After spending a delightful 3 hours one afternoon with Sharon Cooper, accomplished author and PR/Advertising maven, at the California Cafe', it was easy to become captivated by her many special qualities - both earthly and spiritual! I realized I would need more hours with her to learn all the life lessons and wisdome she has to share.
Wit all Sharon is involved with, she still makes time to be active in the charitble community and wants to learn more about how to successfully raise funds for her favorite causes. Sharon says: “I’m not done, I have a desire to do many things and encourage others to go for it and make their dreams come true - e ven if they are out of their 40’s, 50’s , 60’s or beyond.”
Just receiving the good news a few days ago, Sharon shared that she and her agency “Sharon Cooper Associates” won a “2011 Telly Award.” An elated Sharon says: “This is hot off the presses, so to speak. I just found out that I won a 2011 Bronze Telly Award. Yes, I am so very excited! This makes 8 awards in three years, but who is counting?” The Telly Awards showcase the best work of the most respected advertising agencies and is the premier award honoring outstanding local, regional, and cable TV programs/commercials, as well as the finest video/film productions, and web commercials. Well deserved Sharon!
Like the wonderful Erma Bombeck, the high-energy Sharon Cooper has the ability to be an observer of the human spirit and has a talent for weaving together a beautiful and meaningful story whether it's in the books she writes - or her PR/advertising work.
Another person is Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, the late psychiatrist and the revolutionary author of the book: “On Death and Dying,” which identifies the five stages that most terminally ill patients experience: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. I taught a course with Dr. Ross and helped her write the course. What a gift she still is to everyone. Knowing her was a joy.
Sharon, what is your greatest indulgence? Shoes! No special designers – just so they are my size.
How have you handled some of your greatest challnges in life? I’ve learned a lot about this from both my dad, Ralph Lepack, and Reggie Rivers. You can overcome any obstacle if you can see the hard knocks as challenges. With effort and the right attitude, you can turn your challenges into something positive. Look at the things that are bright spots and good in your life.
What one book do you recommend everyone on the planet read?
Don’t do anything you wouldn’t do again. If you are really good at what you do, there should be no “glass ceiling” up there except for the one you build yourself.
How does the "seasoned" woman compete in a marketplace that is focused on looking and staying young? When I was wondering how my “learning track” would all come together, and what was I supposed to be doing with my life? The answer was: “Do more than one thing at a time.”
What would you still like to learn how to do? I’d like to develop more fundraising skills. I also want to continue to grow, learn more and refine my skills as a writer.
I know this sounds "heavy," but if today was the last day of your life, what would you do with it? I would surround myself with the people I love and make the moments count. I would thank those who love me. I created a tagline for the Hospice of Saint John that says: “When you are counting the moments – make the moments count.”
Tell us about some of the project
