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Many of us pulled out a hairbrush and pretended to be interviewing someone, usually a patient parent or impatient sibling, but few of us were focused enough to know that our playtime could translate into a career. Even fewer of us have combined two loves into a career arc spanning over 20 years.
“I went from Ryerson journalism school to an internship at City TV and quickly moved on to CTV’s Lifetime, which I produced for four years. I became their on-air fashion expert and honed my presentation skills. This led to several years producing The Dini Petty Show, until I finally opened my own production company in 1995. During this time I executive produced and hosted countless high end lifestyle series including Life Network’s, All You Can Be and HGTV’s, Backyard Pleasures. Other shows like TSN’s Golf the World took me to many fascinating places. It was a great way to see the world and rub elbows with people from all levels of society.”
Listening to Deborah chat about her resume makes it clear that she has both experience and understanding when it comes to presentation and moving forward in the world.
“It’s pretty simple,” she says, I help you be the star that you are!” Of course it can take a little work to polish folks into their truest, shiniest selves, but Deborah knows how to do it.
“I’m gentle. I show people how to see themselves in a more positive way and grow into their potential. The common thread for all of us is the need for a little boost now and then. I help my clients with their Image, Etiquette and Communication skills. These skills leads to greater confidence in themselves and more success in life.”
These days she’s getting a lot of interest from corporations who understand that an employee with an outdated image or poor social skills can damage a company’s brand. “I’ve had a couple of clients sent to me who resisted the idea that they needed some help. Once I pointed out how their image was out of sync with the message their company was trying to convey they began to understand.
When they learned that companies routinely take employees they are considering promoting out for a business lunch to secretly size up their etiquette and social skills, they were eager to improve. Social skills include everything from proper eye contact and body language to knowing how to hold a knife and fork. Many people have grown up with very few sit-down dinners. Fast food means never having to know how to hold a knife and fork.”
It’s so true. I realize I’ve seen numerous shows in which the actors hold their eating utensils as if they’ve just come out of a cave. It isn’t a spoon, it’s a weapon! But even knowing basic dining skills isn’t enough when confronted with a formal, full-on place setting. Wouldn’t it be much better to learn under the gentle tutelage of Deborah, than make a faux pas with a client?
Deborah guides her students through her popular Executive Image and Etiquette Finishing School complete with a formal meal. These classes are held four times a year at the Verity in Toronto, Ontario. By the end of the day participants will have a powerful, personal brand and be ready to move in wider social circles feeling confident they have the executive edge.
Not everyone works in a corporate setting. These days many people are becoming entrepreneurs. In the home office, every day is casual day until you’re called on to make a pitch, or go on television to promote your book, or go to dinner with someone who could finance your next big idea.
“I’m seeing many new clients who never considered themselves a candidate for my classes, but then they decide to launch a product or service and suddenly are thrust into the media glare. They need to quickly learn how to dress for the camera, present a relaxed body language and get their message across clearly and concisely.
It can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Being in front of the camera is something I have years of experience with and love to share. You want to be ready when your 15 seconds of fame comes. I also offer a CD series called TV Image Live for those who are in a pinch and need help to tweak their skills.”
Speaking of tweaking, I ask Deborah about “Tweak Your Chic” under the Personal Style option on her website.
“Oh, I’m having so much fun with personal-style coaching! Particularly with “Tweak Your Chic” because I’m in the demographic.
It’s aimed at – women 40, 50 and beyond. It’s a time of transition and many women fall into a rut because their bodies are changing, and they’ve been so busy with their careers or family. At this stage of life women basically know who they are – they don’t need a total makeover. They just need to get re-acquainted with some areas they’ve been ignoring and change things up a little.
For some women it’s a matter of having left a profession and no longer having to put on a suit, but not wanting to live in jeans or sweat pants. It can be a confusing time because the fashion choices seem to leave you dressing either too old or too young.”
Deborah is generous with her advice. If you go to www.fabulousafter40.com you’ll find immediate tips on whether or not over-forty is too old to pull on one of the current crop of leggings. Yeah! Finally someone who makes sense without lecturing. As Deborah says, “Life is too short to be frumpy.”
Visit Deborah’s main website www.deborahboland.com to learn more about her many image consulting services. All those radio and television stations knew something when they hired her to produce and host her many lifestyle programs and she’s ready to share her field-tested knowledge to help you become your best self.
Written by: Gabriole Wilson
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