Movers & Shakers Interview With Yuri Kruman

Tell us your name and a little about yourself.

Yuri Kruman; A bit about me: Corporate Employee Experience (EX) + HR Transformation Consultant, CEO of MasterTheTalk.com, Speaker, Author, PR Strategist, Startup Advisor, Father of 2 girls, Husband.

Corporate HR Transformation / Employee Experience Consulting, Executive Coaching and Startup Advising

What were the biggest challenges you have faced and how did you overcome them?

Challenges faced: grew up as an immigrant in a single parent household, paid and worked my way through college and law school, left with $250K in debt, was unemployed for extended periods of time, changed careers 4 times, my 2-month-old was diagnosed with cancer right when I started MasterTheTalk.com; how I overcame these challenges: faith in G-d, a lot of help from my friends, trust and a lot of ass-kicking from my wife, immigrant’s scrappiness and resourcefulness, plus the desire to find, pursue and monetize my mission, plus empower others to do the same.

What piece of advice do you wish someone had given you at the start of your career?

Be patient and prepare for a wild ride. Don’t let crappy people make you feel like you’re worthless. Find and know your worth and learn to negotiate everything in life, in every relationship. Diversify your sources of revenue. Learn from everyone, whether for the good or bad. Always add value to the lives of others before ever asking for anything in return. Always play the long game, but know everything down in the weeds as well. Trust is always earned.

Who are your biggest influences and people you admire and why?

My Mom (neuroscience professor, brought and raised 2 kids on her own to the U.S. while working a full-time job in academia), my grandpa (physician who was an incredible human being, diagnostician, father and husband), my wife for being brilliant, beautiful and an incredible mother and wife (plus for dealing with me 🙂

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are?

I’ve had a great deal of strategic help from my coach, Kelly Meerbott, who always knows exactly the things to say to 5X my business at every step. She deserves more recognition for the remarkable work she does.

What do you see as your greatest success in life?

Aside from never giving up despite massive challenges and being a good father and husband, I consider the results I’ve gotten for my clients in transforming their lives, careers and businesses as one of the greatest successes in my life. That, and surviving all kinds of crazy things in life and thriving despite — and because — of it.