We’re looking forward to introducing you to Lauren H. Kerstein. Check out our conversation below.
Lauren H., really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
I love this question. I think in the past, I’d say intelligence. I LOVE learning. It brings me so much joy to learn new facts and engage in intelligent conversations. In today’s world, though, I think integrity has become even more important. There is so much cognitive dissonance around morality and truth. It is terrifying. I hope we find a way back to integrity.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a psychotherapist, author, ghostwriter, creative coach, and a mom. All of these different roles inform my work in important ways. At the end of the day, my North Star is to lift up others and help them feel seen no matter what hat I happen to be wearing at the time. I am also an avid tea drinker, kombucha lover, and chai fan. There is nothing like holding a warm mug in your hand while writing, reading, or meeting with a client.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
I have a terrible memory, but I will tell two stories– one which I’ve told before. When I was in third grade, my teacher, Mrs. Sweeney, started crying while reading THE GIVING TREE to our class. I was touched by her courage to emote in front of our class. But more importantly, it was the first time I realized how important books are– that they had the power to make someone feel something so deeply that tears rolled down her face in such a vulnerable way.
I think the moment that really shaped how I see the world was when I was older– college or grad school-aged. I was in line at inside a gas station. A father and his young daughter (perhaps 3 ish) were in line ahead of me. The father held his daughter in his arms. As they walked away, the daughter said to the father, “Look what I got!” She held out some sort of candy or gum. The dad said, “Oh, honey, we have to pay for that.” He brought his daughter back to the register where they paid for it. I realized how powerful that moment was for both father and daughter and how simple acts are often the most impactful and meaningful.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
Perfectionism has held me back many times. It both propels me and gives lots of nasty fodder to my inner critic, Helga. I’ve had to find a way to balance doing my best with good enough. It isn’t an easy balance.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I am committed to all of my projects, no matter how long they take. But I am particularly committed to my YA right now. I believe in this project with my whole heart and feel like it belongs in the world. I am about to hire a developmental editor, again, to see what I can do to help this book find its way into the world.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people will tell others that I always did my best to support friends, colleagues, family… everyone. I hope I helped people feel good about themselves and their work. If I helped someone feel worthy and seen who might not have felt that way without our interaction, then I lived the life I wanted to live.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.LaurenKerstein.net
- Instagram: @LaurenKerstein
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-h-kerstein-59398310b/
- Twitter: @laurenkerstein
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lauren.kerstein
- Youtube: @laurenkerstein2491
