Meet HARRIET TURK | Mastering Resilience, Nurturing Connections, Inspiring Change

We had the good fortune of connecting with HARRIET TURK and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi HARRIET, what is the most important factor behind your success?
In my personal and professional life, I’ve always centered my focus on building relationships and expanding my network. While knowledge is vital, I quickly realized that nurturing connections with the clients I serve and the people I collaborate with is equally essential. Through these relationships, I’ve developed lasting friendships while also built a brand that people see is 100% authentically me.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
In a world that emphasizes finding a niche and developing a personal brand, I’ve always embraced my multi-interested, multi-faceted nature. Being pigeonholed into a single word niche feels like an attempt to confine a free-spirited bird. My career journey reflects this diversity – from a probation officer to a youth programs coordinator and consultant, my path has been anything but conventional. Recognizing the absence of women speakers in conferences and schools, I stepped into the world of public speaking to offer a unique perspective. Along the way, I ventured into roles such as a flight attendant, pharmaceutical sales representative, and college instructor to ensure financial stability while building my speaking business.
Amid personal challenges that seemed insurmountable, I discovered an absolute truth – resilience was my guiding force. Refusing to fail professionally even when my personal life felt like it was unraveling became the cornerstone of my career, leading me to become a resilience speaker and coach.
Through trials, creative solutions, and sheer determination, I’ve learned that success is within reach for anyone. It doesn’t hinge on a big bank account or a series of fortunate events. That’s why I work with and share my system to those who are on the verge of giving up, feeling burned out, or trapped in a state of inaction.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
For restaurants, we would definitely go to some of my favorites: Huey’s, Germantown Commissary, Payne’s BBQ, New York Pizza in Collierville, The Beauty Shop, Brother Junipers, and McEwen’s On Monroe. Because I grew up in Memphis, I’d be on the lookout for Prince Mongo (IYKYK). We’d go to Raiford’s Disco, because you must, and I’d also make the trip to Hernando’s Hideaway for some southern nostalgia and music. Lafayette’s On The Square is my favorite-small venue, every seat is a great seat, and the food is good, too! We’d go to Beale Street early afternoon and then head to the Civil Rights Museum. I usually make a quick trip through museums, but this one is different. I read every placard and can spend hours and hours there. Riverside Drive is my favorite street in Memphis, and at night we would definitely drive on the bridge to Arkansas and then turn around to drive back into Memphis. It’s a beautiful city of Memphis view. So many other places I’d want to go-Muddy’s Bake Shop, The Grilled Cheese Festival, Cooper-Young Festival, Crosstown Course, a Grizzlies or University of Memphis basketball game…there is so much to see and do here.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
When I decided to make the leap into the world of speaking, I was lucky to have a couple of mentors lead the way. Eric Chester and Mark Scharenbroich were exactly who I needed. Both are encouraging and no nonsense. Their constructive criticism and feedback cut my learning curve by years. They, along with Norm Hull, Scott Greenberg, Phil Boyte, Ed Gerety, Bobby Petrocelli, and Scott Backovich have been my support system, sounding boards and the best friends who get me back on track every time I’m overwhelmed or confused about what to do next.

Website: www.harrietturk.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harrietturk/

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/harrietturk

Twitter: twitter.com/harrietturk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harrietturk/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/harrietturk