When Laura Met Theo

By Laura Schaefer

The first chat I had with the inimitable Theo Prodromitis happened while I was standing in the middle of Epcot at Walt Disney World. That sounds so idyllic now, as no one can go back there until the current COVID-19 pandemic subsides and it is again safe to do so. I mention the setting of our call because it is an unusual thing to have such a great connection with another person on the phone right from the start—as Theo and I definitely did that day. It’s even more remarkable when it happens in the midst of a theme park crowd!

Today, Theo and I are working together on a very cool project and I wanted to take a few minutes to shine a spotlight on her business and vibe. Theo overflows with generosity, wisdom, warmth, and overall awesomeness. I’m so thrilled to know this business and personal development leader, and wanted to give others the opportunity to connect with an all-around amazing human.

Here’s our conversation. I hope you enjoy meeting Theo as much as I did!

Laura: First, can you tell us a little about yourself and your businesses?

Theo: Thank you. I am a passionate Greek American mom, entrepreneur, and advocate for women and small businesses. 

My entire career has been spent in solving problems for customers, clients and the public sector. I love it. Each day, I make it my quest to impact others’ lives in a positive way. From my brands Spa Destinations, Keratin Secrets, and Ever New Automotive on Amazon to being a bestselling author, speaker, and advocate with “Connect with Theo,” I’m a busy person! My favorite job is being a mother of three teenagers (homeschooled for many years), and my main philosophy is the Greek imperative called Philotimo: love of honor or doing great work with a benefit for the greater good always!

L: You've met and collaborated with many impressive individuals over the years. Can you tell us about some of these projects, how they came about, and what you learned?

T: I could write an entire book about this. All of my collaborations occur as a result of the balance between hustle and flow. I have fine-tuned my innate ability to connect with people at many levels. I think it begins with confidence that I have value; other wildly successful, innovative people love to interact with people who can hold their own. In the hustle, that means I seize opportunities to make personal, meaningful connection and communication without fear of rejection. Then I let it flow and remove my attachment to the outcome.

Randi Zuckerberg is an amazing leader who matches my core values, so I followed her work for several years and looked for the opportunity to work with her. I had studied The Success Principles from Jack Canfield for years and that helped in landing my book collaboration with him. From the CEO of Discovery, Peter Faircy to the CEO of Allergan, Brent Saunders, my approach is to develop a deep interest and knowledge of their companies and work and go from there. It always comes down to doing the work. Some also say I am lucky; I say I live where preparation and opportunity meet!

 L: Love it! You and I found each other on LinkedIn. Can you explain your thought process when you were searching for an editor/ghostwriter?

T: The beauty of it is that I wasn't searching for anyone at all. I had written my book and was working through the final draft. You reached out to me in a very professional, non-intrusive way, focused on the simple question of value. Even though I wasn't looking, your question "Would my service be of value to you?" left me thinking. I researched you online and loved what I saw. Our first conversation...we just clicked. (L: Yes!) 

You saw my vision and passion and I knew my book would be even better with your input as an editor. I know ours is a long-term relationship that will lead to other opportunities as there are so many more books in me. The next one might use your interview/ghostwriting service!

L: Some people are hesitant to hire professional help when it comes to their books. How do you feel about it? Why?

T: My humble opinion from working with highly successful people is that we share a common trait: CONTROL. At first, someone might be afraid to be judged as they are not used to having people critique them as the boss. They may not trust the process if they haven't worked with an editor or ghostwriter. For me, I am a writer, so the term "ghostwriter" suggested that I couldn't do it myself, which I did. I remember the first time I sent you the draft—it took me a month.

The hesitation is most likely a combination of fear of losing control of the message, not wanting/needed to be critiqued, and finally knowing you can write it yourself…but why would you when you can make it better with the right editor/ghostwriter? If they knew that the right resource is like taking a world-class Bentley Continental GT and applying a fine wax for maximum shine in all the right places, they’d feel better. It is still the perfection of a Bentley, just enhanced.

L: Beautifully stated! How do you choose who to hire when you are searching for assistance?

T: Balance hustle and flow. If I have an immediate need, I throw it out there for tons of responses. Then I see how the flow goes, meaning how do I like or "gut feel" about a person’s communication. Of course, I ask for referrals but more importantly, I focus my positive energy on attracting the right resource. I LOVE sales so I don't mind being pitched over and over. 

