Kaira Rouda | Kaira Rouda

25 08, 2010

Real You: This is what happens in Vegas

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T00:16:39+00:00August 25, 2010|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Real You: This is what happens in Vegas

We decided to take a last-minute, end of the summer family trip and where did we head? Las Vegas, of course. Yes, while it may not spring to mind as a wholesome family bonding spot, no matter where you travel with your kids, it can be a chance to bring you all closer together (literally in our case via the road trip). And here's what happens in Vegas: we talked, we laughed, we went to a show every night, we swam in huge pools and wandered through immense hotels. And now, we're back. Gearing up for school to start. Reconnected to technology, responsibility, and work. I'm glad that what happened in Vegas - for our family - will stay, not in Vegas, but in our memories for a lifetime.

3 08, 2010

Real You: The entrepreneurial spirit

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T00:16:46+00:00August 3, 2010|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Real You: The entrepreneurial spirit

It’s the decade of the entrepreneur! It’s true. Today’s U.S. economy is fueled by 29.6 million small businesses, led by people just like you, people who are entrepreneurs who made their dreams into reality. Truth is, the only way to begin the journey of entrepreneurship is to start. And start today. Each one of us is in a unique position to approach our work in a fresh new way. One that’s real and authentic to each of us as individuals. What compelled me to write my book, Real You Incorporated and to create the 8-step Real You Process, is the last few years as I’ve watched people not satisfied doing things the same way. I’ve spent the last 20 years of my life as a leader in business, as the vice president of several companies, and always, as an entrepreneur. When I created my most [...]

23 07, 2010

Real You: The power of your voice

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T00:16:57+00:00July 23, 2010|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Real You: The power of your voice

One of my favorite people, voice coach Arthur Joseph, has worked with an amazing line-up of celebrities, sports stars and ordinary folks in addition to his work with singers. His message, quite simply, is your voice is the window to your heart and soul. In his world, your voice is your Real You. The ability to speak clearly, to be heard, to voice your opinion is essential today, probably more than ever. Because even with technology and instant communication, when you have a chance to face one person or a room full of people, it's your voice, your words and their power that will either make them hear you or not. And there is nothing like voice to convey emotion. (I'm saying that and I'm a writer!) Case in point: just spoke with my 15 year old on the telephone. He's at camp in Maine. [...]

9 07, 2010

Real You: What’s shaking?

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T00:17:06+00:00July 9, 2010|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Real You: What’s shaking?

Yes, I was. During the 5.4 magnitude earthquake - the first such experience of my life. Just me, and the dog, and a house rolling like we'd just set sail on rough seas. And yes, it was quick, but it didn't seem like it. My mild earthquake experience jolted me into realizing - again - that we don't know what's coming, but we can do our best to be prepared for it. Myself, I froze instead of heading to a reinforced doorway. (Very disappointing.) Next time, I hope to do better. The quake also made me realize - again - that even though it is summer, and it could be easy to not work as hard or not write this blog or not pursue my dream, I need to keep moving forward. Don't let the season lull or dull your passion. Be ready to move, [...]

1 07, 2010

Real You: A summer to celebrate

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T00:17:16+00:00July 1, 2010|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Real You: A summer to celebrate

With all the celebrations you're planning for the July 4th weekend and more, don't forget to celebrate all you've accomplished so far this year. Take a moment - you deserve it - and realize all you've done. And, if you're feeling stuck, or rudderless, take this time to figure out why. This book can help! Summer gives us a break in routine. A reason to go outside more, to smile, to share. But if you're not taking advantage of all that summer offers - if you're overscheduled, overwhelmed - figure out why and change it now! Summer is here. It's time to celebrate. And it's a great time to be sure the Real You enjoys every moment!

8 06, 2010

Real You: Passion Poppers

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T00:17:19+00:00June 8, 2010|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Real You: Passion Poppers

You recognize passion when you see it, don't you? It's that sparkle in a person's eye, the spring in her step. Passionate people exude pure, real energy. Confidence and a sense of empowerment. Everything they say is infused with enthusiasm. We all recognize it - and hopefully - we all want passion in our lives. Unfortunately, the road to finding and remaining true to your passions is littered with the realities of life. Disappointments and setbacks abound, no matter your age, no matter whether there is a recession or not. (Although, it's especially true today.) Disappointment is a fact of life. These events hurt our hearts and dampen our fire. Did you know Lucille Ball was kicked out of acting school and told she had no talent? True. But she didn't let that hurt keep her down, or dampen her passion for acting. So if [...]

22 03, 2010

Real You: Live like you’re dying

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T00:18:18+00:00March 22, 2010|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Real You: Live like you’re dying

This morning, near where I live, two women were struck by cars as they walked along the road to their bus stop. One woman died of her injuries. Just like that. My teenage daughter pulled out of the driveway last week and suddenly found herself crashed into a tree (nobody was hurt, just the car and the tree). Just like that. A moment can change everything. Moments do change everything. Live today to the fullest, soak up the sun when it shines and be thankful for your blessings. It's hard, with all you do. I know. Living in the moment, thankfully for today, sometimes seems a luxury. But, it's our choice to be happy, to treasure moments. Now, look around you and smile.

10 02, 2010

Real You: Amazon lists, oh my!

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T00:18:44+00:00February 10, 2010|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Real You: Amazon lists, oh my!

Here's the thing: once your write and publish a book these days, for some length of time, if you're like me, you become fixated by Amazon.com. Yikes - what number is my book today? Today, at this moment, I'm #9 in women's studies, #18 in marketing and 68 in women in business. But, by the time you look, it will have changed. That's the constant today, right? Change. Might as well embrace it and try not to get fixated on things you can't control! Yes, I'm working on learning that lesson every day!

4 02, 2010

Real You: It’s tough out there, but stay true to you

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T00:18:52+00:00February 4, 2010|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Real You: It’s tough out there, but stay true to you

I just watched the Personal Branding segment on The Today Show and while I respect anybody who goes on national television and helps motivate folks to articulate their personal brands, I did worry about his message. On the segment, an author and branding expert seemed to encouraged people to figure out a gimmick - wearing black, like he does - or changing yourself to help people remember you. I'm all for the five senses of branding, but to make yourself memorable, it must start with the real you. Have you taken the time to reflect? When's the last time you wrote your story? For many of us today, personal branding is falling by the wayside as we scramble for another job, another consulting gig or the like. Personal branding isn't about gimmicks. Personal branding is understanding and articulating your unique personal brand and then conveying [...]

1 07, 2009

Kindle Lovers… This is for you!

By Kaira Rouda|2023-02-07T00:27:31+00:00July 1, 2009|business, entrepreneurs, Kindle, Real You Incorporated, Uncategorized, women in business|Comments Off on Kindle Lovers… This is for you!

Amazon’s Kindle allows you to download and read thousands of books, newspapers, magazines and now blogs. This is great news for people like me, who read multiple blogs daily. There are tons of blogs listed in categories ranging from arts and entertainment to business and investing to travel, lifestyle, culture and more. And as of today, the Real You Incorporated blog is also available on Kindle blogs! Other blogs available for download include: The New York Times- Latest News, Huffington Post, The Onion, Seth’s Blog (Seth Godin) and Vanity Fair’s VF Daily Blog, among others. Blogs downloaded via Kindle blogs provide you with full text content and images and are updated wirelessly throughout the day. To learn more, visit Amazon.com and download your Real You Incorporated Kindle blog!