Voices of Resilience

Featured Voice

Founding Voice

Interview No. 1

Elinor Stutz

“We have one life to live, and it is our duty to live it without regret.”
— Elinor Stutz

International bestselling and evergreen author, sales strategist, and relationship-building advocate whose career demonstrates that trust, integrity, service, and authenticity create lasting success.

A Conversation with Cynthia Goble

Professional Snapshot

Professional Identity
International Bestselling and Evergreen Author, Sales Strategist, and Relationship-Building Advocate

Organization
Smooth Sale — Earn a Returning and Referring Clientele

Location
United States

Known For
Trust-based selling, relationship building, inspirational storytelling, and community service

Featured Books
Nice Girls DO Get the Sale
HIRED!
The Wish
Inspired Business

Global Perspective
Traveler to 83 countries

LinkedIn
Elinor Stutz

Website
Smooth Sale

For decades, Elinor Stutz has demonstrated that meaningful relationships are the foundation of lasting success. Her journey—from confronting discrimination and professional adversity to becoming an international bestselling author, speaker, and community advocate—reveals the strength that can emerge when determination is joined with integrity and service.

In this inaugural Voices of Resilience conversation, Elinor reflects on the experiences that have shaped her, the lessons she discovered through hardship, and her decision to transform competition into collaboration. Her story reminds us that resilience is not merely the ability to withstand difficulty. It is the willingness to learn, adjust, serve others, and continue moving toward the life we most deeply desire.

Growing Up Different

Cynthia Goble

Every person's story begins long before professional accomplishments become visible.

For Elinor, the earliest chapters of her life were shaped by feeling different from those around her. What others viewed as a weakness eventually became one of her greatest strengths—a willingness to observe carefully, think independently, and remain true to her values.

I began our conversation by asking her to introduce herself to readers in her own words.

Question No. 1

Becoming Who You Are

Cynthia Goble:

Elinor, before readers know you as an internationally bestselling author, sales strategist, and relationship-building advocate, I would like them to meet the person behind those accomplishments. Would you introduce yourself and share a little about the experiences that shaped the woman you are today?

Elinor Stutz:

Over the years, I was often described by others—sometimes in a derogatory tone—as "different." Feeling different from nearly everyone I met led to a childhood filled with solitude, where I spent time trying to understand hurtful remarks and, ultimately, becoming the person I am today.

By the sixth grade, I had already become an active goal-setter. Today, some still describe me as stubborn because I refuse to give in to what I believe are nonsensical expectations. Instead, I have learned to listen carefully, observe deeply, and ask thoughtful questions—whether responding to hurtful comments or exploring exciting new ideas.

I am tough in a sense that I will never allow anyone to encourage me to change my ways or worse, to quit. I can turn an ugly statement into a question that will set some back on their heels. My takeaway is that we must remain true to our ideals and values to create and maintain trust and, most importantly, to live the life we desire.

Recently, the answer arrived as to why I’m different from most. According to a WebMD newsletter, green-eyed, left-handed people account for only 2% of the global population. Our brains are wired differently from everyone else. I was ecstatic to finally have a logical answer as to why my thinking differs.

Editorial Reflection

Being different is not a weakness. When embraced with integrity and purpose, it often becomes the very quality that allows us to contribute something unique to the world.

— Cynthia Goble

Question No. 2

The Experiences That Shaped Her

Cynthia Goble:

Looking back over your career, what experiences have shaped the person you are today?

Elinor Stutz:

The discriminatory behaviors I experienced in the corporate world stood in sharp contrast to the enjoyment I found in meeting prospects and ultimately having many of them become clients. Those opposing experiences taught me valuable lessons. Each remark and unethical behavior—such as taking my accounts away from me at year-end because, as the top producer, my success embarrassed all of the men—encouraged me to become unstoppable. Having grown up with bullies, I knew how to handle myself. I would never allow anyone to halt my progress or dictate who I was to become.

However, my more sensational near-death experience is ultimately the one that reshaped my life for the better. As I lay on a gurney awaiting admission to the hospital, two visions appeared before me.

The first indicated that I was to become a speaker. In my mind, I replied wholeheartedly, “Yes! That’s what I always wanted to do!” A blink of golden light indicated that it would happen, and the vision faded.

A second vision then appeared before me. It was my life report card. I had high marks on the left-hand side, but the right-hand side was embarrassingly blank and entitled “Community Service.” Instantly, and in sales speak, I mentally replied, “I promise to begin serving communities any way I can, but to give my best, I must be able to walk out of this hospital on my own.” Another blink of golden light indicated that I would recover, and the vision faded.

My promise to serve communities has remained with me ever since. To date, I have been fortunate to enjoy almost 25 additional years of life—and I have continued striving to honor that promise.

Question No. 3

Turning Resistance Into Resilience

Cynthia Goble:

Every successful journey includes obstacles. Can you share a challenge that ultimately strengthened your resilience?

Elinor Stutz:

After cornering a hiring manager into hiring me for my first sales job, the harsh games began. First, I was told outright: “You are a stupid woman, and it will be a complete waste of corporate money to spend it on training you. You are on your own to sell our unknown brand of copier against Xerox.”

The idea was to encourage me to quit, but stubbornness is my gift. Instead, I embraced the opportunity to enroll in a Dale Carnegie public speaking class. We were expected to share our learning moments with the class through storytelling. On the first night, I was so timid that even announcing my name to the group was challenging. During the classes that followed, I shared the awful corporate stories and how I handled them—and the laughter was beyond imagination.

Privately, I wondered whether they were laughing at the stories or at me for being so naive as to put up with the nonsense. But the answer arrived on the final night, when I was announced as the Grand Prize Winner.

Even better, laughter became a common experience as I encouraged story-sharing among my prospects and clientele. I became the star sales performer at every job. The underlying message is that no two people think alike, and scripts are a waste of everyone’s time. When we communicate naturally and intuitively, people appreciate our sincerity—and that is when closed doors can open wide.

Editorial Reflection

Resilience sometimes begins with refusing to accept another person's definition of who we are capable of becoming. Elinor's experience reminds us that the qualities others dismiss may become the very strengths that open doors when we have the courage to trust them.

— Cynthia Goble

Question No. 4

Relationships That Last

Cynthia Goble:

Relationships have been at the heart of your life's work. Why do you believe genuine relationships remain the foundation of lasting success?

Elinor Stutz:

Genuine relationships require a commitment to always do what is right and best for one another, whether in business or in our personal lives. One relationship that can have a particularly life-changing quality is marriage.

As I approached my mid-20s, I was chided by nearly everyone I knew for not yet having found a spouse. At the same time, I continually heard about people I knew getting divorced and experiencing tremendous stress, both emotionally and financially.

I knew that I did not want to marry simply because others believed it was time for me to do so. My goal was to find someone with whom I genuinely wanted to spend the remainder of my life. I also had three specific priorities in mind for the life we would share, including a mutual love of travel.

Thankfully, I ultimately found that special someone.

Editorial Reflection

The relationships that endure are rarely built by following someone else's timetable. They grow from discernment, mutual respect, and the willingness to choose what is right for both people. Elinor's story reminds us that lasting relationships begin not with urgency, but with authenticity.

— Cynthia Goble

Question No. 5

Trust Before Leadership

Cynthia Goble:

Throughout your career, what leadership lesson has remained constant regardless of changing industries and technology?

Elinor Stutz:

The “gift” hidden within much of the nastiness I experienced before my career began was recognizing how important it is to seek out people I can trust. At the foundation of trust is consistency, along with the willingness to admit what we do not know or fully understand—and to continue learning.

Another lesson that has remained with me is the joy of learning about the experiences that shaped other people into who they are today. I have always enjoyed speaking with people from different cultures and racial backgrounds and learning about lives and perspectives different from my own.

Even during the times when I felt sorry for myself, I understood that people of color often encountered hardships and discrimination far greater than what I had experienced. The high school I chose to attend included students from many parts of the world. As we became acquainted, I learned to choose my words carefully, listen, and ask questions so that I could better understand their individual experiences.

When I entered the sales profession, I felt comfortable asking prospective clients about their experiences both in their homelands and in the United States. The sincerity of those conversations encouraged people to share their stories openly, allowing us to connect on a more personal level. In that way, sales became a deeply fulfilling profession for me.

Those early lessons stayed with me throughout my career: trust must be earned through consistency, learning never ends, and we become better leaders when we remain genuinely curious about the people around us.

Editorial Reflection

Leadership does not begin with having all the answers. It begins with the humility to acknowledge what we do not know, the curiosity to learn from people whose experiences differ from our own, and the consistency that allows trust to grow. Elinor's story reminds us that some of our greatest leadership lessons begin simply by listening.

— Cynthia Goble

Question No. 6

Living Your Values

Cynthia Goble:

What personal values guide your decisions every day?

Elinor Stutz:

My first commitment is to remain true to myself—to be who I am regardless of what others may think or say. I also believe in openly demonstrating the values I hope to find in others, particularly credibility and trust.

As you can probably tell, I am an avid goal-setter, and I remain mindful of those goals every day. They provide direction and keep me focused on what I hope to accomplish.

Above all, however, family comes first. We make ourselves available to support one another, and that commitment remains one of the most important values guiding my life.

Editorial Reflection

Our values become most meaningful when they move beyond words and become visible in the way we live. Authenticity, trust, purpose, and devotion to those we love are not simply principles we claim; they are choices we make again and again. Elinor's words remind us that a life guided from within is less easily redirected by the expectations of others.

— Cynthia Goble

Question No. 7

The Voices That Shaped Her

Cynthia Goble:

Was there a mentor, family member, colleague, or life experience that profoundly influenced your path?

Elinor Stutz:

Interestingly, three people in my family profoundly influenced my path toward believing in myself, recognizing possibilities, and understanding the importance of truly listening to others.

The first was my father, who shared stories about athletics at the dinner table each night. What made those stories meaningful was that they often featured a team that had fallen behind, only to muster the courage in the final minutes to “take a long shot” and win.

The underlying message was always:

“Never give up!”

Over time, I added my own words to that lesson:

“…Find a better way!”

The second influence came from my husband. One day, while I was working at the computer and searching for employment to help pay for our children's future college education, he made a remark that caught me completely off guard:

“I know what you should do for a living—you have the personality of a salesperson!”

The third influence came from my son when he was about 11 years old. One day, he asked me a question that stopped me in my tracks:

“Why can’t I ever win an argument?”

His question made me realize that he had raised a vital point. I immediately asked for his input, listened carefully, and agreed with what he had to say. That moment changed my communication style for the better.

From then on, I became more conscious of listening first and fully understanding another person's perspective before responding. That lesson ultimately contributed to more effective communication and stronger relationship-building with my clientele—and it became equally valuable in my approach to leadership.

Editorial Reflection

Sometimes the voices that shape us do more than encourage us. They help us recognize possibilities, see ourselves differently, and discover where we still have room to grow. A father's lesson to never give up, a husband's recognition of an unexpected strength, and a son's honest question each became part of Elinor's journey. Her story reminds us that wisdom can arrive through many voices—and sometimes the most important thing we can do is listen.

— Cynthia Goble

Question No. 8

A Life of Curiosity

Cynthia Goble:

Many people know you as an internationally recognized sales expert and author. What would surprise readers about you outside your professional accomplishments?

Elinor Stutz:

While I may appear studious in my writing, I operate in an entirely different way than most people might imagine. And that last word—imagine—is an integral part of how I think. Long ago, a teacher suggested that I become an artist, although my goal was to pursue a career in business.

Having struggled to make a genuine friend where I previously lived, I began traveling internationally at age 16—and I never stopped. It has always been a joy for me to learn about different cultures, visit archaeological sites, and experience landscapes of every kind.

My goal in college was to graduate within four years, so I read the course catalog from cover to cover in search of subjects that interested me. Anthropology and Quechua, the language of the Incas, became part of my studies.

To date, I have visited 83 countries, and the experiences have been phenomenal. Perhaps it is no coincidence that I also enjoy LinkedIn, where I have connected with like-minded people around the world.

The underlying message for me is that when we aren't accepted where we are, there is always a better way forward.

On a related note, I was ecstatic to learn that my book became an international bestseller, given my lifelong love of international travel.

Editorial Reflection

Curiosity can become its own form of resilience. When belonging seems difficult to find in one place, the world may remind us just how many places, people, and possibilities remain to be discovered. Elinor's journey reminds us that sometimes the better way forward begins with the courage to look beyond the boundaries of what we already know.

— Cynthia Goble

Question No. 9

Rebuilding from Within

Cynthia Goble:

What advice would you offer someone who is rebuilding their confidence after experiencing disappointment or adversity?

Elinor Stutz:

Mindset is everything. When we recognize that things are not working to our satisfaction, it is important to consider honestly where we may be going wrong. Honesty with ourselves is vital. Once we understand what may be holding us back, we can begin creating a better route forward.

Throughout my lifetime, I endured bullying and harsh criticism, even from “so-called friends.” Later in life, as my accomplishments gained notice, I began reflecting on how that transformation had unfolded and how I might apply what I had learned to achieve better outcomes.

Each piece of negativity we receive gives us an opportunity to examine the situation from different angles and make certain we are not overlooking something important. That includes recognizing where we ourselves may have erred, determining what we can change, and then moving forward with greater confidence.

As we gradually move beyond disappointment, we begin to appreciate both our work and the person we have become. From there, we can find the determination to continue pursuing the path we most deeply desire.

Editorial Reflection

Rebuilding confidence does not require us to pretend that disappointment never happened. It asks us to look at our experiences honestly, learn what they have come to teach us, and decide what we will carry forward. Elinor's journey reminds us that confidence can return gradually—not because the past has changed, but because we have.

— Cynthia Goble

Question No. 10

Finding the Good in the Mishaps

Cynthia Goble:

How do you personally define resilience?

Elinor Stutz:

Resilience is not solely about being defiant. It is about being willing to examine negativity and mishaps thoroughly, make appropriate adjustments, and continue doing so for as long as necessary. In many ways, that process continues throughout our lifetime as we work toward the goals that matter most to us.

Surprisingly, when we remain committed, we may suddenly recognize a better approach—one that can lead to an even more dynamic outcome. There is often something “good” to be discovered in the mishaps if we are willing to look for it.

For me, one word captures the essence of resilience: stubborn.

We must remain dedicated to the outcome we most deeply desire.

Editorial Reflection

Resilience is not simply the determination to keep going. Sometimes it is the wisdom to stop, examine what a setback is trying to teach us, and adjust our course without abandoning our destination. Elinor's perspective reminds us that even the mishaps along our journey may contain something of value—if we are willing to look closely enough to find it.

— Cynthia Goble

Question No. 11

Hope Multiplied Through Community

Cynthia Goble:

What gives you hope today?

Elinor Stutz:

Hope is a magical word because it keeps us moving forward. As a senior citizen who has experienced decades of put-downs, I was invited to join the Mission Hope group of writers, created by Char Murphy. I was astounded to discover how many of us think similarly, have faced difficult challenges over the years, and now strive to bring motivation and inspiration to our audiences.

The first time I created a post to share with the group, I was almost in disbelief that even one person liked my writing. In the years leading up to that moment, I had been told that my writing was “nonsense.” That first positive response helped me realize that I had finally found a community where we could genuinely support one another's efforts.

Then, almost like magic, more people began interacting with me. Within a short time, we had become a highly collaborative group of writers. It felt like a wish come true.

By sharing and supporting one another's work, we can extend that hope much farther. Together, we can encourage more people to continue pursuing their dreams—and perhaps see those dreams come true.

Editorial Reflection

Hope often begins quietly—with one person noticing us, encouraging us, or reminding us that what we have to offer matters. But when hope is shared, it rarely remains small. Elinor's experience reminds us that community can transform individual encouragement into collective possibility, allowing each person's light to reach farther than it could alone.

— Cynthia Goble

Question No. 12

A Legacy of Possibility

Cynthia Goble:

What legacy do you hope to leave for future generations?

Elinor Stutz:

First and foremost, we must believe that anything is possible when we have purpose and dedicate ourselves to achieving our dreams. But an equally important part of that journey is finding ways to work for the greater good and serve our communities.

I moved from being highly competitive to becoming collaborative. My near-death experience pointed me toward serving communities, and I have never looked back.

I began writing business books to share my experiences and give readers ideas to consider as they weigh the pros and cons of the decisions before them. My goal has always been to encourage people to make better-informed decisions for themselves.

Long ago, Les Brown trained me to deliver inspirational keynotes that received standing ovations and thunderous applause. Realizing that certain elements of those talks resonated so strongly with audiences encouraged me to expand upon the associated topics in everything I create.

My hope for future generations is that they remain open to diverse cultures, ideas, and possibilities—and that, while pursuing their own ambitions, they also find ways to help advance society for the greater good.

Editorial Reflection

Perhaps the most enduring legacy is not a record of what we accomplished, but what our lives encouraged others to believe was possible. Elinor's journey reminds us that achievement takes on deeper meaning when it expands beyond ourselves—when experience becomes wisdom, competition becomes collaboration, and personal ambition grows into service for the greater good.

— Cynthia Goble

Question No. 13

From Competition to Collaboration

Cynthia Goble:

Is there anything I haven't asked that you would like readers to know about your journey?

Elinor Stutz:

Mid-career, while I was still being chastised for my ideas, I was delighted to learn about social media and the opportunity it offered to network with others. A marketing expert invited me to join her group to learn how to make the most of social media, blogging, and the law of attraction. But one challenge immediately arose that frightened me.

She said without hesitation:

“You must stop being so competitive and become collaborative instead!”

I was stunned. After all of my previous difficult experiences, why would I want to collaborate with anyone? But I wanted to learn more about social media and blogging—and, at the time, I liked the idea of hiding behind my writing. Admittedly, I was a nervous wreck. Still, I agreed to collaborate so that I could learn more about marketing.

Within a very short time, I began connecting and collaborating with people who shared similar values and priorities. To my surprise, I discovered not only professional connections, but genuine friendships and caring business associates. It opened an entirely different way of interacting with people—one built less on competition and more on mutual support.

Over time, the Smooth Sale Blog became popular, and unexpected business opportunities came my way. I was no longer being seen as “stupid,” but as someone with whom others wanted to work, collaborate, and expand business opportunities. It became both a game changer and a life changer for me.

I owe much to the person who encouraged me to move beyond competition and live on a higher platform.

Editorial Reflection

Sometimes transformation begins with an invitation that makes us uncomfortable. What initially feels contrary to everything our experiences have taught us may become the doorway to an entirely different way of living. Elinor's journey from competition to collaboration reminds us that growth does not always require becoming someone new. Sometimes it asks us to trust enough to discover another way of being ourselves.

— Cynthia Goble

Question No. 14

When the Way Forward Feels Unclear

Cynthia Goble:

If someone reading this interview today is facing one of the most difficult seasons of their life, what would you want them to know?

Elinor Stutz:

It can be helpful to give ourselves as much time for solitude as we need. We can use that time to reflect on where we are today and how much we have already accomplished despite the obstacles we have faced. From there, we can consider which traits, skills, and habits may need to evolve as we move toward the person and leader we hope to become.

Next, we can envision what we want to accomplish and what we ultimately want to be known for. It is important to be truthful about every aspect of our lives and willing to exchange ideas with people we trust so that we can develop a stronger approach.

We should surround ourselves with people who share similar values and priorities and never compromise our values simply to gain acceptance or opportunity. When we remain true to who we are and consistently demonstrate what we stand for, positive word of mouth can open doors to opportunities we may never have imagined.

Editorial Reflection

When the way forward is difficult to see, perhaps our first task is not to have all the answers, but to remember how much we have already survived. Solitude can give us the space to listen again—to our values, our experiences, and the quiet wisdom we have gathered along the way. Elinor's journey reminds us that a difficult season may interrupt our path, but it does not have to determine where the path ultimately leads.

— Cynthia Goble

What Elinor's Journey Reminds Us

Throughout this conversation, one truth appears again and again: resilience is rarely a single act of courage. More often, it is a series of choices made over a lifetime.

Elinor Stutz's journey has included moments when she was underestimated, excluded, criticized, and encouraged to become someone other than herself. Yet those experiences did not become the final definition of her life. She listened. She learned. She questioned. She adjusted. And when one way forward no longer served her, she looked for another.

Perhaps one of the most meaningful transformations in Elinor's story is her movement from competition to collaboration. What once felt necessary for survival eventually gave way to something larger: the understanding that success becomes more meaningful when knowledge is shared, relationships are built upon trust, and our experiences are used in service to others.

Her story also reminds us that resilience does not require us to have everything figured out. We can remain curious. We can reconsider what we believe. We can learn from people whose lives are different from our own. We can acknowledge where we need to grow without surrendering the values that make us who we are.

And perhaps that is one of the quietest lessons of resilience: we do not have to know exactly where the road will lead in order to keep moving toward a life of greater purpose.

Elinor's journey is still being written. And the wisdom she has gathered along the way offers each of us an invitation:

Never give up. Find a better way. And when you find it, help someone else discover what may be possible for them.

— Cynthia Goble

Continue the Conversation

Every story of resilience carries something we can learn from—and sometimes, something we recognize in ourselves.

If Elinor’s journey has offered you encouragement, a new perspective, or a reminder of what may still be possible, I hope you will carry it forward. Share the lesson. Encourage someone else. And continue the conversation in your own life.

Connect with Elinor

To learn more about Elinor Stutz, her books, and her work helping others build meaningful relationships through trust and authenticity, visit:

Website
Smooth Sale

LinkedIn
Elinor Stutz

More Voices Are Coming

Elinor Stutz is the Founding Voice of Voices of Resilience—the first in a continuing series of conversations with people whose experiences remind us that resilience takes many forms.

In the conversations ahead, we will continue exploring the experiences that shape us, the lessons that change us, and the wisdom we can carry forward from one another.

Every voice has a story. Every story has something to teach us.