Location: Based in New York City, travels to location
Website: RachelHanfling.com
Specialty / Focus: Helping professionals express the gold in their stories to connect, shine and succeed in media, business and beyond.
Years in the Industry: 20+
Notable Clients/Employers/Venues: Oprah Winfrey, Anderson Cooper, Harvard University
How did you hear about Chef’s Roll and what urged you to join?
My friend Chef Mark Garcia introduced me to (Chef’s Roll founders) Thomas Keslinke and Frans van der Lee at the Culinary Institute of America Leadership Awards. I LOVE food as well as anything health or nutrition related. I’m delighted to be a part of Chef’s Roll.
What inspired you to become a coach for those looking to improve their communication skills?
Ever since I was a child, I’ve been studying how people communicate. That led me to the biggest stage I could imagine–a career in television. As a producer, I was pitched thousands of times and I had the privilege of going behind the scenes with people of all walks of life from CEOs to celebrities to criminals. Those experiences taught me how to identify a message and successfully share it with any audience whether that’s on TV, on stage, with customers, clients or even with family and friends. I love helping people thrive and that’s why I started my own business.
You’re an Emmy nominated TV producer who’s worked with some of America’s biggest names – Oprah Winfrey and Anderson Cooper. Does a seasoned professional like you ever experience stage fright anymore?
Absolutely! Being nervous is normal. Clients frequently ask me how to get rid of nerves. Success is not about that–it’s about learning to manage nerves and using them to your advantage. That’s what I teach.
Given that all people learn at different paces, how many sessions do you typically suggest a client to do before seeing a positive change in their confidence and way of speech?
Great question. The answer is that it is different for different people and different goals. Sometimes big changes happen in just minutes. Other times, it can be hours or weeks or years. Just like with any other skill, it’s a constant evolution. Even the best orators look for ways to up their game. We can all be better and that’s exciting.
You offer both group and one-on-one training. Which type of training would you recommend for certain personality types?
This depends on the person, their budget and their goals. The course I created, Rachel Hanfling’s Media Power Plan®, is an excellent overview of what you need to know to get media attention, crush it and leverage it into future success. My individual coaching targets personalized goals. Many clients participate in both my course and private training.
What industries or backgrounds do your students and clients come from?
Throughout my career I’ve been fortunate to work with people from a variety of backgrounds. I’ve covered a wide range of subjects including personal finance, terrorism, health, psychology, fashion, crime, weight loss, music, pop culture, current events…and yes, food. That means I have a comfort level with many different areas. What I teach is not industry specific. My process is the same no matter what industry I am dealing with–when I help a client, I am listening for what’s most significant in their story. Then I help them articulate it to achieve their goals.
What are 3 pieces of advice you’d give someone to instantly improve the way they are perceived?
First, understand your audience. Second, simplify. Third, practice. (Learn more about these 3 tips on Chef’s Roll)
How did you come up with this methodology?
My teaching is based on a career of telling stories for millions. I saw what worked and what did not and I use that knowledge to create change for my clients.
What would be the ultimate accomplishment for you?
Every time I help a client or student succeed I am on cloud nine. It’s an incredible feeling to help someone achieve their goals and exceed them.
The Chef’s Roll team motto is “Presentation is everything”. How true is this statement?
The unfortunate reality is that sometimes great people, businesses and ideas get overlooked because their presentation doesn’t properly showcase them. It’s not fair, but it’s true. That’s why investing in how you present yourself is critical. We want to take whatever is most special about you and package it so the world can clearly see and appreciate it. You deserve that.
To learn more about Rachel Hanfling please visit her Chef’s Roll Industry Profile and read her “3 Steps to Better Leadership” on Chef’s Roll.
Contact Rachel Hanfling at hello@rachelhanfling.com or visit http://mediapowerplan.com/enroll
