Oct 6, 2021
Strategic messaging consultant
Elaine Bennett never thought of writing as a career even though she
had a teacher in high school who ushered her toward an
extracurricular class on writing stating, “You're going to be a
writer”. Elaine had no intention of becoming a
writer. She went off to college, majored in theater with the goal
of moving to New York and becoming a director.
Arriving in New York,
Elaine relied on a skill she had developed in fifth grade, typing.
As much as she abhorred it, it eventually opened up some work
opportunities that she never would have imagined. Elaine ended up
at Salomon Brothers as a temp. She also found work as a sound and
light runner for some Off-Broadway shows. Elaine joined a theater
group where she directed staged readings of new plays and while it
was enjoyable, she wasn't making the professional progress that she
wanted to. At that point, she was also doing some writing for
herself, pitching articles, and discovered that she loved editing,
and copy editing.
One day while temping
at Salomon Bros., Elaine was sent up to the CEO’s office to write a
speech for him on the spot. Gulp … From there, she was offered
a permanent role as the CEO’s speechwriter. When
scandal forced the executive to resign, Warren Buffett stepped in
as interim CEO. Elaine's new boss, Mr. Buffett offered her one of
his highest compliments, “You have a terrific ear, and you turn
straight thinking into straight writing.” And that's what she's been doing ever since,
melding the mind of a business person with the sensibility of an
outsider to tell complex stories in a sophisticated but relatable
way.
Elaine advises clients
from Fortune 50 CEOs to entrepreneurs on their messaging.
In this week’s
Work From The Inside Out podcast,
learn more about Elaine’s
journey:
Learn more and connect with Elaine here: