Her Story
About Elinor
Elinor Stutz has spent about 15 years in her current role writing posts from experience and knowledge to help people advance their businesses and careers. She is highly active on LinkedIn, where she collaborates with selected peers around the world to post motivational content and support others in improving their efforts toward becoming speakers or leaders. Her journey includes a near-death experience that led her to become a speaker for about 10 years before shifting focus to community service. Stutz earned a B.A. in Anthropology from UCLA after selecting the major for its appeal in archaeology and civilization studies; she also studied Quechua, the language of the Incas, which later aided her in business interactions. Earlier in her career, she announced herself as a sales trainer and speaker at a networking event and authored the international bestseller Nice Girls Do Get the Sale after facing challenges in her entrepreneurial path.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Elinor
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute it to my dad every night at the dinner table. He would give me an example of a sports team that was behind in the last few seconds or minutes they would win. And his motto was, never give up. But I added on to that, never give up, find a better way. And I'm just I've been highly motivated my whole life, and when discrimination occurs, mentally, I tell myself, just watch me.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received was understand, I was in sales at a time when women weren't supposed to be there, and I was told that I was a stupid woman. I would fail, so there was no point in spending money on training me. So that gave me a green light to do things my way, and I enrolled in a Dale Carnegie public speaking class.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell them to acknowledge what they want to do, and never let anyone talk them out of it. Set goals, a long-term vision. And then annually, set the annual goal, monthly. Oh, I should have said quarterly before monthly, weekly, and daily. And review those goals every single day, and tell yourself, I can do this, regardless of what happens or who says what.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
As I said, I am at a high point in my career. I don't feel I'm facing challenges right now, although I know many women still are facing discrimination and pay. And a lot of people are can't find work. But for me personally, being a solo entrepreneur, doing what I enjoy, what I want to do, as I said, I'm at the high point of my career.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Well, my philosophy became trust is the soul of sales and all else that we do. Trust and integrity are paramount. Otherwise, One will be dismissed.
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