My experience has also made it easy for me to say no thank you. There is a cadence to a client relationship that develops, so I match up credentials, credibility, and referrals with my gut instinct. For example, there is one man that emailed me 10 times on LinkedIn trying to get my business. After the third LI message that I didn't respond to, I knew he was not for me. Just out of curiosity, I did not respond with my customary, "No, but thank you for your time." I let it go to see how far (out of touch) he was. Finally, after 10 messages, I sent him a note. 

My years of marketing expertise lets me know that you don't want to annoy or hound potential customers so they associate you with a feeling of "ugh, not him again." I choose who to hire based on someone focusing on my needs and not spewing everything great about themselves! Ask more questions. Do a needs analysis. It’s better.

L: Can you tell readers a little about your current book project?

T: My current book project is a passion project and labor of love, a legacy for my children and way to do what I love most...storytelling! We all connect through stories and I have some BIG stories to share. I have shared in many different ways my magical and sometimes devastating personal journey. 

My working title sums up my concept of success: It is found in the synergy between hustle and flow. In essence, in knowing when to push to make things happen and when to get in flow to let them manifest. East meets West. Zen meets 10X. I absolutely cannot wait for people to read it, especially given our current crisis. My book is about the nuances of life that bring hope for love, connection, and a successful, bright today! (And future.)

L: This is a challenging time for business owners. Can you tell us how you are handling it? What can we all do now when we are feeling a bit powerless or uncertain?

T: We survived a glimpse of this business difficulty in 2008. This situation adds in the new fear of death. Wow, financial and health uncertainty. It is time to pull out every connection, strategy, and resource you have. In business, we are following our success model from prior downturns and unexpected issues (like quality control lead-filled products from China with false documentation to a 50% increase in postal rates from zone to flat rate crushing our profits).

We innovate. We review and refresh our highest value to customers and figure out how to invest in delivering unprecedented solutions. What do customers need most? Can they afford our solutions? If not, what else can we provide? Do we need to help different customers? The internet has connected us in ways like never before. It is a dichotomy because marketplaces are crowded and there is a land grab for mind share. 

We stay calm and steady and honest, contributing to causes and helping others as much as possible in their time of need shows leadership and that is how we sustain our business! When you feel powerless or uncertain, surround yourself with a community that is offering solutions. Ask for help. I also heard Mel Robbins share advice that is amazing: When you start to focus on the possibility of the worst outcome, remind yourself, "If that happens, I will deal with it." Then, focus on what you can control. If needed, get professional counseling. These are unprecedented times and your mental health is crucial! Tele-therapy is amazing.

L: Great advice. You're a big advocate for women in business. What trends are you seeing?

T: I am a fierce advocate for women and want to share an insight that I see. Women in business are increasing in many key metrics from percentage of CEOs to the boardroom (slower) to female entrepreneurs. I see more women building each other up; that shift is beautiful, powerful, and I believe the key that was blocking exponential growth for women. Laura, our next project together may be entitled, “Men are not the benchmark for which women are measured, their own personal potential is...”

L: I like it! What does the future hold for you in the next six months, two years and beyond?

T: The next six months will be focused on cranking out as much content and support to help others during these difficult times. I am experienced in trauma and loss, and rebuilding, resilience, and triumph. Publishing my book that you are editing, launching a podcast, online courses, webinars and virtual speaking events to inspire and connect people are all ahead.

For two years and beyond, we have an amazing product roadmap of innovative new offerings that are environmentally friendly. I will also continue to advocate for small businesses in Congress as part of Amazon and the National Retail Federation Small Business Advisory Council. There is so much great work to do and I am more excited than ever to be the best version of me!

L: What advice do you have for other entrepreneurs when it comes to project collaboration?

T: The advice I have for entrepreneurs about project collaboration is to first and foremost, check your ego at the door. The exponential results happen when we release the "I" and focus on the goal. Communication through tough conversations is also key. Be more confident, bold yet respectful. 

My advice for this unprecedented time is to take a little more personal interest in knowing about the life of your team members. Their creativity and focus may be hindered by current issues (unemployment or illness or even loss from COVID-19). It is time to peel back the "political correctness" and just tell truth about budget, goals, timelines, and setbacks. Definitely use Zoom or face-to-face because it is the age of preoccupation. :-) 

Finally, it is a great time to start your own brain trust to brainstorm ideas, provide support, and simply connect. We are in this together.

To meet Theo yourself, find her at ConnectWithTheo.com and schedule a call. If you need help with a book project of your own, please DM me or visit LauraSchaeferWriter.com.