We were lucky to catch up with Karli Sherman recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Karli, thanks for joining us today. What were some of the most unexpected problems you’ve faced in your business and how did you resolve those issues?
After much back and forth I decided to listen to the advice of those in my own speaking industry and start my own business. Worried with thoughts like “what if I fail” I was met with messages of “but what if you FLYYY!” So I launched my business publically in February of 2020. Then I quit my full time job at a university leaving a decade long career in higher education. My last day with the university was March 2, 2020. …And the world shut down 2 weeks later. So there I was with a fledgling business in a global pandemic.
I’m celebrating 5 years of Karli Sherman Productions this month! Starting my business was the single most harrowing things I’ve ever done. But it’s also the single best thing I’ve ever done for myself. I’ve learned *A LOT* of hard truths, and wonderful lessons. I’m so much smarter and stronger and fiercer because of the last 5 years.
Karli, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
As the owner of Karli Sherman Productions, Karli is an internationally renowned speaker and leadership coach, emcee, and pageant coach. Specializing in women’s professional development, she helps companies, campuses, and individuals to level up through developmental workshops, intensive coaching, and keynote presentations.
With her strengths-based approach, Karli helps teams and individuals work better, recruit better, communicate better, and create better human connection. Her trainings include topics like conflict management, courageous leadership, confidence, public speaking, and personality typologies.
She is an alumna of Florida State University (Master’s in Higher Education & Student Affairs, 2013), the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (Bachelor of General Studies in Arts and Humanities, 2008), and Alpha Omicron Pi sorority.
As an active volunteer, Karli gives back to her communities through organizations including Lafayette Community Fridge, United Way, and Big Brothers Big Sisters, along with participating in multiple mentor programs. She is a graduate of the Leadership Lafayette Class XXXIII, is one of Acadiana’s Top 20 Under 40 Young Professionals, and was named a Woman of Distinction by the Girl Scouts of Louisiana.
A south Louisiana native based out of Lafayette, Louisiana, Karli is involved with the Junior League of Lafayette, the 705 Young Professionals organization, and the Lafayette Mardi Gras Krewe de Rio. She is a Fraternity/Sorority Growth Expert with Phired Up Productions, a Certified Small Business Owner through the Small Business Development Center, and a Certified Facilitator through True Colors International.
Involved with pageants for 20+ years, Karli has been a national and international titleholder including Ms. USA and Ms. World Universal. She is a passionate advocate for adoption and a foster dog mom. She is a part-time Etsy shop owner (Karli Sherman Designs), and a full-time brunch enthusiast.
Bringing high energy and a positive intensity to her presentations, Karli shows how being bold, curious, and authentic makes us better employees, bosses, partners, family members, and citizens. Her ultimate goal is to help professionals, especially women, develop themselves so they can think better, work better, connect better, and be their most excellent selves.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
There’s NOTHING like sitting back with a good book to pass the time. I’ve been on the go so often lately, I haven’t had as much time to read as I would like.
But when I spend time with a good book, I’ve been gravitating toward titles with new ideas I can bring to enrich my work-life, or insights that lead to finding a deeper understanding of myself. To show up and bring the BEST in my professional life, I have to continually #levelup!!
Below is a list of a few books that have greatly influenced aspects of my life and career, so if you’re looking for material to help expand and challenge your perceptions, or books to help you navigate and grow in your work/personal life, then check out these titles!
Quiet by Susan Cain
At least one-third of the people we know are introverts. They are the ones who prefer listening to speaking; who innovate and create but dislike self-promotion; who favor working on their own over working in teams. It is to introverts—Rosa Parks, Chopin, Dr. Seuss, Steve Wozniak—that we owe many of the great contributions to society.
In Quiet, Susan Cain argues that we dramatically undervalue introverts and shows how much we lose in doing so.
You shouldn’t be surprised that Quiet is at the top of my list!! This fantastic book is my Karli Sherman Production June Book of the Month, and it is the perfect place to start if you want to learn more about what makes introverts tick.
Who Should Read It?
Introverts & extroverts just beginning to dig into what it means to fall into either category
People who manage or lead other people
Introverts who want to keep up with the latest titles that explore what it means to be an introvert
This I Believe: The Personal Philosophies of Remarkable Men and Women edited by Jay Allison and Dan Gediman
If you were given a few minutes to answer the question, “What do you believe?”, how do you think you would respond? Thankfully, you’re not actually on the clock, so it’s a perfect time to check out this collection and see how 80 various people ―with different backgrounds, experiences, and ideals― have completed the thought that begins the book’s title. From: “The Rule of Law” to “Be Cool to the Pizza Delivery Dude”, each chapter is a quick thought-provoking piece that’s great for brief moments of retrospection and invites readers to think about their own beliefs and values.
Who should read it?
