I met Jacqui Barrett-Poindexter on Twitter (@valueintowords). I quickly learned that she was bright, knowledgeable, friendly and supportive. How could I not follow her?
Then I learned thousands of people follow Jacqui – she’s listed on many “Best People to Follow on Twitter” lists for jobseekers. You see, Jacqui is one of only 27 Master Resume Writers (MRW) in the world. Impressive isn’t it?
And since 1997, Jacqui Barrett-Poindexter, has had her own business, Career Trend where she’s chief career writer.
Does a woman with this level of success ever have self doubts?
With all her accomplishments does anything scare her?
I decided to ask Jacqui similar questions after reading her article Marching Through Change in 3 Plus International’s online magazine.
Cherry: In your article about work and life merging when your husband and you moved from Kansas City, Missouri to rural Gordonville, Texas earlier this year, you said “living life on my own terms is centermost in my existence” and, I loved this line, you could “no longer steep in sadness nor languish in stress that often arises from continuing a life path that no longer fits.” Would you elaborate on that?
Jacqui: I believe we must take care of ourselves before we can truly take care of others – be it on a personal level or on a work level with clients.
When my husband and I, who’s now a partner in the business, were thinking about moving almost 500 miles away from family and friends, it felt selfish. I’d have doubts and conflicting thoughts about wanting to be physically available to my parents and siblings but also wanting to focus on my marriage and what Rob and I wanted.
I talked with friends who were supportive, which helped. Then I realized that the mindset I had about “needing” to be geographically close to my family was a myth. First, each of them had their own nuclear units and lives that were their primary focus. Secondly, with web-cams, email, airplanes it’s easy today to stay in touch.
Cherry: What made you realize that the life path you had once happily followed no longer fit?
Jacqui: Sailing.
My husband and I started sailing in 2008 and we fell in love with it. It brought us peace and relaxation, a counterweight to the demanding work lives we led. But with our erratic schedules we couldn’t sail as often as we wanted because we had to drive an hour each way to get to a body of water. We wanted to live on or very close to water so we could take our boat out more often.
It’s not that I’d been on the wrong path all my life. Not at all. But, over time, my priorities changed. In terms of geography I was stagnating because our new love of sailing couldn’t fit into the life that I had built and enjoyed previously.
Cherry: So you didn’t think you’d made a mistake in your earlier decisions?
Jacqui: Definitely not. It’s just that now I had a new interest – sailing – and was in a loving relationship I wanted to nurture more.
Life evolves.
If you let yourself be open to change, other possibilities present themselves.
Cherry: Did you always have confidence in yourself?
Jacqui: Always? All the time? No.
I live a dichotomy of sorts. Since a little girl, I’ve had a competitive spirit and a willingness to stick my neck out.
I also have fears and can worry.
But when I’m enthralled or immersed in something, any fears I have get crowded out. It’s when I’m stagnant and not doing something stimulating that fears can creep into the empty spaces.
Action is a balm to fears. Sometimes you have to take your fears with you as you take the first step, but then they dissipate with action, with movement.
As I’ve grown older, I’m also more conscious of surrounding myself with positive people. Other people’s negativity, even if it’s about their lives, is wearing and contagious.
Cherry: Since we’re nearing Halloween, I’ll ask you for “Tricks or Tips” you’d suggest to help other people get past their fears and open themselves up to a world of possibilities?
Jacqui: Plan, plan, plan and then execute on your plan.
Being prepared makes it easier to step forward with confidence. Seeing tangible results, even if small, makes it easier to take the next step.
I think sometimes people don’t take action if their dream feels too big, or they can’t reach it in a short time. But even moving in the direction of your dream is positive.
Rob and I have talked about living by the ocean, and we still might. But right now we’ve accomplished a large part of our dream by living by a large lake. It’s movement and I definitely call it a success.
Read more about what Jacqui learned along the way as she dramatically changed living location and her husband quit a financially successful job to be her partner in CareerTrend.
I would love to get to know you! Join me on 
Hey Cherry – Interesting read! Inspiring and thought-provoking, about the limitless possibilities on the web!
Kathy,
Yes, the limitless possibilities on the web. I have made friends all over the world, which never would have happened without the web. And in this case, if I’m driving through Texas I can stop at Jacqui’s and get to know Rob and her even better while SAILING! Cherry
Thank you Cherry and Jacqui for an inspiring read.
Good for you for realizing that geographic closeness to your family was not as important or viable as other priorities. I wish more people realized this, and took advantage of the options you mentioned to bring closeness. Also, some families are just not meant to live in close proximity…:).
Plan, plan, plan, and execute your plan is such wonderful advice. Action is where it’s at. Of course, you have to have a course in order to chart the action.
Good stuff! May you conduct an interview from your home on the ocean some day:).
Linda,
Overall I agree that you need a course to chart your action. I also think that when you don’t know where you’re going, there’s benefit in just starting. The movement:
1. helps hold fear at bay so you can think more clearly
2. by moving you can at least see if you chose the wrong path for yourself and it helps you get clearer on what you do want.
3. Staying still can turn into gooey stuckness fairly easily.
Thanks, always, for your comments and opinions. Cherry
Action put fear in perspective and planning helps us get where we want to be! Great interview Cherry.
Living far away from my family gives me the most wonderful vacation with my family here in south Florida and in Denmark. One Christmas my family danced around the Christmas three while I was singing along with them on Skype. Not the same, but we laughed a lot.
A dream of mine is to get a vacation home in Denmark, but until then pullout couch will do. I will call that a success.
