Over the last several months, I have been honored to be interviewed quite a few times.  As a way to get to know me a little better, I thought that I would share some of these interviews with you.  I’d love your comments!

Here’s the interview…

This week for ‘Buzz a Mom’ I had the pleasure of interviewing Kelli Claypool.  In addition to being a busy wife and mom, Kelli is the co-owner of Briefcase Diva and Diva Talk Radio; just two of the places she works to empower, motivate and encourage women.

Here’s what Kelli shared with me:

I LOVE the name Briefcase Diva!  Is there a story behind the name?

Thank you! I love the name too.

My passion, for many years, has been to promote women in business. We are moms and wives and daughters and business owners and taxi drivers and classroom helpers and bathroom doctors (for the boo-boos) and lovers to our significant others and, and, and… the list goes on.  As women we are pulled in so many different directions that sometimes we need to be encouraged and motivated by other women who have been there, done that and are still doing it.

I want women to look in the mirror and see someone who is priceless. Someone who is valuable.  Someone who makes a difference in so many ways. Often times we put ourselves on hold so that we can tend to our family’s needs…and that’s okay, there’s nothing wrong with that.  But, we allow ourselves to get into a rut and before long we lose sight of who we really are.

So, BriefcaseDiva came to fruition as a means to encourage and motivate women to follow their dreams. And to arm women with tools, support, and education that will empower them to be the best that they can be.  I am inspired, on a daily basis, by the wonderful women that come through the “virtual” doors of BriefcaseDiva.  These women rock!

You define “Diva” in your blog header as “a woman who is strong in her faith, blessed by her family, and who encourages others to rise up to their greatest potential!”

Don’t you just love that definition? It just puts a whole new spin on the implications of a Diva.

Yes, I do love love it!! Can you tell us about a Diva in your life who encouraged you?

I would have to say, my grandmother (Big Mama) was an encouragement in my life. She was a strong woman who did not allow struggles to get her down.  When my grandfather passed away, she was in her 50’s and didn’t know how to drive.  Instead of allowing that to be a disability to her, she was determined that she would learn, she did, and obtained her driver’s license.  Little things like learning to write a check or balancing a checkbook was all new to her, but she put on her big-girl panties and done it.

As a Diva yourself, please share with us some ways your family blesses (supports) your online activities?

Wow, this is a loaded question because I could write a book on this topic alone.  I believe I’m the luckiest girl in the world because I have a husband that supports me and my ideas (even the silly ones).  His unconditional love & support allows me to put in long hours when I need to and he knows that I’m not “playing” at the computer.  He allows me to bounce ideas off of him and never tells me that I’m crazy…even though I think I am sometimes. He’s simply the best!

My favorite part of your definition is that a Diva encourages others.  How do you use your blog and talk show to encourage women to rise up to their greatest potential?

By being transparent. With me, what you see is what you get. I don’t claim to know it all and there are times that I may do something or say something that are not agreeable with others.  But, I’m real. With my blog and talk show, I want a fun atmosphere for women to be themselves, vent when they need to, brag when they’re excited, and give them a shoulder to lean on. I like to have guests (speakers, bloggers) who will bring something of value, whether it be in education, raising awareness, or encouragement. That’s what makes us rise to the top.

You share Briefcase Diva and Diva Talk Radio with a partner, Regina Smola.  What tips do you have for making a partnership (joint venture) with another Diva successful?

I can sum it up in two words…Like-Minds. A partner should share your vision and have an agreement that it’s okay to disagree at times. Having an open communication is also key. Always discuss things, good or bad, and work through things to build and strengthen your relationship.

Wow!  You are definitely right about having a shared vision with those we work with!  Thank you, Kelli, for taking the time to talk with me about how you are living as a Diva business woman.  I, for one, feel inspired to look for ways to encourage other women through blogging.

If you would like to know more about Briefcase Diva, Diva Talk Radio or connect with Kelli, you can follow her on Twitter at @krclaypool, @BriefcaseDiva and @DivaTalkRadio.

Kelli Claypool

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