Any curious and contemplative minds looking for a quick and insightful read. If you’re short on time, this book is PERFECT, because you can pick a single chapter to dive into, without feeling committed to reading this one cover-to-cover!
When Bad Things Happen to Good People by Harold S. Kushner
Sometimes, life feels harsh and unfair. And that can make us question everything, leaving our beliefs shaken. When Harold Kushner found out his three-year-old son wouldn’t live past his early teens due to a degenerative disease, he could only ask God: Why? Driven by this question and his experiences, Kushner wrote this book, looking back at the feelings of doubt and fear that grow during those times of struggle and tragedy, and sharing what he has learned as a rabbi, a parent, a reader, and a human being.
Who should read it?
Those who have experienced or are suffering a similar pain or struggle in their lives, and are looking for consolation and an open mindset in times of grief.
Power Moves by Lauren McGoodwin
Drawing upon the insights and experiences from developing Career Contessa, Lauren builds an engaging reference guide and handbook that’s easy to understand and filled with references, advice, as well as practical lessons and tools to help make impactful life changes and build a meaningful career.
This guide was a substantial help when I first began my own career, even now I point back to some of its lessons and goals. If you’re looking for inspiration to bring out your inner #bossassbitch, you should definitely check this out!
Who should read it?
Any woman fresh out of college, starting fresh, or wanting to find and build a successful career.
Dare To Lead by Brené Brown
“How do you cultivate braver, more daring leaders, and how do you embed the value of courage in your culture?”
WOW! Brené Brown’s works have always left an impact on me (there’s a reason why my Pinterest is full of her quotes). Applying the principles and skill sets I learned from this book in my career has transformed the way I approach leadership in regard to others and myself. Like in her other works, Brown pulls years of research and stories together with straightforward, actionable examples and tools in that honest, no-BS style she’s known for to bring an effective and inspirational guide to brave leadership.
Who should read it?
Mentors, mentees; leaders, beginners; anyone willing and determined to step out of their comfort zone and learn about courageous leadership.
The Power of Moments by Chip Heath and Dan Heath
After reading this, my mind was FULL of new ideas for engaging and motivating my clients.
We’ve all had moments in our lives that we always remember or that have even influenced us in some way or form. Usually, they are the results of accidents or happenstance, but why leave it to chance? Chip and Dan Heath explore not only the how and why brief experiences can impact us but also showcase how we can learn to shape our own defining moments in our personal and work life.
Who should read it?
An interesting, engaging read brimming with positivity and enthusiasm! Great for anyone wanting to create those significant moments in their lives rather than wait for it to happen.
Blind Spot by Mahzarin R. Banaji and Anthony G. Greenwald
We all carry hidden biases in our minds without even realizing it most of the time. Banaji and Greenwald illuminate and explore these unconscious biases or “blind spots”, guiding readers through the workings of the brain to better understand our own minds. And, gaining awareness can help us “outsmart the machine” and adapt our beliefs and behavior so we can better our mindset and be fairer to those around us.
Who should read it?
Anyone who wants to open their perceptions and reshape their way of thinking.
I hope these books will broaden your perceptions (as well as your reading list)!
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
You Can Do Anything for a Year | Karli’s Philosophies of Life
Go with me back to August of 2011.
What were you doing at that time?
For me, it was a hot, sticky day in Tallahassee, Florida.
I had moved to Tallahassee a month earlier in preparation to begin my Master’s program at Florida State University. And, thus far, it had been pretty good.
I had found the essentials of when you move to a new city – a new grocery store, a new doctor, a new nail salon, etc.
I was ready!
Bring it on, grad school!
It may have been 3 years since undergrad, but who cares – I. Was. Ready!
Then came the First Day.
The first day of classes.
The first day of parking on a campus where 40,000 students get a parking pass and there are only 18,000 parking spaces.
The first day of my graduate assistantship.
The first day of my newly chosen career in Higher Education.
It was… not good.
In fact, it was really, really bad.
I was overwhelmed, underprepared, and felt totally bamboozled.
Turns out – I. Was. Not. Ready.
Angry, confused, pissed off, and tearful I called my best friend who was in her Ph.D. program at the time.
The same best friend who encouraged me to apply to grad school.
Who edited my application and Letter of Intent.
Who should have WARNED ME about what I was walking into!
She answered the call (yes I CALLED. I *never* make calls) with a bubbly “omg hi hows your First Day?!!”
I replied, “…Oh! My First Day?
My FIRST DAY?
How’s my FIRST DAY??!!!!
You lied to me, B****! This s*** is awful. I’m not doing it. I’m quitting.”
And I meant it.
She, on the other hand, …….laughed.
She laughed.
THE AUDACITY.
She said, “Yeah sweetie, welcome to grad school, everyone wants to quit at some point. And usually multiple times. Albeit it usually takes more than one day, but… you’ll get through it.”
