Jean T. W. Richards

Q. What is the one piece of advice you would give our current OCC students?

A. Find work that you cannot wait to get up in the morning and get started doing. Then you will never work a day in your life.

Q. What is one characteristic that you believe every leader should possess?

A. Integrity—but along with that, empathy. Plus, it is so easy to do things the right way. And if something works, do not try to reinvent the wheel.

Q. What mantra or mission statement has helped you succeed?

A. If you try you can and will succeed. The mere fact that you tried and gave it 100%, is success.

Q. Can you explain the impact, if any, that social networking has made on your organization or you personally?

A. My husband, Bob, and I have been partners in life for 50 years and business partners for 40 years. We have presented hundreds of Seminars and Work Shops around the country and the county over this period. Up until ten years ago, 10 to 12 hour days were not unusual. Therefore, belonging to outside clubs or an organization was out of the question. In 1994 we began our Radio Talk Show on WOBM-AM 1160 and 1310. Over the past twenty-two years it has been our pleasure to meet hundreds of Ocean County Residents through this venue. Therefore, between Seminars, Work Shops and our Radio Show we have been privileged to interact with individuals who have become our clients. In all three of these endeavors, I have always remained myself. Trying to be someone that you are not, will catch up with you and become your downfall.