Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a lawyer, professional ballroom dancer, and leadership and career development consultant. I have worked as a trial lawyer in both large and small law firms, and still serve as the managing partner of the immigration firm I own with my husband, Ray. As much as I like being able to help people, I have never loved practicing law. I was always a lot more interested in developing new talent, and helping other people show up and be powerful in intimidating situations.
About five years ago, I started a program for girls in elementary school through high school called Project BE Confident. The plan was just to give them some tools to confidently stand up for themselves and each other under pressure. I have a daughter and I know firsthand the challenges of these years. Kids can be so freaking mean! It turned into so much more, though.
Around the same time, I was interviewing graduating law students who were applying for a job with our firm. It was really frustrating; people who looked so promising on paper were showing up totally unable to sell their strengths. I had been seeing the same exact thing happen through the entire course of my career.
Awesome people were missing great opportunities because of the way they showed up in high pressure situations. It was maddening.
Something clicked.
It became my mission to help the girls learn how to identify their strengths, to talk about and embrace what makes them unique, and to support each other in their accomplishments. I developed programs and workshops to help them embody authentic confidence. Hundreds and hundreds of girls attended- and it was life changing, for them and me.
I began working with rising professionals to help them identify and talk about their unique strengths, to understand what inspires them and how to connect that with the work they hope to do in high pressure settings. I served as the Director of Leadership and Professional Development at Washington University Law School, where I developed programs to address the skills schools simply don’t teach effectively. The people I worked with started getting incredible jobs. More importantly, they understood what inspired them, and how to get work that would be impactful and meaningful to them long term.
I decided to start writing to share what I know works. I feel like there is a lot of “general” information out there about what you should be doing- but it isn’t really helpful unless you also know how to make it happen. My goal is to be direct, concise, and to give people actual tools they can immediately apply to make a difference. I am also about being real. I am not afraid to share the truth about the challenges I’ve faced along the way. So far, I’ve written two books: “How to BE Really Impressive” and “Mastering Your Professional Pitch.”
In my spare time (ha!) I love to dance. I am a professional Latin dancer and still compete with my partner. I teach my own brand of dance fitness called Enerjiq- which is pretty much a non-stop dance party where people burn a gazillion calories.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is “How to Be Really Impressive,” which is the first in a Professional Development series I am releasing. I chose this topic because it provides quick, key points to help people make a great first impression. Some of the points are obvious- others are not. Later books will go into a lot more detail about the content of interviews, networking events and other professional interaction but this felt like the right place to start for people who want to know what they can do right now if they have an important interview or meeting, say, tomorrow.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am pretty low maintenance – I just need coffee and quiet to write. Once my kids are awake it is game over. Fortunately they are teenagers and sleep endlessly…..
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Simon Sinek has influenced the way I think about inspiration and alignment tremendously. Amy Cuddy has also influenced me a great deal. As a dancer, I have long known how powerfully our bodies can be used to convey presence and confidence. Her power posing research put it in terms everyone could understand, and build upon.
What are you working on now?
I am working on a book that I am SO excited about. It has been in the works for several years, and will provide readers with inside scoop into what matters most during the hiring process, and a deep dive into how to truly land a job you love. It is filled with true stories, examples, and actual steps to easily apply what works.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
So far, social media posts and emailing my list have been my “go to” methods for letting people know about my books. I am definitely exploring other ways to get in front of my ideal readers, and have heard that Awesome Gang has fabulous readers!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
As a new author myself, I don’t have much experience to draw from. The one thing I do know is that if you have something to share, don’t let anything get in the way. Share it. Write it. Say it. The world needs your unique brand of brilliance and no one will say it the way you do.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Wow- this is a great question. I think the best advice I’ve been given is that if I want to succeed big, I have to be willing to fail big. Failing isn’t the worst thing- refusing to try is.
What are you reading now?
Ha! I am reading “The Cuban Affair,” which I just picked up at an airport while traveling across the country with my daughter. I am also reading “The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace.”
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am going to finish up my “master” book, which has a working title of “Extraordinary Success: How to Land a Job You Love.” In the meantime I will continue releasing volumes in the Professional Development Series: “Mastering Your Professional Pitch” just went live on Amazon, itunes, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble (although people can get it for free by joining my mailing list at http://kimbolourtchi.com/books/. Next will be “Networking without Dread” or “Maximizing Informational Interviews. I’m open to suggestions also!
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I think I would take “To Kill a Mockingbird,” and then whatever the new release was by David Baldacci, James Patterson, and Jonathan Kellerman. Of course this means I am trusting that I would only be stranded for a few days….
Author Websites and Profiles
Kim Bolourtchi Website
Kim Bolourtchi Amazon Profile
Kim Bolourtchi’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account