Some people think that the key to success lies within their daily routines. Do you agree with this, and if so, what is your daily routine?
Yes!!
Get up, meditate (before looking at my phone), and ideally write or ride my bike, but that is pretty rare these days, and same with reading my life vision (more aspirational than real!). I do read my life vision more reliably with I’m leading Space Kind level II because it’s an assignment for that course. (Teaching always helps me act more in line with what I say is important to me).
Looking back at your teenage years, did you have any entrepreneurial interests?
I wanted to use space to solve all the world’s problems. That seems pretty entrepreneurial, looking back. I also liked to design fashion and shoes I haven’t done anything with that yet!
I did babysit and referee to make money which was also pretty enterprising.
I got jobs at Hewlett Packard (soldering computer cables) and the Exploratorium (science museum in San Francisco), which might seem entrepreneurial but was just me trying to get experience and do real things.
Is there a specific time of day when you feel most productive?
Before everyone wakes up! That is why I need to go to bed early so I can be up before everyone. But it doesn’t always happen. It’s a sacred time. Not to be used for checking email, news, or texts, just for writing or listening to what the universe is trying to tell me.
Do you think there is one character trait/skill that is important to have in order to become a successful entrepreneur in today’s world?
Integrity.
Trust matters. Earn it. Deserve it; keep it. Do what you say you are going to do. If you can’t, let them know as soon as you know and make a plan to minimize the impact on others.
Has being a woman in the business world affected you positively or negatively, and how so?
Both! Early in my career, it helped me because I stood out and was memorable, and people wanted to help me. Later it felt like I hit a strange glass ceiling; hard to say if it was me or my gender.
What is one major goal that you wish to achieve by 2030?
Bring in orbit.
Who is your biggest influence, and why?
Richard Bach. He wrote “Illusions,” which is a very important book in my life. His others have been very foundational for me as well.
If you could pick one female entrepreneur, who would you say is your biggest inspiration?
Oprah
What has been the most formative advice you have received and why?
What’s upsetting you is your interpretation of what is happening. You are free to choose a different interpretation. If you get to say, You might as well pick one that inspires and empowers you.
What has been the most impressive/memorable question anyone has ever asked you?
Can you be 100% certain that your interpretation of the situation is correct?
If you have siblings, are they also entrepreneurs?
Yes, my sister is also very entrepreneurial. Our mom taught us early on to be self-reliant and competent.
Do you think the drive to become an entrepreneur is born with or is learned?
Some is inborn, lots can be learned! You have to be willing to believe you can develop yourself, whichever you want.
CONTACT INFORMATION & SOCIAL MEDIA Los Angeles, CA Founder Yuri's Night and Spacekind | Virgin Galactic | Astronaut website: http://www.spacekind.org/ + http://www.yurisnight.net/ Twitter: http://@LorettaWhtsides LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorettawhitesides Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorettahidalgowhitesides/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/yurisnight Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lorettawhitesides.astronaut