We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Paul Salfen a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Paul thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

My parents have always provided me with unconditional love and support. They knew that I picked a field that could be unstable at best but never discouraged me and were always there to listen and to help when needed. What that has done is that it has taught me that I need to do the same – not only for my kids but for anyone that needs my support because not everyone was lucky enough to have what I had. Even though my parents were not in the business and didn’t understand it, they respected it and that’s what I try to do for others that look for help from me.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’ve done a little of everything but mostly people would know me from what I jokingly refer to as my “talking monkey” job: hosting and producing shows, which is mostly notable to people because I often interview celebrities and other well-known public figures, which has now built up to my first book, GOING FOR IT! I got into it because I always saw those talking heads on MTV interviewing my favorite artists and I wanted to do the same but I had no family in the business, no connections, no knowledge of how to do it – and no internet to search. So by trial and error – mostly error – I figured out how to get interviews with the bands I loved: first through my high school broadcasting class, then by the online music magazine I helped start when I was in school at Penn State and then I got into it for real when I found out the right way to do it and the right people to ask. I now do media training in addition to all that I do to prepare people for people like me – or mostly my tougher colleagues. I care more than just about anyone – maybe just because I’m genuinely interested in interesting stories from interesting people and I’m so proud I put the best stuff into my book so people can learn from the best.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

People say it’s all about who you know and there is some truth to that, but you’re also only as good as your reputation. I didn’t have a name going into this so I had to fight for everything and stay in front of the right people but I kept to the great standards on which I was raised: be nice, do good work, do what you say you’re going to do, and be grateful. It may seem basic but so many people lack at least one of those things – and some lack pretty much all of them. There’s a lot of ego and entitlement in the business but I’ve always stayed humble because I’m usually not the focus or the most well-known person in the room and I always keep that in mind.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Part of the reason I titled the book GOING FOR IT! was because the common element between all of the stars and well-known people in the book is that they just went for it – they tried harder and hung in there longer. I’ve almost given up so many times and I’ve had just about every struggle and obstacle in my way and for whatever reason, I’m still here. They don’t teach you in school about how to deal with life when it hits you hard but if you can get through losing everything and still keep going like I have, everything else is easy.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.PaulSalfen.com
• Instagram: @paulsalfen
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialPaulSalfen/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulsalfen
• Twitter: @paulsalfen
• Other: www.GoingForItBook.com
  www.PSPRandConsulting.com

Image Credits

Adrian Lopez – first photo
Bryan Anderson – book cover jump