Helayne Spivak
We sat down with writer, career coach and former advertising executive Helayne Spivak to pick her brain on topics such as what she would tell her younger self, what makes her tick and the other fabulous things she’s up to currently. Helayne is dedicated to helping others “get out of their own way,” and is here to end the mental self-sabotage she has experienced herself in her own life and career. Spivak is currently a Certified Life/Career Coach who is eager to expand her gifts of helping others and potentially even help one of you. Check out Style Sonata’s interview with Helayne below.
1. Describe yourself in 3 words:
Tall. Toned. Blonde. (And sometimes I lie)
2. Tell us a bit about the work you do and why you chose that field:
I’m a writer. Was in advertising for decades. Now I lead a class on how to be a Creative Director and do career coaching. The class and the coaching give me the opportunity to mentor those just entering the field. I love using my 30 years of experience to help others successfully maneuver around the potholes and the assholes they’ll inevitably encounter.
3. Any big plans or projects for the rest of 2023?
Yes. I just started to write my autobiography. But I’m going to change my name to protect the guilty. (That would be me)
4. What advice would you give to your 15-year old self?
You’re much smarter than you think. Trust yourself. (And drop that loser, Joe)
5. Best advice you ever received?
Hard to say. I never listened.
6. Happiness is ...?
The love of a dog and helping someone who could use a break for no reason other than it’s the right thing to do.
7. What is your biggest pet peeve?
Hearing someone say “pacific” when they mean “specific”.
8. Describe your go-to style
Go to? Comfort these days. But when there’s an occasion? I dig deep in my closet and mix new with things I’ve had for years and years and create my own style.
9. You feel most beautiful when ...?
I’m happy. Nothing makes a person more beautiful than a real, uninhibited smile.
10. What does fashion mean to you?
OMG. I have been in love with fashion my whole life. I went to Parsons School of Design for fashion design. I changed career goals but not the love of designers. I still gasp at the genius of Norell, McQueen, Givenchy, and Valentino. Bonnie Cashin, Donna, Elsa, and Chanel. Fashion is history. Fashion is statement. Fashion is art. Fashion is fun.
Simple and straight to the point. That’s a woman we can get behind. Not only are we adding Helayne’s autobiography to our wishlist but we’re also taking some keen advice from her 15-year-old self and taking the stand to trusting ourselves and our visions more and listening to others less. As for the fashion comment? We couldn’t have said it better ourselves. Thank you to Helayne for this fabulous interview and priceless life advice.