Today we’d like to introduce you to Harper Spero
Hi Harper, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I spent the first decade of my career working for companies in Public Relations, Marketing & Event Production roles in beauty, tech, music, nonprofits and the health & wellness field. In 2012, my health took a turn while I was working the highest stress job I’d ever had. Getting my first gray hair on my first day on the job clearly was a sign for what was to come. I ended up having to take medical leave for two months to prioritize my health, something I’d never done before. And when I returned to work, I recognized that my health needed to remain a priority, so I made a career transition to producing events for nonprofits & health and wellness brands – allowing me to do work I was passionate about while prioritizing my health. I’d lived with a rare immunodeficiency, Hyper IgE Syndrome since birth and had so much shame about it that I had avoided sharing it with anyone.
When I went on medical leave from my job, it was impossible to continue to hide. Instead of only telling my immediate loved ones, I started writing and publishing about my experience in hopes of feeling less alone and helping others feel less alone too. I instantly realized how cathartic it was to write and share my story, and how impactful my storytelling could be in other people’s lives who were living with invisible illnesses.
I realized I needed to craft a career that worked for me – and I became committed to helping others do the same. In 2014, I became a certified professional coach through IPEC (Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching), launched my coaching business shortly thereafter and have helps hundreds of solopreneurs, small business owners, freelancers and consultants launch and build their businesses.
In 2018, I realized there was no content online, especially podcasts dedicated to sharing stories of people living with invisible illnesses and showcasing how resilient they are. I launched my podcast, Made Visible in July 2018 sharing stories of patients, caregivers, doctors, healers and people who started businesses because of their connection to invisible illness.
In 2022, I started sharing my story at companies such as SONY, Mellon Investments, UBS and Diageo to encourage employees to write, share and own their invisible illness stories.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I don’t know a single entrepeneur who would say that building a business is constantly seamless. As a business owner, you are responsible for absolutely everything including the aspects of the business that you’re not skilled at. I’ve always been a huge advocate of outsourcing if you have the funds to take tasks off your plate that you’re not good at and somebody is better at.
I’ve thrown a lot of ideas at the wall hoping that they stick. Many have and others have fallen completely flat. It can be disappointing and defeating and then you have to pick yourself up and try again.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
From invisible illness advocacy to business coaching, I empower individuals to own their story & make an impact.
With Made Visible, I offer speaking engagements and storytelling programs to companies to create more inclusive environments for individuals living with invisible illnesses. While there are many speakers focused on disability, chronic illness and mental health — they’re often speaking at the audience whereas my sessions are more interactive. I want to empower individuals with invisible illnesses to safely write and share their stories to feel more seen, heard and supported.
As a business coach for almost ten years, I’ve worked with individuals and small business owners in the health + wellness field as well as interior designers, content creators, writers, chefs, stylists, and entertainers. One of my biggest assets is that I can help business owners in any field structure, strategize, organize, launch and build their business to what they desire it to be (and most of the time even beyond what they can see is possible for them).
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
I was spending my winter abroad when the pandemic hit so I was used to managing an online business. I had many clients on Zoom who I never met in person prior to the pandemic so it made the transition to being at home full-time quite seamless. The pandemic definitely reminded me of the value of in person sessions and meetings.
I launched a virtual group coaching program weeks before the pandemic began which turned into a business support group as each of my clients were navigating the transitions during the pandemic. It was such a good reminder of the value of community and being amongst people who were facing similar challenges, could support you and virtually hold your hand through the hard times.
Working from home can be challenging as it’s hard to create boundaries. If you’re living in small quarters, especially with other people, it’s important to find ways to separate your work time and your personal/downtime. Balance is crucial.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.harperspero.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harper_spero
- Other: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/made-visible/id1412747367
Image Credits
Mathewson Media https://www.mathewsonmedia.com/
Maya Armony took only the photo with me NOT facing the computer with Made Visible on the screen