Interview10 with Suzanna Kaye - Author at Lynda.com, a LinkedIn Company

Interview10 with Suzanna Kaye

Brief Intro:
Author at Lynda.com, a LinkedIn Company
Owner & Professional Organizer at A Space That Works Organizing.

1. I first saw you on a Lynda.com video lecture on Business Communication and Ethics. How did this happen? Did you approach Lynda.com or Lynda.com approached you? 

This was a crazy idea I had that I took a chance on and it worked out. My father had been a subscriber to Lynda.com for a few years and raved about how good their training were. One day he mentioned to me that I would be good as one of their authors. I thought there was no way they would want someone with only a little video experience for such a professional site. One day I decided to email them anyway. The worst they could say was no, right? (And pass my email around the office laughing…) Obviously that didn’t happen! Within a week they contacted me and asked me to send in a sample of my work. After a few more calls and tests I was in! It has been an amazing experience ever since. 

 2. Tell us the motivation behind setting up your company?

 I was CFO of a national company at the time and was looking for a career change. As I was browsing the internet for other career ideas and jobs I came across an advertisement for home organizing. I thought to myself – there are people who get PAID to do that??? I had never been an organized person throughout my childhood and college. I had to teach myself all of these skills through a lot of research, trial and error and frustration. The idea that I could help someone else learn to be more organized and manage their time better and make the whole process easier for them sounded amazing. So, I jumped in! 

3. How did you get the knack of organizing- is it by birth or practice? 

Hahaha, definitely NOT by birth!!! By years of research, practice, trial and error (mostly error) and pushing myself to stick to new and better habits. It took a few decades to finally understand it enough to help others.

 4. How do you identify the right place for things to be placed? 

That’s a very difficult question! It depends so much on the personality type and lifestyle of the client I am working with. Each solution depends on understanding the needs and struggles of the individual. Overall, though, I use what I call Property Law for general placement. I have a whole video on my YouTube channel discussing it. (A very OLD video, but still applicable.)

 5. How much time do you usually take to complete one project/ contract?

 Again, that varies greatly by the client. It can be anywhere form an hour phone call to years of repeat visits or calls. 

 6. Coming back to Lynda.com, do you have plans to give more lectures on other topics?

 I would LOVE to! I am still trying to come up with more ideas for courses people would find useful that are not already covered by Lynda.com’s extensive library. It gets harder the more courses you do to come up with new, relevant ideas. I am open to any suggestions! ☺ 

 7. Tell us something about your work-life balance.

 This is a hot topic for me currently. I find the balance changes often as new adjustments need to be made. When I started my business I was single and could focus 100% of my time on work. Now that I have a family things have had to adjust drastically. As my family grows and changes I have to as well. I find I am constantly adjusting and finding new ways to successfully get done what needs to be done while not missing out on the important moments in life. I am currently in a very good place with the balance, but I know more change will happen and I will adjust again! The main thing is to keep in mind what is truly important to you (this is different for each person.) Always stick to your values and beliefs, know your goals clearly and have them written down with detail and deadlines and work on what will get you to your most important goals fastest. Then be okay with letting the rest go.

 8. Do you believe in charity? If yes, What is your favorite Cause that you like to support?

 Most definitely. We should never feel alone. I have been through tough times in the past when I have needed support, whether financial or more often just a supportive word. I believe if I have been blessed to have such a wonderful life I should spread that joy to others. As I climb the ladder of success I am always looking at how I can lend a hand up to others. Now, that being said, I think you can take it too far and spend too much time helping others to a point where it takes a toll on yourself. Selecting only a few meaningful ways to be charitable works best for me. I currently assist in creating a Christmas party with a group of my friends for an independent living home each year. These are special needs adults who don’t usually have any family contact. The presents we give are often items they need for the year that they may not be able to provide for themselves, and they get a chance to feel that someone cares about them in the world. I also volunteer as a leader in an event for special needs children each year. Throughout the year I practice random acts of kindness and mentor beginning organizers to become successful in their own businesses. 

 9. If you were down in life, who would be the one person you would go back to, to get re-energized?

 I am beyond blessed to have several people I can list for an answer to this question! Probably the first people I would go to are my fiancée who is always my biggest cheerleader and one of my best friends who is my inspirational motivation. Along with my spirituality they are some of my biggest sources of strength. 

 10. Any thoughts to share to Interview10 and its viewers?

 I think my biggest lessons in life have been these: 1. Stop comparing yourself to others. You never see the truth of their life so it’s impossible to really compare – and as long as you are doing what makes YOU happy and fulfilled and serving your own specific purpose in this world you are more successful than the richest king in the world. 2. Don’t think too much – just jump in. Some of my best experiences have come from taking a chance and trying something I wasn’t sure would work. 3. Don’t forget to live. Don’t get so wrapped up in business success or money that you forget the important experiences and memories. I have worked with many clients during the end of their life. The memories of a life well lived are all we have left at the end. Build up your treasured memories more than your bank account.

Thank you Suzanna! That was an amazing and inspiring Interview! Wish you best of Luck!