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Lisa Bruckner
Interview By: Kate Lewis
Who is a role model that you have looked to in cultivating your sense of style? What would you consider to be their secret ingredient?
Do I have to stick to just one? *laughs* My mother, first, who had classic elegance with a sense of humor. She always taught me to “be your best and be yourself.”
Coco Chanel, of course and Julia Child. Both women I admire for their style and their flair and being true to themselves.
Van Day Truex, a style icon of the 20th century, who oozed style. The beauty in his story is that he built his business himself; he created his own style rather than having been raised with it. His is such a great story.
Lastly, my grandfather. He was very rigid and considered wearing denim a sign of delinquency yet he taught me that dressing appropriately demonstrates respect. As a child, I had to dress to the nines to visit him, but I learned so much from the effort.
Who is a role model that you have looked to in cultivating a life of substance? What would you consider to be their secret ingredient?
First, allow me to define what I consider “substance” ... Substance is the ability to find happiness and achieve balance. This is not something that is reliant on money, rather it’s the quantitative feeling of happiness. You have to love what you do in order to offer substance.
Two contemporary role models in the blogosphere I admire are Scott Schuman who writes The Sartorialist (selected as one of Time Magazine’s top 100 design influences) and Rhonda Carmen who writes All the Best ... A Passport to Stylish Living. They have taken topics they love and created a thriving business around them. I admire how they continuously evolve with their craft, are delightfully well-mannered and have genuine flair.
If you could go beyond a company's marketing chatter, what would you really like to know about them when you are deciding on a business deal? How do you gauge their level of style and substance?
I don’t believe it’s about the company or their marketing message. I believe it’s about the people and the relationship. After I hear all the marketing chatter, I ask, “Ok, so tell me what you really do. Tell me what you really care about. How are we going to connect?” In business, it all comes back to the relationship. If a company can't build and maintain a genuine relationship, it's a deal breaker.
What is the most important piece of advice that you would offer College Graduates entering today's job market? How can they put their best foot forward?
I would tell them to be prepared for the ladder of success because it is not always vertical.
Sometimes you have to go backwards in order to move forward. And, it takes maturity to handle that! However, always put your best foot forward, no matter what rung you're standing on because your appearance and manners demonstrate respect and have far-reaching effects. The business world is much smaller than you think and people do remember you (for better or worse).
When I am interviewing job candidates, the big 3 qualities I look for are a nice first impression, their genuine level of interest in this job and how well-mannered they are. Unlike job skills, these three qualities are not something I can easily train.
Your advice on taking advantage of volunteer opportunities to cultivate business contacts?
You must be genuinely passionate about the cause. People can smell a rat a mile away. If you are unsure about something, give it a try. It may not be a fit for you, but you will learn something in the process and offer something back in return. Also, push your boundaries on what you consider your volunteer comfort zone. The experience will be much more rewarding.
If you could change one thing about your style, what would it be?
My style is a constant evolution based on my mood, what’s available, and the occasion. I would love to have more impact pieces, although my core style remains unchanged; I like classic simplicity with a statement piece. This piece should be quietly memorable – not screaming out or trying too hard.
I usually try to balance my conservative style with impact color and playful shoes. Shoes and a jacket are the make or break pieces, in my opinion. I would love to avoid wearing black for an entire month but I doubt I can do it. (My friends are laughing as my wardrobe is 90% black).
When you consider your priorities, is there anything that you would change if you had more time or resources?
My first priority is for daily balance. My tendency is to be a workaholic, so it’s a constant challenge to ensure I balance my family and work lives.
Secondly, ideas and wishing are a dime a dozen; implementation is key. If you want something don't wish for it, do it!
Speaking of wishes, with so much to do and so little time, I would love to change the clocks to a 36 hour day. I might actually get to sleep at night.
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