Pursuit 365 Day 225: Blair Kaplan Venables

When you first started your career, how did you know you were ready and what made you start?

I was just out of school where I finished in Public Relations, and I wanted to work in the PR department at the company I was with, for over three years. At the time, that was a realistic goal. I decided instead, at the age of 23, at the beginning of a recession and new to Vancouver, to quit my job and start my own PR company. I was ready to be my own boss and have flexibility in my schedule so I could travel and create my own opportunities.

What or who has been your greatest influence in business?

My mother is my biggest inspiration. She has always done what she had to do to give my sister and me the life that she wanted us to have. This showed me what was possible with hard work and goal setting.

What is your number one business goal to accomplish this year?

I will be launching my second cohort of Empowerment in Q1 of 2023. I desire to welcome 100 people into that program. Empowerment is the ultimate group coaching experience that hones your social media and publicity skills so that you stand out from your competition and be a thought leader in your industry. Oh, and I would love to write book and do a TED talk.

What do you have going on that you’d like to share?

I recently published The Global Resilience Project book, which became an international bestseller and I’m currently working on a children’s book about resilience. I am currently mapping out the second book for The Global Resilience Project (if you are interested in being in it, please reach out blair@blairkaplan.ca). I am growing my private mentoring practice while getting on more stages around the world talking about social media and resilience.

Where do you see yourself in five years? How do you envision your future?

I will be a globally recognized resilience thought leader with more book titles under my name along with a North American speaking tour. I will feel happy and have the time and financial freedom to help women in business. I will grow The Global Resilience Project and to travel to new corners of the globe.

What is your favourite thing about what you do in your career and why?

I love empowering and inspiring others. I am fulfilled when I see what I teach being implemented and when I know that I am changing lives for the good. It helps my soul heal.

Do you have a mantra or phrase you live by? What is it?

I do not regret the things I’ve done, but those I did not do. – Lucas, Empire Records

What is your number one priority when it comes to your career and daily work?

Happiness. If I don’t love what I am doing, I am not happy. If I am happy, I am motivated and inspired. Happiness drives my inspiration and is a key part to my ability to create.

What keeps you motivated on a daily basis? I am turning my pain into purpose. Knowing that The Global Resilience Project is helping so many people move through life’s most difficult situations helps me navigate my own challenges and traumas.