It was while I was channel flipping one fateful night I came across actress Jessica Holmes. Her show “The Holmes Show” was playing and I was in stitches. Over the years, I learned more about her personal story and was fascinated about how her career has evolved. Also I felt a connection with Jessica because I too had suffered from Postpartum Depression and I felt her speaking out on her illness and recovery was brave and extremely helpful to other women afraid to share their story. It was then that I realized that Jessica would be a perfect fit for the Women in Biz Conference.
It also turns out that we also have a mutual friend…. destiny? Maybe. My friend Shiobhan helped to bring us together and I am thrilled and excited to have Jessica participate in our 2013 Conference (for a second time in Vancouver!).
Jessica was our keynote finale at our April Go For it Toronto Conference and I can tell you that she had the women in the room both laughing and crying… almost at the same time. Her advice really sat with me. Happiness and success must go together. Since the conference in April I have been on a quest to find greater happiness and I can tell you it is personally paying off for me. I am running again (10K Race just completed), reading again (just for pleasure) and spending more time enjoying the small things that I was taking for granted before.
Life is what you make of it. I am sure of this.
Our budget to take Jessica across country to our conference in Vancouver was extremely tight. I couldn’t help but think that bringing Jessica would be a decision I would not regret (and I have not!). The women who attended our conference in April were so profoundly affected by her words that I decided I had to make it happen! Budget be damned! If you haven’t registered for our conference in Vancouver I would suggest you do soon… we are very close to selling out and I want you to feel Jessica’s spirit like I have.
Here is our interview with Jessica:
How does your business help entrepreneurs and professional women?
Taking a leap of faith is like a facelift for your spirit. We can get bogged down with stress, or discouraged, or forget why we got on this road in the first place. I love helping people re-connect with their greatest selves, identify their best qualities, and remember that having a blast is the ultimate end-game.
What advice would you give to conference attendees?
If you’re feeling less than a 7 out of 10 in certain areas of your life, don’t accept that that’s your lot. We’re all entitled to wellness, balance, self-esteem, and fulfillment. After suffering from post-partum depression, it took me a few years to figure out that it’s ok to make myself a priority. When I’m fulfilled and balanced, I’m able to take better care of others. Like the stewardess says: “put on your own oxygen mask before assisting others.”
What’s your favourite business tool?
My vision board, which sits above my computer, and reminds me every day what I’m working towards, and to enjoy what I’ve already got.
What’s Your Favourite Business Book?
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R Covey – it got me started early on in my career.
Describe in one word what keeps you going during stressful times and why?
Humour. Tragedy plus time equals comedy; so I know I just have to hang on till I can laugh it off.
What do you hope conference attendees will take away from hearing you speak at our conference?
I hope attendees will walk away laughing, and feeling pumped about finding deeper fulfillment in life.
Jessica will be presenting: The 60 Minute Perspective Makeover:
Proven Tips to Living an Awesome Life
The secrets of success are the same no matter what business you’re in; and success begins with getting motivated. Inspiration and comedy unite in this 60 minute transformation from “I shoulda…” to
“I will!” Energizing and funny, this call to action combines Jessica’s humor and savvy to deliver motivational insights into:
- finding greater meaning in your work
- using positive psychology to be happier day to day
- setting and reaching your goals
- learning to laugh at life’s shortcomings
Jessica gives quick, achievable how to’s about these topics and more, in a laugh-out-loud hour of fun. The audience receives great takeaways & follow-up resources to guarantee that Jessica’s presentation makes a meaningful impact. Conference attendees will also receive a copy of her book I love your Laugh which she will be happy to autograph after her session.
The official Jessica Holmes | Jessicaholmes.com
Jessica Holmes is best known as a popular member of the hit CBC TV show, Royal Canadian Air Farce. She also wrote and starred in her own Comedy Now! special, Holmes Alone, which won a Platinum Award at the Worldfest International Film Festival and was nominated for a Gemini Award. Jessica’s comedic high jinks and crazy antics, plus her knack for skewering celebrities such as Celine Dion and Britney Spears, are sure to amuse even the most straight-faced audiences. Her warmth and quick-witted stand-up act also make her a natural choice for hosting corporate events — most recently, Jessica opened for Oprah Winfrey in Toronto.
Jessica Holmes, a favourite on CBC’s Royal Canadian Air Farce, has brought the house down opening for such comedians as Jerry Seinfeld, Leslie Nielsen and Ellen DeGeneres. She always leaves audiences in stitches with her interactive humour and vivacious energy. She recently performed in two televised comedy specials at Just for Laughs and the Winnipeg Comedy Festival.
Her one-hour comedy special, “Holmes Alone” won a 2001 Platinum Award at the Worldfest International Film Festival and was nominated for a Gemini Award. Her work on the Second City production “The Best of the Very Last” earned her a nomination for the prestigious Tim Sims Scholarship. Holmes is also known for her work on The Comedy Network and CTV’s hilarious, edgy, Carol Burnett-style sketch comedy, The Holmes Show. She has appeared in such films as Welcome to Mooseport and Citizen Duane. Additionally, Holmes’ motivational comedy book, I Love Your Laugh, was published in October 2010.
Holmes’ comedic high jinks and crazy antics, her knack for skewering celebrities such as Céline Dion and Britney Spears, along with her original creations, amuse even the most straight-faced audiences. Her grace, bilingualism, and ability to react on the fly make her a natural choice for M.C. Whether hosting or performing her hilarious characters, Holmes always leaves the audience in stitches.
In 2011, Holmes studied to become a Wellness Coach, and now mixes humour with a message about de-stressing and laughing at life’s shortcomings. She was recently invited to host the Toronto stop of Oprah’s Lifeclass: The Tour. Jessica speaks with humanity, intelligence and humour on her own experiences dealing with post-partum depression, finding work/life balance, and re-igniting passion.
