TED Community » Jacqui Dobens
About Me
My foray into becoming an entrepreneur began at the age of 17 1/2 in the insurance industry. Truth be told, it actually began at our dining room table where my parents discussed our janitorial business. It was there that my sister, Janet and I learned that this was "our family" business. This being my foundation gave me strength when approached by my best friends dad to embark on insurance to immediately say yes! Realizing today that I am indeed a perfect blend of my parents provides tremendous balance for me. My dad was the outgoing and friendlier of the two of them. He never met a stranger, only unmet friends. I am exactly the same way. He was an entertainer, singer, musician and very bright and quick witted. Well, I didn't take to musical instruments much to his chagrin. Then there is my mom, Mumay. Sharp dresser, fashion maven, thinker, and problem solver. Cool during a crisis. I embody those traits I share ever so humbly (not.....channeling my dad right there)! Both of my parents instilled a love for reading and exploring that I am grateful for daily. I'm a cheerleader and a great friend. Known for believing in others more than they believe in themselves until they believe in themselves more! One of the things that frustrates me are the limits that others impose on themselves and those closest to them. I'm always amazed at the power that is freely given to the community of "they". Who says you or I can't? Usually it's they, that's who. I have done so many things that the "theymen" corner said I couldn't. Have always been a voracious reader, inquisitive and filled with wonder. Not a bad armchair jeopardy player either! Never known for taking myself too seriously. Daily Lucy visitations influenced by the Queen of Comedy spices up my otherwise normal days. These daily reminders keep me humble. I once tried to distance myself from them, now I embrace them with laughter. My personal love of Lucy experientially occurred at the age of 19 at my first apartment. It was a hot summer day. Armed with my new gladiator sandals, arms filled with my laundry basket I proceeded to do my laundry. While running down the stairs after loading my first load I slipped down the center plastic runner fanny first! After making sure that noone saw me, sitting on the bottom step I laughed (no howled) at the top of my lungs. I can't recall a time that I have laughed that hard. Og Mandino in one of his scrolls said, "I will laugh at myself for man is most comical when he takes himself too seriously." Don't misinterpret, I'm serious when I need to be and let loose and have FUN as much and often as possible.
- Location:
- United States, Temecula, CA
- Current organization:
- TEDxTemecula Speaker
- Past organizations:
- Author, Business/Marketing strategist, Speaker and Trainer, Verbal Illustrator
- Current role:
- Business Consultant, Coach and Mentor
- Gender:
- Female
- Areas of expertise:
- Creating mutually beneficial relationships, Gifting others with the right word at the right time, Visual Illustrator, Wordster, ChattyJacqui, Loyal, Friendly, Naturally funny, Inverted thinker, Believing in others more than they believe in themselves
- I am:
- Blogger, Change Agent, Entrepreneur, Event planner, Foodie, Idea generator, Marketer, Sales specialist, Single, Writer/Editor
- Associations:
- TEDx Temecula, Certified Business & Marketing Strategist, Christian Business Ministries Alumni
- Languages:
- English
- My website links:
- Professor Of Motivation, Pro Facebook Page, Youtube Channel
More About Me
I'm passionate about
On the shallow end shoes. Reading. Exploring various parts of my personality. Learning. Sharing. Cheering others on. Cooking. Having a good time alone, and with friends and family. Making new friends.
An idea worth spreading
Having had the honor of sharing at TEDxTemecula on Wine Personalities and how best to embrace our differences: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hA1p0by0EwM Researching this subject and having it seep into various aspects of my life has changed me. Learning to let others truly be themselves as we all evolve, change and grow. Sounds simple at times sounds easy. In retrospect it takes effort. Like watching a toddler wobble as they learn to walk. There are some things that must be experienced to get to the other side. I have something brewing in my internal think tank. It's not a totally new thought for me. However, it is expanding and growing legs. Who knows I may end up sharing it at another TEDx! We'll see. Stay tuned.
Talk to me about
New, innovative ways to embrace and celebrate our differences resulting in the revelation that we really aren't that much different after all. More, better and deeper ways to connect. I'd LOVE that!
People don't know that I'm good at
People closest to me know that I'm a good cook. My Christmas dinner is from different cultures. Very authentic except for desserts. I make Snicker's pie or something similar noone seems to mind.
