Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Pandora | RSS
It’s time to Fire Up! with Molly Cantrell-Kraig…
Molly Cantrell-Kraig leveraged her years in media and life-lessons learned as a former single mother on welfare to establish Women With Drive Foundation. She has been featured as one of the CNN 10 Visionary Women and been profiled by the Shriver Report, the Christian Science Monitor, Women’s Media Center in D.C., AutoBody News, Woman’s World Magazine, the Chicago Tribune, ABC7 Chicago, WGN Radio and most recently was a Nominated Changemaker Attendee at the inaugural United State of Women Summit, convened by the White House in June 2016.
Here’s Molly Cantrell-Kraig…
Q1: What was it that gave you the ‘push’ to begin living your dream?
I was downsized from my position at Social Media Liaison at an advertising agency on a Friday the 13th in 2010. Thinking that I could get a job in social media, I called a friend in Chicago, asking if she knew of opportunities. She replied instead, “Why don’t you launch that nonprofit you told me about?” The rest is history.
Q2: What does success look and feel like TO YOU?
When I am able to be myself without infringing upon the freedoms of others. When I can have choices about where I go and how I spend my time. Knowing that another’s life is better for having come into contact with mine. Loving who I am, who I’m with and what I’m doing.
Q3: Share the THREE WORDS that describe you BEST!
DRIVEN. KIND. IMAGINATIVE.
Q4: What was your biggest mistake? How did you learn from it?
Not trusting my gut. This lesson, however, manifested itself through many situations: relationships with men, partnerships with clients, individuals I met through WWDF… each lesson was different, but the overarching element that led to misalignment was my not trusting my gut and acting on it when I first realized my own truth.
Q5: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I’m an anarchist who believes in hierarchy. I like protocols and respect for process, but I also love being able to override or rewrite rules when necessary.
Q6: If you could go back 10 years and share the knowledge you have now – what would you tell yourself?
Trust yourself.
Q7: What inspires you to keep moving forward – even in moments of fear and doubt?
My kids. My friends. My partner. The people I serve. The people who have invested in what I’ve built.
Q8: What is the first thing you do in the morning?
Check my email and social media accounts. Then coffee.
Q9: What is your ‘superpower’?
I actually give a shit about people. They can tell. Caring about another ~ truly caring about them ~ engages what I refer to as “reciprocity velocity.” It activates the teamwork function in others.
Q10: What are your TOP FIVE apps on your phone? Why?
Starbucks. Because coffee. Groupon. Because fun way to try things and save some coin. Instagram. Because it’s my window to the world. The CTA train/bus tracker. Because it keeps me running on time. PayPal/CHASE. Because of the Benjamins. :)
Q11: What songs are on your FIRE UP playlist?
It really depends on the day. I stream a lot of Spotify/playlists based on whether I’m working or playing. I can only write to Mozart, though.
BONUS ROUND QUESTIONS:
What is your ONE WORD for this year?
Evolve.
Anything else you would like to share with the Fire Up! Community?
Everything you’ve gone through, you use. Trials, tribulations, lessons, love, … all of it. You’ll sift as you grow, but when you need a “tool” from your past, it will appear. Promise.
Brief Bio:
Molly Cantrell-Kraig leveraged her years in media and life-lessons learned as a former single mother on welfare to establish Women With Drive Foundation.
She has been featured as one of the CNN 10 Visionary Women and been profiled by the Shriver Report, the Christian Science Monitor, Women’s Media Center in D.C., AutoBody News, Woman’s World Magazine, the Chicago Tribune, ABC7 Chicago, WGN Radio and most recently was a Nominated Changemaker Attendee at the inaugural United State of Women Summit, convened by the White House in June 2016.
| mollycantrellkraig.com | Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | Google+ |
What was in Debra’s glass?
Debra was sipping Katy Michaud’s 2014 Riesling.
“This Riesling is really crisp and doesn’t taste as sweet as most Rieslings you find in the US. It’s also not a huge alcoholic wine (right around 12.5% alc.) so you can enjoy a glass or two guilt-free.”