Blog
Who am I?
As a businesswoman
I am an award-winning speaker, author, and business consultant/coach.
Before launching Advanta Strategies, LLC, I was President and Chief Marketer for THE LRF Design Group, Inc., a leading mid-size interior design consulting firm in NJ, creating relationships with Fortune 500 companies and building a 7 figure business from a room in my basement.
As a student…
Graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology with a degree in Interior Design
I graduated from Rowan University with a degree in Education – Art.
I am currently attending Kutztown University for my M. Ed. Art
During COVID-19, I completed a six-month noncredit program through the University of Pennsylvania, Foundations in Positive Psychology through the University of Michigan, and Finding Purpose and Meaning In Life: Living for What Matters Most.
Recently, I completed a certificate program in Feng Shui to add depth to my knowledge as I gave the workshop “Envision Possibilities” based on the Feng Shui principles on Jan 20th, 2024.
Today, I attend a watercolor class with the most fantastic teacher. I’m excited to explore those rusty skills.
As a Rotarian
I’ve been a member since 2000 – State College Downtown Rotary, Trainer for District 7360, National Immunization Day Madagascar, and Humor Week in Bulgaria as a clown. I was married to a district governor, so I underwent the same training he did during the ramp-up to his leadership position.
Wife of Jerry Friedman – deceased
I was married to a great guy. A brilliant Aerospace Engineer and Astrophysicist who died of Alzheimer’s in 2019. I was his primary and only caregiver. You can see the drop off in activity since 2017, when doing anything other than caregiving was impossible. I wouldn’t change a minute of our time together.
My personal timeline is an exciting ride. I caught the tail of that comet as it swung by, and I’ve been hanging on every sin
Quote #1
Quote I’m writing/authoring a book using quotes. Initially I started with the all the motivational quotes I could find. Then I looked at a book my daughter gave me with women’s quotes. We, us women, are different in how we process and how we quote. Early 1700's we...
Plan
Plan. If you plan 52 meetings a year. You may need a map. Knowing where you are going helps you choose a plan for getting there. If you plan to visit San Francisco from New York City, use the map, find the roads and plan the trip. The same is true if you plan to...
Retreat
Leadership Retreat We are business people creating a tribe. Is retreat the word we use to describe a day or two of planning? Definition of a "leaders" retreat 1a(1) : an act or process of withdrawing especially from what is difficult, dangerous, or...
Write the Agenda
Write the Agenda The Format, the Timing and the Memorable Message. Carol Walsh is a Mary Kay, executive director, and a former District Governor in Rotary. I watched her, she taught me about having an agenda as she facilitated meetings. Carol’s...
Asking for help
Asking is part of being a leader. Asking people to become a part of your idea or your dream is a big ask. You are asking them to engage. Engage in your idea, in your way of accomplishing the idea. Ask They will help. "If you are always trying to be normal, you will...
Ask
Ask - Ask for help Ask - Ask for clarification Ask - Ask for specificity Ask - Ask for directions Ask - Ask to make a friend
Wow! You’ve accomplished so much! It is inspiring. It gives me hope that I can reach my greatest potential.