Today we’d like to introduce you to Sylvia O’Connor.
It’s an honor to speak with you today. Why don’t you give us some details about you and your story. How did you get to where you are today?
I grew up in poverty in a small town in Louisiana. However, I always knew that I would not remain in poverty. I started on my journey to living an abundant life in the 1980’s, when I moved from my southern home shortly after graduating from high school to seek a better life up North in Detroit, Michigan. Thankful to my aunt who provided care and financial support, I later obtained a bachelor’s and master’s degree.
I went on and had a successful 30-year career in the health care industry while also being an adjunct professor in allied health. I won a large financial reward for reporting health care fraud while working in health care. I have now moved on to the next chapter of my life and that is pursuing my passion as a motivational speaker. Proving that it is never too late, I have now ventured into entrepreneurship by forming my own company, Sylvia O’Connor SOAR LLC to do speaking and training.
I’m sure your success has not come easily. What challenges have you had to overcome along the way?
Success does not come overnight, It is gradual. I have overcome challenges by knowing when to pivot in life. I have overcome poverty, fear, and a dead-end job. I left my job in the health care industry in 2020 after it had become stagnant. I realized that I needed to pursue a new career.
The media was talking about “The Great Resignation,” however, I had a revelation that it was time to close that chapter in my life in the health care field. I started pursuing my dreams of becoming a motivational speaker. I had been talking about being a motivational speaker for years and realized that the time had come to just do it. There is always some fear when it comes to moving on and doing something different. However, I was becoming sick, just thinking about my previous job. I had been working as a remote revenue audit contractor for about 10 years. It was time to give the “gift of goodbye” to that job.
I received an advertisement for a speaker’s showcase class, and I enrolled in it and as the saying goes, the rest is history. Collaborating with various trainers and coaches has been extremely helpful in pursuing my new journey. I have faith that I will be successful on this new journey.
Let’s talk about the work you do. What do you specialize in and why should someone work with you over the competition?
I am a moving on expert, who specializes in helping people move past their limitations and roadblocks. I have a proven record of accomplishing my dreams and goals in life. I have never let my past determine my future, which is one of the main reasons that I am successful today. I have experience in moving out of my comfort zone.
What’s your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in their life?
If you want success, believe in yourself. Fear is an emotion. Do not let fear dominate your life. Don’t be afraid to move out of your comfort zone. Try not to focus on all of the things that could go wrong in a situation but focus on the things that could go right. Try to surround yourself around positive people, and people who have been where you are trying to go. Do not let society dictate to you what you can and cannot have.
Speaking of success, what does the word mean to you?
Success is achieving your dreams and goals in life. Doing some things in life that you want to do. Look at success as going on a journey and not an overnight trip. Success may mean different things to different people. Whatever it takes for an individual to be successful in life, they should continue on the road to success until they reach their destination.
What’s next for you?
I would like to continue to improve my financial literacy. I want to continue to have a successful mindset. My goal is to write another book in the future on how to get rid of a poverty mindset and have a successful mindset.
Finally, how can people connect with you if they want to learn more?
People can connect with me on my website at www.sylvia-oconnor.com
