Ep 7: From Fired to On Fire: Sharon Burstein’s Bold Reinvention

Sharon Burstein is an award-winning author,  keynote speaker, and passionate entrepreneur who has dedicated her life to empowering people of all ages to find their voice and live boldly.    From the moment she discovered her love for entrepreneurship as just a young girl, Sharon has continually pursued success on her own terms—despite external doubts, unexpected setbacks, and societal barriers.   Growing up, Sharon yearned for possibility and adventure. She found herself at odds with a family that preferred to “sit on the sidelines,” yet her vibrant spirit urged her to take big leaps.    This determination fueled her first business venture at age 10 - selling handcrafted potholders door to door. Without realizing it at the time, she was already honing essential skills in sales, marketing, and customer service that would later become the bedrock of her impressive career.   Despite being told she could not afford college, Sharon doggedly fought to finance her own education. With relentless ambition and creativity, she earned scholarships, took on extra jobs, and ultimately graduated at the top of her class.    From there, she built a thriving corporate career - becoming a C-suite executive and the only female vice president at a major insurance conglomerate.    When Sharon unexpectedly lost her job for daring to choose both career and motherhood, she turned the heartbreak into a springboard. The corporate rejection became her catalyst for creating multiple successful businesses, including a highly regarded public relations and media company, a manufacturing company (where she holds five patents), and even a regional lifestyle publication called Lake George Living Magazine.   Sharon’s unwavering belief in the power of boldness and self-permission has made her a true inspiration.    She teaches that success is not only about what you achieve but how you inspire others along the way.    Her motto, “If it is to be, it is up to me,” is a reflection of her belief that true change, growth, and impact start from within. Through her speaking engagements, writing, and mentorship, Sharon uplifts others to dream bigger, embrace risks, and step boldly into the next chapter of their lives.    Above all, Sharon Burstein is a living testament that obstacles - no matter how daunting - can be overcome with resilience, resourcefulness, and a commitment to standing in your true power.    She continues to expand her legacy of shaping futures, changing lives, and championing anyone willing to believe in themselves and take that bold first step. Key Takeaways 1. Be Bold, Even When It’s Scary - Real growth begins outside your comfort zone, so dare to take the first leap. Even small, courageous moves can set you on a path to exciting new possibilities.   2. Use Challenges as Springboards - Obstacles aren’t roadblocks; they’re stepping stones. Each setback can spark an even stronger comeback if you choose to learn from it and keep going.   3. Surround Yourself with Positive Influences -  Find mentors, friends, and peers who build you up rather than hold you back. A supportive community can amplify your confidence and accelerate your success.   4. Find and Honor Your Own Voice - You have the power to stand up for yourself. No one else can speak your truth or do your “push-ups” for you - own your dreams fearlessly.   5. Practice Resilience Daily - Strengthen your resolve by viewing failures as lessons. Dust yourself off and try again with renewed passion and focus.   6. Be a Mentor and a Champion - Just as you benefit from role models, become a role model for those coming up behind you. Inspire others by sharing what you’ve learned on your journey.   7. Remember “If It Is to Be, It Is Up to Me” -  True change starts with you. When you accept responsibility for your destiny, you unlock the courage to chase your goals with unwavering determination. Quotes by Sharon 1. “You can either live life or watch life. I choose to live.”   2. “Life is a great adventure, and sometimes you have to step out of your comfort zone to take bold steps at all ages. The only way to grow is by taking those risks.”   3. “No one can do your pushups for you.”   4. “If it is to be, it is up to me. The only person who can affect change in your life is you - no one else can do the work for you.”   Connect with Sharon Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sharonburstein/?hl=en  Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharonburstein  Website - https://www.sharonburstein.com/  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sharon.burstein.7/  X - https://twitter.com/sharonaburstein?lang=en    Feeling stressed?   Get our Top 3 Quick Techniques to Unlock Instant Calm Without Meditation 👇   https://mailchi.mp/selfawesomeness/boost-your-calmness