Today we’d like to introduce you to Linda Swindling.
Linda, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I always wanted to be a performer. In elementary school, my parents had to endure pretend circus shows on our backyard jungle gym, art shows, and readings of my “original” stories and poems. They sat through more dance recitals, plays, operas, talent shows, orchestra concerts and choir performances than is probably healthy. In high school, I danced with two professional dance companies before heading to New York City.
In NYC, I was given the opportunity to decide whether I wanted to dance and act as a career. After four months I had my answer. College was more aligned with what I wanted next. What a blessing to have choices. Just because you have an ability and have worked hard to perform at a high level doesn’t mean you have to stick with that course forever.
The lessons in discipline and the stage time in front of audiences have been invaluable when speaking. My degree in Broadcast Journalism from Texas Tech University was great preparation for law school and later writing and promoting books.
I am most proud of:
I’m proud of passing the bar, the awards I’ve received, certifications I’ve earned like the Certified Speaking Professional and my coaching certifications. I’m proud of my family and all they’ve accomplished. I’m proud of leadership roles in non-profit organizations like Metrocrest Social Services, the National Speakers Association, the NSA Foundation and the Texas Tech College of Media and Communication and Media Advisory Board.
However, what is most meaningful is helping others with their own personal and professional journeys. Nothing is more inspirational than connecting with people who attended my speech 2 or 3 years ago and listening to them describe changes they’ve made in their life. It’s gratifying when they credit my words as contributing to their success. However, I have fun reminding them that their great outcomes are the result of their decision to act.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like most people, I’ve trusted the wrong people to my detriment, and relationships haven’t always been smooth. However, my biggest challenges come from feeling out of control from a change that I didn’t anticipate. The first time was in elementary school where we moved from my friends and the diverse culture of Ferguson, Missouri (yes, the one in the news) to Richardson, Texas.
Another pivotal time, my carefully laid out plan to work in a big firm after law school veered in a different direction. My downtown Dallas law firm dissolved during my first year of practice. My husband and I had student debt from both of our graduate degrees. We also owed on two cars.
After seven years of school including two years of clerking to prepare me for this “dream” job, I found myself unemployed in a down economy. One of the toughest decisions was leaving my law practice of Withrow, Fiscus, and Swindling. (With a name like Swindling, having my name on the firm leader head proves I know how to negotiate.) Leaving a profitable business where I was a partner with good support staff and clients I liked to start a new venture was an adjustment.
Most of us experience change and find ourselves on a totally different path than we planned. My background showed me how important it was to stay connected, understand your value and learn to communicate and negotiate powerfully.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Journey On – what should we know?
My company, Journey On, is a customized leadership and communications company that provides keynote speaking, consulting and executive coaching. My specialty is helping people communicate so that others will listen. Our focus is on powerful communication, negotiation, and high-performance leadership.
What sets me apart from others: The people who hire me say that I’m relatable and give strategies that work.
Relatable:
Because I’m the daughter of a college professor and an engineer who also served with the US Army, I relate well to those who work hard, who want to pursue more, and who are willing to put in the time to develop themselves.
Prior to my media training, my work background was rich in sales and customer service through hospitality, retail, and the restaurant industry, so I understand the need to connect and solve problems. As a mom and wife, I empathize with balancing the demands of working with home and the need to be effective everywhere.
My broadcast journalism experience has helped me multiple times when I’ve been an expert guest for TV news stories.
Strategies that work:
As a practicing employment attorney and mediator for 10 years, I was actively involved in negotiation and conflict resolution daily. I am passionate about helping others maintain good working relationships and avoiding non-productive work drama.
Our books and program content are based on original research and many years of working with leaders. They are thoughtfully written and delivered to produce results and be resources to use for years.
My experience as a business owner and a CEO coach who ran peer advisory groups helped me understand what is important to leaders and how business works. Most professionals don’t have the luxury of wasting time or listening to unsupported theories that aren’t practical or applicable. Our programs are customized, so people receive the most value from content that is meaningful and memorable.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
As a practicing employment attorney and mediator for 10 years, I was actively involved in negotiation and conflict resolution daily. I am passionate about helping others maintain good working relationships and avoiding non-productive work drama.
My books and program content are based on original research and many years of working with leaders.
My experience as a CEO Coach and group facilitator helped me understand what is important to leaders and how business works. My audience members don’t have the luxury of wasting time or listening to unsupported theories that aren’t practical or applicable. Therefore, my programs are customized, so people receive the most value from content that is meaningful, memorable and can be implemented.
Our success is based on our life’s journey and the people you influence along the way. Learn from each experience and bring the best of that knowledge to your next opportunity. Ask. Ask Often. And Ask Outrageously.
What were you like growing up? Personality wise, interest wise, etc.
People-pleasing, creative, a dreamer, a schemer, curious, precocious, bored easily. Found my tribe in college and later the National Speakers Association. It is ironic that I now get paid to do what I used to get in trouble for in school: talking in class, making smart-aleck remarks and making people laugh.
Contact Info:
- Website: LindaSwindling.com
- Phone: 972.416.3652
- Email: Linda@LindaSwindling.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindaswindling/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JourneyOnLindaSwindling
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/LindaSwindling
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
