October – Success
Dr. Verna Price, VirtualOffiCenters client at International Plaza, is an executive coach, author and an internationally known motivational speaker. She is committed to inspiring, empowering and challenging you to new levels of success and excellence through Personal Power. This vibrant woman inspires us to live a purposeful life. The more we are connected with our heart’s desire, the more we come alive with enthusiasm and hope. This contagious energy is for us all. Find yours and pass it on.
Every business has a story, tell us yours.
It was 14 years ago. I was sitting in church when I had a vision to write my book, The Power of People: Four Kinds of People Who Can Change Your Life. I fired myself as a professor at the University of Minnesota, bought a computer, added a phone/fax in my basement and waited for success. I thought it would happen in a week when in fact it took years for my consulting business to take off. Today, I am traveling all over the world doing speaking engagements, executive coaching work and consulting on things like team effectiveness and personal power. I have published three books, the first an International best seller. I love my work more and more every day.
You were chosen as this month’s Success Client. Tell us about your most recent Success.
I grew up on a small island in the Bahamas. This past June I went back to my homeland to share my work with my people. It was very moving experience. Recently, I was also invited to share my work with women in China and currently my first book is being translated into Chinese.
No one likes to brag about their business, but if you HAD TO . . .
I am the #1 female motivational speaker in the country and a premiere Minnesota speaker to corporations and businesses. My first book, The Power of People: Four Kinds of People Who Can Change Your Life, is an International Best Seller.
But, my most important work came in 2005 when I founded Girls In Action, my non-profit organization that provides inner city girls with a positive outlook for their futures with the intention of decreasing violence while increasing academic engagement and high school graduation rates.In the last 9 years, the program has impacted over 3000 junior and senior high girls across the Twin Cities Metro area, Detroit, Chicago, and Guatemala. We are proud of the fact that 95% of our girls graduate from high school on time and 75% of our graduates enroll in college. The success of Girls In Action is by far my proudest achievement.
We learn from our mistakes, especially in business. Give us some words of wisdom.
Take a finance class before you start your business. Have a financial team. Never use your own resources when starting your business, find venture capital.
Share the best advice you ever received.
Love people, serve people, but don’t let people destroy you.
Describe your perfect day off.
I would go for a walk, hit the sauna and get a massage! Next, I would go lunch at my favorite restaurant, alone. Then head home for dinner and family time. That sounds like the perfect day to me.
What might someone be surprised to know about you?
I never learned to dance. I also practice Tai Chi.
Together we are stronger. Tell us something you like about being our client.
I love that OffiCenters and VirtualOffiCenters are willing to give opportunities for women to be leaders. I also love Lori and Lea!
If you could work anywhere under the sun, where would you choose?
Here and now, exactly where I am.
How can people CONNECT with you?
Visit my website at http://www.drvernaprice.com/ . You can also reach me by email at drverna@popinstitute.org or by phone at 763-535-5711.