WILL I?!!?
I did not have the blind faith she apparently did.
She continued, “And listen, if you really give it a shot, and you still hate it after your first year, then quit. Because…”
And then she said something really important.
Something I have remembered and referred to many times over the last decade.
Something I fully believe in.
She said, “Because you can do anything for a year.”
I was too emotional at the moment to fully appreciate that philosophy, that beautiful truth.
But it has stuck with me.
Because it has proven to be true over and over again.
You can do anything for a year.
A job that turned out to be way different than expected;
A school or class or training program you dislike;
An organization or team you joined that has dynamics you don’t jive with;
Now the caveat is obviously if something or someone is harmful to you or others then don’t wait a year to remedy that situation.
Handle your stuff.
(This violates one of my other Life Philosophies “The Two Rules” – see addendum for explanation)
Here we are referring to an activity or group which is not damaging but rather is uncomfortable.
Or different than expected.
Or not a good fit.
Or not fun.
Stick it out for a year and see what you can learn from it.
Because where do learning and growth happen…?
Out 👏 Side 👏 Our 👏 Comfort 👏 Zone 👏
The beautiful truth is that the human spirit is impressively resilient and strong.
We are so much stronger than we sometimes give ourselves credit for.
You really can do it for a year.
If you find yourself in one of these situations, as I did on my First Day of grad school, ask yourself these questions:
Who can you meet and connect with?
What skill can you practice or hone with this group?
What information can you gather or learn?
Any experience, even the negative ones (maybe especially the negative ones), can teach us valuable skills or lessons, or bring wonderful people and great connections into our lives!
After that fateful phone call with my best friend in August 2011, I would like to say I calmed down, saw reason, and went home to prepare for what would be a challenging but better Second Day.
But I did not.
I actually looked up the process for student resignation, drove across campus from the Student Union where I worked to the building where the Registrar’s office was, and practiced the conversation I would have with the staff member inside as I resigned as a student.
Literally, the only reason I didn’t rage-quit was because I couldn’t find a parking spot on that entire side of campus…
I did go on to complete my two years of the program and earned my Master’s in Higher Education and Student Affairs from FSU in 2013.
Bless.
I guess blessings come in all forms – best friends AND full parking lots.
*ADDENDUM*
Two Rules | Karli’s Philosophies of Life
I learned *A LOT* from my year as a volunteer at Healing House in Lafayette, Louisiana. Healing House for Grieving Children is a bereavement center providing resources, support, and small group time for kids who have lost an immediate family member.
For a center dealing with bereavement and death, it taught me more about life and healthy coping skills than just about anything else I’ve encountered.
One of my favorite things I learned was: The Two Rules of Healing House.
You see, the kids could use their small group time to do or say or be whatever they wanted in order to express their grief and personalities.
It was really REALLY cool to see.
You want to color in the art room?
Sure.
You want to color on the walls of the art room?
Ok.
You want to mash all the play-doh colors together?
Got it.
You want to wet the play-doh and throw it at the wall?
(pro-tip: wetting the play-doh ball slightly makes it stick to the wall better)
Go for it.
You want to read silently and not talk to anyone?
Absolutely.
You want to speak in a British accent the entire night and tell everyone you’re from London?
Love it.
(Note: all of those happened in my group at various times. And I have so many more wonderful examples if you’re curious!)
There were just two rules:
1. All thoughts and feelings are ok
2. You cannot hurt yourself or others
So, do you feel like punching someone?
Well, that’s ok.
Because all feelings are ok.
But you can’t actually punch anyone, because that would hurt them.
And that breaks rule #2.
Do you have an idea to pile all 40 of the bean bag chairs up into a tower and then jump off?
Well, that’s ok to think about.
But you can’t actually jump 10 feet off the bean bag tower onto the bare floor because that would hurt you.
(We compromised by leaving half the bean bags on the floor, and making a shorter tower with the other half so the jumping wouldn’t hurt anyone. Only one bean bag chair was lost due to impact.)
Having only these two rules opened the kids up to embrace their creativity and imagination. Being unencumbered by rules and expectations was freeing for them.
And if it was so beneficial, so freeing for them……couldn’t it be also for the rest of us?
What if we lived our lives by those two rules – and only those two rules?
Would we be more open; more free?
More willing to connect, put ourselves out there?
More innovative, more vulnerable, more curious?
Would we try new things, take more risks?
I think we would.
And I think if we abide by these two rules, everything else – all the other rules and laws and expectations and social norms – falls into place underneath them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.karlisherman.com/
- Instagram: @karlishermanproductions https://www.instagram.com/karlishermanproductions/ @karliglitter https://www.instagram.com/karliglitter/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karli.sherman.1
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karli-sherman-794608116/
- Other: Etsy:
https://karlishermandesigns.etsy.comTikTok:
@karliglitter@karliglitter
