10 Things You Didn’t Know about SOHO Speaker Cynthia Lockrey

Cynthia is a storyteller and motivator. She is passionate about helping people find their voice so they can share their knowledge, stories and BE HEARD!

Cynthia will be leading a workshop titled “How to Present Like a Pro“.

What is your favourite spot on Vancouver Island?

I love Maple Bay beach in the Cowichan Valley. Since it’s a short drive from my home, I often go there when I need to clear my head. It’s off the beaten path, which means it’s rarely busy, except for the occasional whale or seal passing through. 

Favourite new gadget/tool or app?

Voxer – it isn’t a new app but new to me. It’s a walkie talkie messaging app that lets you talk to a client or friend and play back messages. I use it when I want to leave quick messages that don’t warrant an email or phone call.  

Being a business owner is ________. 

… a new experience every day. While I have some set appointments, a lot of my day is fluid. I don’t stick to a tight schedule but rather go where the day leads me. This can mean a call from a client on a new project, writing a blog post when inspiration hits or going for a walk to think through a challenge. It’s about embracing the fluidness which often brings new opportunities. 

What is your morning routine?

Since I have young kids, it’s a fight against the clock. A good morning starts with coffee (ideally with some quiet) while I read the news and check social media. Then it’s a rush to get kids to the bus stop so I can start my workday. With any luck, I’m sitting at my desk working by 8 am, well caffeinated. 

Best business book you ever read? 

Blink by Malcolm Gladwell. It really got me thinking about how we present to others. How the first few seconds of an interaction are the most powerful. It made me stop rushing and be in the moment. This small shift resulted in big changes. 

Hobby?

I wish I had time for a hobby. As a mom and entrepreneur there’s not much time left at the end of the day. But I wish I could do more hiking. 

 What is your favourite quote?

“Don’t try to win over the haters; you are not a jackass whisperer.” – Brene Brown 

Best business advice ever received?

Work on your strengths and hire out your weaknesses. For me, that meant hiring a bookkeeper and an accountant. I struggle with numbers and they keep me from getting in trouble. 

Your worst job ever?

Working at Kentucky Fried Chicken for a summer in university. I could never get the smell of fried chicken out of my hair. It was a short lived as I soon got a waitressing job at the campus pub which was way cooler. And no polyester required. 

If you could be an animal, what would you be and why?

A horse. They are such calming yet powerful animals. They don’t use their size to intimidate but rather seek connection. There’s a Friesian horse at the barn where my daughter rides. He has no idea he’s the biggest horse in the barn and always comes over for a nuzzle.

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