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We had the good fortune of connecting with Jen Fitzgerald and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jen, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
When I envisioned myself becoming a professional speaker – or “motivational speaker” as I thought of it at the time – I envisioned myself speaking all of the time- up to four times per week! I’ve now learned that being a professional speaker is actually 90% marketing yourself (cold calling, virtual meetings, drafting contracts, booking engagements, customizing speeches, practicing presentations, posting on social media, etc.) and 10% speaking. It takes a lot of discipline and confidence behind the scenes to make this career a reality. The hours of preparation are worth it when the speech makes a positive impact on the audience, leaving me with feelings of fulfillment and motivation to keep going.
Although I have always been passionate about public speaking, I didn’t initially pursue it as a career because I didn’t know what I would speak about. Jumping into this career, regardless of my doubts and fears, taught me how to be resilient by showing up every day and decisive about how I invest in my business. Learning the business of speaking, crafting a speech, and finding the right audience for the speech are a few of the stepping stones to starting a career as a professional speaker. 
What should our readers know about your business?
Most people are terrified by the idea of public speaking in front of thousands of people. On the contrary, that does nothing but excite me. My goal on my vision board is to be the keynote speaker for a conference of 5000 people in New Zealand. Let’s dream big and work hard to get there!
I am a professional speaker who speaks on building relationships by applying concepts of friendship to networking. My background is in higher education admissions and enrollment where I built relationships with a wide variety of people (students, parents, counselors, alumni, etc.) as I guided families through the college admissions process. This career taught me the power of authentic networking: Getting to know people as individuals before conducting business.
As a child, I used to stutter. I am passionate about speaking because there was a time I could not speak. I overcame that impediment with speech therapy and modeling/acting classes. When I was 14, I went to a youth conference where I listened to motivational speakers connect with audiences of thousands through being vulnerable on stage. I knew at that conference that I wanted to do what they were doing someday.
After college, I made a new goal to become an admissions counselor because it combined everything I love to do into one job, including public speaking. I spent eight years as an admissions counselor, and was inspired to pursue professional speaking as a career while reading “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron. I reconnected with an old colleague from college, joined a speakers academy, and am now a professional speaker!
Getting to where I am today was not easy. I was fortunate to be born into a supportive family and found my husband in the most unexpected place (that’s a story for another time), but my career is something I proactively work for. It took me 10 months to find my first job after college, and I have a history of dozens of interviews with minimal job offers. What keeps me going is thinking about successful people who had so many No’s… so much rejection… yet they succeeded because they were persistent enough to work hard until they got that enthusiastic “YES!” Staying strong through rejection takes resilience. Knowing my potential and proving it to those who don’t realize it yet takes confidence. Imposter Syndrome sneaks up on us in various forms (perfectionism for me). Staying motivated is essential as much time is spent building the business rather than speaking, at least in the beginning. What helps me overcome feelings of fear and doubt is separating the voice of doubt in my head with who I truly am. I call the voice of doubt Sally. If Sally says I can’t do it, that’s not me talking… that’s social conditioning talking. I am capable and worthy of this career path because I am Jenough!!!
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I live in a hidden gem in California called Los Alamitos. This city is centrally located in between Los Angeles and Orange County with easy access to all of the sites. I love living in Los Alamitos because it has everything I need: Costco, Target, workout studios, local restaurants, and independent coffee shops.
For breakfast, I would take my best friend to Nick’s Deli II. They have the best breakfast burritos I’ve ever had. Although they have an expansive menu, everyone orders their burritos!
For lunch, I would take my best friend to Shenandoah at the Arbor. This is a classic single-family home turned into a restaurant with Southern charm. Make sure to sit outside. The twinkly lights and creek create a beautiful ambiance.
For happy hour, I would take my best friend to The Brew Kitchen. This is a restaurant definitely worth trying as well, but they have a huge variety of high- quality beer on tap, including Pliny the Elder. Mario is my favorite server that always has a smile on his face!
For dinner, I would take my best friend to Spaghettini. It’s an upscale Italian restaurant with beautiful scenery, especially considering it’s in an office district right off of the freeway. Keep it simple with Spaghetti and Meatballs, made fresh daily.
Outside of Los Alamitos, my favorite beach is one I call “Poppy Beach.” The official name is “Little Corona,” but I call it “Poppy Beach” since it’s off of Poppy and PCH. I like taking friends to this beach because it’s not as well-known as other beaches, has tide pools to explore, and includes free street parking.
For those who love wine tasting, my favorite local winery is called McClain Cellars in Laguna Beach. The Pinot Noir called Love and Happiness tastes just as it sounds, and Joanna is the best wine host!
My favorite hike is called Filiorum Reserve Trail Head in Rancho Palos Verdes. It’s in a beautiful part of LA with views of the beach. Be careful though… it’s all downhill for the first half and uphill for the second half!
If you’re in the mood for great hole-in-the-wall Mexican food, try Pancho’s in Long Beach. When I was a child, they were consistently rated the best tacos in Long Beach.
I’m native to Southern California, so I could go on and on. There is so much to do and explore here, which is one reason I still live here!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’m picturing myself giving words of thanks on the stage of the Academy Awards. Who would I shoutout?!
Someone I’ve Never Met: Julia Cameron, author of “The Artist’s Way”
I read this book nearly one year ago. It reminded me of my childhood dream to be a professional speaker and how I can make this dream into a career. Without this book, I wouldn’t have been courageous enough to pursue professional speaking.
Someone I Reconnected With: Dan Faill, Professional Speaker
Dan and I met when I was a student at Loyola Marymount University. During sorority recruitment season, we collaborated when I was a recruitment counselor, and he was the Director of Greek Life. Ten years later, I reconnected with him on LinkedIn, and he encouraged me to join the NSA SoCal Speakers Academy. Through this academy, I learned the business of speaking with him and Tara Rolstad, Professional Speaker, as co-leads.
Someone Who Mentored Me: Nick Demos, Story Consultant and Speaking Coach
Nick and I connected through the NSA SoCal Speakers Academy. He met with me one-on-one to help refine my speech topic and craft the stories within my speech. During our conversations, I always found myself saying, “One second… I have to write that down!” His intuitive coaching brings my ideas to the surface that I didn’t realize were inside of me.
Someone Who Loves Me and Supports Me Unconditionally: Andy Fitzgerald, Husband
When I was planning my wedding, I had second thoughts about little decisions like tablecloth colors, but I never doubted the man I was marrying. At the time I’m writing this, Andy and I have been a couple for one third of our lives. He’s the most generous person I know and an exceptional listener. He also supported me quitting my W-2 job to pursue my creative dream. I’m so grateful he’s my partner in life!
At this point, the Academy Awards music would start playing, signaling that it’s time to wrap up my speech. Let me give a few more brief shoutouts to loved ones who made a huge impact on my speaking career in particular.
My parents, Darlene and Rich Boucher
My friend since high school, Rosemary Kiss
My colleague turned friend and mentor, Phil Moreno
It’s the People that give us Purpose!
Website: https://www.jenfitzgeraldspeaks.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenfitzgeraldspeaks/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenfitzgeraldspeaks/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jenfitzgeraldspeaks
Other: Innovation Women: https://speaker.innovationwomen.com/user/17380 
Image Credits
Wedding photo taken by Miki & Sonja Photography
Group shot taken by Ling Luo Photography
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