Author Debra Shigley

TalkingWithTami: Your wonderful book, The Go-Getter Girls Guide is so cute! Tell us what made you write this?

It started with my own experiences 10 years ago, when I was about to graduate college and had that sudden questioning, “ok, what the heck is my next step?” I reached out to a number of folks whose career path I admired—and one of them happened to be pretty famous, [fellow Harvard alumna] Soledad O’Brien. To my shock, she responded to my letter, and shared some invaluable advice that helped steer me on the right path, such as what type of first job I should be looking for, and some tips on how to find it, etc. It was a realization that great information and advice is out there…but you have to seek it out and ask for it!

Then, as my career progressed as a reporter and style editor, I had the opportunity to interview and work with so many successful, fashionable women. I began to notice common themes in their approach to their careers and lives in general. I thought, wow, all of these women—Go-Getter Girls, as I came to think of them– are successful, and getting ahead fast…they have priceless wisdom! Wouldn’t it be great if other women had access to their stories, strategies, and lessons-learned? And that’s sort of how the idea of the book was born.

TalkingWithTami: Can you give us some key items to always have with us, just in case of an emergency?

I actually have a little ‘emergency kit’ cosmetic bag I pop in my bag, especially if I’m doing a tv appearance or speaking engagement, and boy, has it saved me a time or two! It’s got bandaids, a small sewing kit, double stick “Fashion” tape, lotion, safety pins, lip balm, advil, a tampon, ponytail holder, a few oil blotting papers, and sticks of gum. Sometimes I keep an extra pair of stockings or Spanx in my car, too.

TalkingWithTami: In your book you talk about wardrobe building 101. Tell us a little bit about this?

You need some strategic basics that will be the foundation of your wardrobe, such as jeans, bras, a couple suits, a versatile cocktail dress, black pumps, etc. These are pieces you invest in, taking into account their cost versus the cost-per-wear. In other words, if you get those perfect jeans or black slacks that are $150, that actually is a pretty reasonable investment when you consider you’ll wear them at least a couple times a week over the year. It’s only about a $1 cost per wear! Then, fill out your wardrobe with more “cheapie” pieces such as going-out tops, trendy accessories, and tees.

TalkingWithTami: With the recession scaring alot of women out there, what is some key advice you can give them for landing a dream job?

First, I think it’s a mistake to think your dream job will just appear or that an employer will just hand it to you on a silver platter. You’re probably going to have to envision it yourself, do some research, and pitch it to your current or prospective boss. A good place to start is to literally sit down and create a mental picture of what your perfect day and your perfect job will look like—and then write it down. Second, remember that no single job defines you. Let’s be realistic: right now might not be the moment you get that dream job…but we’ve all got to pay our bills somehow! Use your current or a not-so-perfect job to your best advantage by gaining skills and experience that will move your career forward in the long run.

TalkingWithTami:  Put your pencil down or back away from that computer. Tell us what you like to do when you’re not writing?

I love to travel and experience new places and cultures. Over the past year we’ve been to Sydney, Berlin, London, Istanbul, Costa Rica and were just in Hong Kong a couple weeks ago. I work out—big fan of Pilates (twice a week) and sometimes yoga. Love to shop, read (mostly non-fiction, but I throw in a novel now and again), watch just about any show on Bravo tv, and catch up with good friends over coffee. I also like to go out to eat —or stay home and cook with my hubby…and drink good wine!

www.debrashigley.com