My TED Story
Little known fact is that after having learned of TEDx while clicking randomly on websites I had an interest of bringing TEDx to Temecula. Getting distracted by the day to day activities it went to the backburner of my mind. When it bubbled up again I was thrilled to learn that a license had been issued. So, when I applied to speak, my TEDx talk was roughly 70% complete. I had my intro and outro in the can. Chronicling my journey as not to spill a drop was my goal. You can catch it here: http://www.tumblr.com/blog/mytedxtemeculajourney. This experience has caused me to cheer on other TEDxters. I've participated in tweetchats, g+, and live streams. The community is incredible. So giving. Best way I can describe it is after participating (via live stream and twitter) with TEDxrainier's event I said in my head, "welcome home". I feel like my TED story is just beginning and will continue to be experienced, embraced, lived and written.
Comments
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TEDCred score: +1.20 TEDCred reflects your contribution to the TED community.
A reply on Conversation: Are you more of an introvert or an extrovert? Has your introversion/ extroversion shaped your choice of career?
Lee-Anna thank you for being so honest and open you organically give each of us permission to follow your example. Anne if you are reading this thank you for posing such a thought provoking question. Your phraseology is disarming thus inviting meaningful dialogue.
Ladies, both of you moved me and I thank you for it!
Jacqui:~)
A comment on Conversation: A motivational map, made for all TED users.
A reply on Conversation: Have you realized your potential?
Jacqui:~)
A comment on Conversation: Have you realized your potential?
Thanks for your reply.
Jacqui:~)
A comment on Conversation: Have you realized your potential?
This one exchange enabled me at an early age to determine what success and achievement really are. Success doesn't mean you're a household name. Look at how many people are famous for doing nothing. Success or reaching my potential for the sake of this forum is being the highest and best version of myself at that moment, where I am with what I'm doing. Knowing that more will be added to me as I progress along. My framework may be different than others. That's because it's mine.
You see, ever since childhood I was affirmed that I had something worthy of listening to. I would grow up and refer to it as being a voice and not an echo. Responsibility (responding to the ability within) comes with awareness. So, as I continue to evolve and grow my new definition of my potential grows as well. Kinda like the saying, " what brought me here, won't take me there". I look at challenges, obstacles, obstructions, dilemmas all as guideposts and tools to get me to my new "there".
They are all life lessons that refine me which is why I embrace them readily!:~)
A reply on Conversation: Have you tried to push the limits of your mind?
A reply on Conversation: How to get involved in the TED community?
Instead, I set my expectations aside and managed them as much as I could. Focusing on the team and my idea worth sharing and our ideas worth sharing helped me tremendously. Besides, it is soooooo not about US!
Glad that I could help you my new friend:~) Remember, when YOU win, I win!
A comment on Conversation: How to get involved in the TED community?
You are welcome my friend! I really encourage you to try again until you are received. Keep in mind, it's not about you! It's about the viability of your ideas worth sharing being shared...right? TEDx events are put on by volunteers that for the most part have jobs, families, businesses, etc.. Most of which have never planned an event of this magnitude or importance.
What they lack in event planning experience they more than compensate in their passion and desire to do their job well. There were many things I thought could have been done differently in my TEDx experience. Here was my solution: I took ownership of the opportunity. I did not wait for someone to say it's okay to do this, that or the other thing. I checked within and asked myself is this mutually beneficial for the team? If the answer was yes I proceeded. I didn't ask for permission, i didn't and don't seek credit. I felt and still do that the spirit of TEDx is community. When one wins, we ALL win. If I know something or can do something or have an idea withholding it would be a shame.
I reached out to contacts I have in the community and asked for them to consider sponsoring (I wasn't on that committee), I posted on social media platforms (again I wasn't on that committee), I placed the event on several event posting sites (I was not on that committee). I share this with you to present a birdseye view of what is most important. Sharing your ideas worth sharing!
I feel your passion in your words and I completely believe that your gift (idea worth sharing) will make room for you. Persist until you succeed would be my advice to you(if you're interested). Do that and in a short while send me a message with your TEDx link and I'll be your biggest cheerleader!
A comment on Conversation: How to get involved in the TED community?
The advice Fritzie gave you is spot on! Search out the upcoming TEDx events apply to be a part of the team, sponsor, attend or speak. That you raised your hand means you have something of value to offer. Don't deprive the TEDx community of your talents Nicole!!! Go for it!!!
A reply on Conversation: How to get involved in the TED community?