A Conversation With Sonya Weisshappel, Founder of Seriatim
In this episode of the Failure Gap, Sonya Weisshappel shares her journey as a professional organizer and author of 'Confessions of a Chaos Whisperer.' She discusses the importance of moving from agreement to alignment in personal organization, the power of conversation, and the emotional aspects of decluttering. Sonya emphasizes the need for preparation during life transitions and the role of trusted advisors in helping individuals navigate these changes. The conversation highlights the disconnect many people experience in organizing their lives and the impact of life events on personal organization. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the importance of keeping appraisals current, the shift from working in a business to working on it, and the legacy that founders leave behind. They emphasize the significance of small, consistent actions in achieving long-term goals and the necessity of decluttering both physically and mentally. Practical tips for organization and the value of knowing what you own are also highlighted, encouraging listeners to take actionable steps towards better management of their personal and professional lives.
Takeaways
Takeaways
- Sonya Weisshappel founded her organizing company, Seriatim, to avoid writing a resume
- Professional organizing helps people move from intention to action
- Conversations around the dinner table shaped Sonya's worldview
- Dyslexia influenced Sonya's learning and organizational strategies
- Writing a book was a labor of love for Sonya
- Life transitions require preparation and organization
- Trusted advisors play a crucial role in helping clients
- Emotional clutter is as significant as physical clutter
- Regular maintenance is essential to avoid chaos
- Experiencing life events can change one's perspective on organization and appraisals for valuable items must be current
- Business owners should focus on working on their business
- Leaving a legacy is crucial for founders
- Small habits lead to significant changes over time
- Decluttering helps in managing transitions effectively
- Organizing is essential for personal and professional growth
- Understanding what you own is vital for protection
- Creating an inventory can prevent loss
- It's important to give yourself time for organization
- Dreaming big can lead to actionable steps over time
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If you would like to connect with Sonya outside of this episode, connect with her on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonyaweisshappel/ or learn more about Seriatim here: https://www.seriatim.net/
If you would like to connect with Sonya outside of this episode, connect with her on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonyaweisshappel/ or learn more about Seriatim here: https://www.seriatim.net/
Creators and Guests
Host
Julie Williamson, PhD
Julie Williamson, PhD is the CEO and a Managing Partner at Karrikins Group, a Denver-based, global-serving business consultancy. Author, Keynote Speaker, and Host of The Failure Gap Podcast, Julie is a leading voice in how alignment can transform leaders and organizations.
Guest
Sonya Weisshappel
Sonya grew up in New York City where she started her organizing company, Seriatim, in 1999. Proudly dyslexic, Sonya founded her business in order to avoid writing a resume and now, almost two decades later, she and her Seriatim team have earned themselves a reputation as consummate Chaos Whisperers. In 2017, Sonya became the first organizer to be accepted into the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program. Her debut memoir, Confessions of a Chaos Whisperer, was published in 2024 by Post Hill Press. She is currently President of the New York Council of Relocation Professionals (NYCORP). In her spare time, Sonya organizes her husband, three children, and rescue dog, Finn.
