and has been translated and sold by publishers in twelve countries. I really feel good about that! Now I teach others how to become published authors and market their work as well as how to improve their communication skills.

Again, the Master Mind Manual was sorting out what I did in the master mind groups that I formed or participated in. I formed a master mind group before I became District Governor for Toastmasters in a Washington, DC, District. That group provided inspiration and know-how that helped me lead the District to a #1 ranking. Again, using a mastermind group, Bennie Bough and I were able to publish our first book in nine months. This Master Mind Manual eBook provides a step by step method so that anyone can do what we did.

Take Charge of Your Life was many years in the making. I used the principles I talk about in my own life. They took me from the poverty level to business owner. When I was District Governor for Toastmasters International in a Washington, DC district, we ranked number one in the world. That’s the only time such a feat has been accomplished in a Washington, DC, District. People began to say that only I could lead a group in that area to such distinction. I set out to dispel that idea. I gave speeches and seminars on the topic and finally put all the pieces together into a book. I still present seminars and retreats using this book as the foundation. The best feedback I’ve received is from an abused wife who wrote, “Your process literally saved my life.”

NSAEN: What is the most challenging aspect of writing and coaching and why?

JO: The most challenging aspect of writing is discipline. Setting aside the time to write. It is not all inspiration for me. Yes, I get bright ideas sometimes, but I need time lines and deadlines. My first book was written in nine months. It’s in its Fourth Edition now and published in twelve countries in ten languages.

I love coaching and don’t find that particularly challenging—unless it is in getting more people to coach!

NSAEN: Tell us a little about your seminars, coaching and motivational speaking engagements to understand what you offer and what a client can expect to receive once he becomes a client of yours.

JO: My clients get a personable, story-telling, energized performer who wants the best for them. My first concern is my client’s needs and I’ll go to great lengths to satisfy those needs. My seminar work focuses on customer service, leadership and communication skills primarily. My associates present some of the other courses I offer on http://www.jocondrill.com I use the DiSCâ behavior profile to help clients and groups understand their own behavior style and how it affects their relationships at work and at home. With this instrument, they also learn to understand the behaviors of others.

My favorite opportunity is presenting the Take Charge of Your Life process for personal or group leadership. I have presented this process from San Diego to New York City; participants have included engineers, teachers, students, church leaders, coaches, and even an award-winning independent film maker. It’s a great experience for people at transition points in their lives. Seminars have run from one hour to three days. I am planning my next three-day session now. Please contact me if you are interested.

I coach people in improving their interpersonal communication skills and in writing, publishing, and marketing their books. That can be long distance or in person. I feel like the wind beneath their wings.

Regarding motivational speaking I present motivation with a method, not only uplifting spirits, but leaving something with the audience that they can act upon.

NSAEN: You have met many people and have great clients, what is your ideal client?

JO: My ideal client is one who is open to new ideas. One of the greatest barriers to learning is the inclination to say “I already knew that” rather than considering an idea. My ideal client is dedicated to his or her vision, persistent in taking action and, of course, pays my fee in a timely manner.

NSAEN: What advise would you give to someone who is interested in becoming a motivational speaker?

JO: “Walk your talk.” Authenticity is a critical element for me. Don’t just read a book and then make up a speech for me. If you have not experienced what you’re trying to get me to believe and do, go work at it for a while, then come back and tell me how you made it happen. You’ve got to feel it. Your passion will be your success.

NSAEN: Jo you have accomplished so much from being a successful international speaker, author and coauthor of 4 books being sold all over the world and published in ten languages what are your next goals and projects?

JO: I want to do something to help the wounded warriors and their spouses make a better life for themselves. Part of that effort will be through motivational speeches. I have speakers in mind that can have a positive impact in their lives, I feel sure. I am developing a sponsor proposal to get a few corporations involved with me. I mentioned that I have interviewed people who have survived challenges and went on to become successful, and I plan to make these interviews available on iTunes.

NSAEN: What do you think is the biggest obstacles for women in today’s world?

JO: I believe many women are distracted by hype and settle for “fun,” letting someone else take charge of their lives. They don’t realize how much fun one can have in pursuit of a higher goal. Sometimes that obstacle is only a challenge that can be overcome. You don’t hear about hard work and the value in becoming more tomorrow than we are today. Women some years ago fought hard to earn the women’s rights we enjoy today. We still have some challenges in the pay gap and other areas and we need young women to step up to the plate and keep advancing life for all women.

NSAEN: What is your message for women in general who are trying to make their dreams come true in our days?

JO: “Cheers! I am proud of you! Be strong; persevere; know that you are not alone. There is a higher power who cares about you and a multitude of people who want you to succeed.

NSAEN: If you had the opportunity to meet three influential people, who would you choose and why?

JO: President George W. Bush because he is the leader of the free world, a man of principles who does not govern by popular opinion!

Steve Jobs -- I would ask him to give an iPod to each wounded warrior of the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts if they wanted one and I’d want to be with him when he made the announcement to see how good it made him feel.

Oprah Winfrey because I’d like to introduce her to my book, Take Charge of Your Life, and ask her include it among the books she recommends

NSAEN What would you like our readers to know that we don’t know about you and is a secret you usually don’t let anybody know?

JO: I’m a “late bloomer.” I earned my undergraduate degree after I had four children.

I guess I’ve been trying to catch up ever since!

NSAEN If you would have three wishes what would you wish for and why?

JO: 1. Universal peace, tranquility. Why? War is hell. Greed and intolerance are destroying us.

2. Basic needs met for everyone and rewards for enterprising individuals and corporations that raise us to a higher living standard and value creativity, integrity, and industriousness.

3. A billion dollars so I could participate in making some of the other wishes come true.

NSAEN: If someone wants to hire you how do they get in touch with you?

JO: I’m available by phone 210 595-1340 and after we connect, by email. You can also reach me via Skype.com. You’ll find me in several social networks on the Internet such as Management and Book Marketing on NING.COM

NSAEN Thank you for the interview and we wish you happiness and success for your future.

Jo offers you a free CD of her Take Charge of Your Life process for a limited time. Go to http://www.jocondrill.com/cd.htm this process can save you time and money as you begin to think of reinventing yourself. For some, that change is sparked by a new direction from workdays to retirement. For some, thoughts of reinventing themselves is the result of a traumatic event or accident. For others, it happens when they graduate from college and are ready to launch a career. Whatever the reason, change is easier when you know the process. To get your free CD now, go to http://www.jocondrill.com/cd.htm