Irene,
Thank you so much for sharing that delightful Christmas story of your family. It was fun and heartwarming. I too would call that a success! Go Irene.
This year I want to see a video of you dancing. Cherry
Cherry and Jacqui,
Thanks for such an inspiring interview illustrating the importance and necessity of self-care and finding one own’s balance in life.
Jacqui – You seem to have found a lovely balance in your life because you are truly giving in your blog and twitter with all the terrific pieces of career advice that you provide on a regular basis free of charge.
It is also amazing to what degree you truly live by what you state and recommend; this is typically something very hard for most of us to do but you do it and it is most inspiring.
For example, your recommendation to: “plan, plan, plan and then execute on the plan” is one that you have repeatedly illustrated is your mode of operation via your posts be it in your move to Texas, the decision to go into sailing and your work with your clients.
Dorlee,
So nice to see you here at Borderless Thinking and The Confidence Chronicles. I’m glad you found the interview inspiring. Jacqui’s story of a need for balance and her honesty and humanity are beneficial for all of us to see and hear. Sometimes people get the impression that the other gal, the one who appears so together, never has any doubts or fears like the rest of us. It’s just so not true and thankfully for us, Jacqui was willing to share that will us. Take care, Cherry
Cherry, this is a truly inspiring interview with Jacqui who has been both a personal and professional friend to me through social media. Her story and her style include immense generosity and gratitude, true assets as she has made her way.
I’ve always loved Jacqui’s ability to use language effectively and elegantly, and she does it again here. I love her insight that: “Action is a balm to fears.” It’s a concept that Jacqui has made a guide for her and now a way for others to build their confidence.
Thanks for this terrific post, Cherry. It’s a great service. ~Dawn
How characteristically kind of you Dawn. Your words continue to be supportive and inspiring to me (and others!). Cherry
Firstly, @Cherry, thank you so much for the opportunity to be featured in your Confidence Chronicles Series – I’m honored! Beyond treasuring the opportunity, I also am truly impressed by your story-telling knack. You made the process of being ‘interviewed’ seamless and enjoyable; as well, you connected dots in the dialogue where I know I began to digress. Thank you for making me ‘look good!’
@Linda – T hank you for echoing some of the sentiments on ‘geographic closeness’ as well as ‘planning/executing a plan!’ Perhaps my favorite part of your comment was regarding the possibility of interviewing from the ocean one day! Thanks for that inspired thought!
@Irene – I love the visual of your family dancing around the Christmas tree while you sang along via Skype! Cool!
@Dawn – So glad you are such a loyal social media friend (personally and professionally), and that we have a common connection with Cherry as well. Your complimentary words in your comment are part and parcel to what makes you such a treasured, generous collaborator on the web! … (and beyond the web, of course; one day I’ll have the pleasure of a face-to-face, I hope; or maybe a Skype call!). I appreciate your noting specific takeaway from the post — I must credit Cherry for helping knit together the right words for the final interview result. A true collaboration and a fun project!
Final note to Cherry: I look forward to your continued initiative in sharing ‘stories of becoming strong.’ And I look forward to continuing promoting your inspiring work!
~Jacqui
Jacqui,
You are so welcome. I enjoyed it thoroughly.
Thank you for taking the time to interview with me and for supporting the way I chose to write up the interview.
Woot, Jacqui! I look forward to support and further collaboration of, what I see, as a dynamic duo. Cherry
What a Super set of questions with equally compelling answers to thoughts I’m sure most of us have–I know I do.
A resounding “Yes” to Jacqui’s added insight to her response, “we must take care of ourselves before we can truly take care of others – be it on a personal level or on a work level with clients.” Why do we continually think we can help others when we are not at our best physically, mentally and emotionally?
Many thanks to Cherry & Jacqui for your perspectives on Confidence & Change and the role they play in our lives.
Pam – It’s an interesting question & conundrum- why do we think we can take care of others when we aren’t taking care of ourselves? I think, that a good portion of the answer lies in seeing it as:
~ selfish
~ self-indulgent
~ waste of time – we could be “accomplishing” something vs. resting or reading a mystery etc.
~ the belief that it is good or spiritual or a path to heaven if we take care of others…even when we put ourselves in jeopardy.
Those are the myths or mindset we need to change. When I am at my best- rested, filled with healthy food, relaxed, happy – it is easier for me to help others.
@Dorlee – Thanks for your always meaningful and thoughtful comments! I like the ‘lovely balance’ remark, as it makes me feel peaceful, and that, in the big scheme of things, balance ‘is indeed’ occurring. Sometimes the day-to-day nuances create uncomfortable waves of disruption, but if we can always be adjusting our sails, I think (for most of us at least, except for during those emergency quakes), we can create a life that is fairly smooth and harmonious. Peace to you, Dorlee, as you continue your journey replete with balance, peace and a meaningful career and life. I admire all you do.
@Pam – Oh, yes, yes, I agree with your insight: “Why do we continually think we can help others when we are not at our best physically, mentally and emotionally?” I know sometimes I ‘forget’ and then overextend (which ultimately backfires). My more recent mission has been to enforce the ‘take care of self first and then others’ idea, and by doing so I find that I have much more to offer others when they need me. Thanks so much for your kind remarks. It has been fun to participate in this Confidence and Change topic with Cherry! She asks terrific questions!
[...] never reposted before, but after reading Cherry Woodburn’s initial post in her “Confidence Chronicles” series, I knew it was time to repost this one. Cherry’s interview with Jacqui Barrett-Poindexter, [...]