I recently had a very pleasant conversation with former model and current business woman and philanthropist Kathy Ireland. Kathy became a model in her late teens, but never felt modeling was her passion. Instead, she saw modeling as a means to an end – a way to pay her way through college and start a business of her own. Starting with a line of fashion designed socks, Kathy Ireland Worldwide has grown to offering design solutions for the entire home as well as solutions to problems for working moms – whom she describes as all moms – whether they get a paycheck or not. Her company has now sold over 100 million pairs of socks.
Kathy is very busy, between her business activities – the company's headquarters is in Los Angeles, and has offices in Palm Springs and Hawaii, she often works on the road and from her home office in Santa Barbara. Kathy is married, with one son, Erik, 12 and daugthers Lilly 7, and Chloe 3. From the outset, Kathy has made it very clear that her family would take priority – even before she had her children. Everyone in her organization, which now numbers 37 team members, is very clear on what Kathy's priorites are.
Aside from her business pursuits, Kathy is a very active philanthropist involved in numerous community outreach activities.
My interview with Kathy Ireland follows. She was not only kind enough to make time for our conversation, because of telephone difficulties she had to call me three times in all and never missed a beat. Although I had estimated 30 to 45 minutes for our call when I scheduled the interview, before I knew it an hour had slipped by.
During the course of our conversation it was clear that Kathy is a very focused, compassionate and spiritual woman who is living out her life's passion every day. I believe that she serves as an outstanding role model – for working moms, for children, and for anyone who wants to experience the joy of bringing passion into their lives and into the lives of others less fortunate.
Read the interview...