Defying the Odds:
The Entrepreneurial Spirit of Judi Moreo

In the realm of personal growth and motivation, Judi Moreo stands out as a genuine luminary. Her name is synonymous with empowerment, leaving an indelible mark that transcends boundaries. Globally recognized as one of the most sought-after speakers in motivation, communication skills, and personal development, Judi’s impact is immeasurable. Illuminating the path to purpose, passion, and power, her transformative book, “You Are More Than Enough: Every Woman’s Guide to Purpose, Passion, and Power,” resonates deeply with countless readers, sparking the flames of purpose within.

Judi’s influence extends beyond words; she has crafted the Achievement Journal, a companion to her book, an invaluable tool for personal growth. Additionally, she is the visionary publisher behind the Turn Your Talents Into Cash book series, the Life Choices book series, and Choices magazine, showcasing her unwavering commitment to sharing wisdom and inspiration.

Judi Moreo reaches a global audience through her “What’s Your Story?” television show on WWDBTV on ROKU, where her words echo with a transformative force. Her ascent to becoming an icon in motivation and personal development speaks volumes about her unyielding spirit, entrepreneurial prowess, and contagious enthusiasm.

Defying the odds with a modest $2,000 in savings, Judi founded her first venture, Universal Models and Finishing School. Undeterred by skeptics questioning her success with limited capital, she built a virtual empire, including Universal Convention and Trade Associates. Sixteen years later, she sold this thriving business and ventured to South Africa, assuming the role of Group Promotions Manager within a media conglomerate.

The call of entrepreneurship beckoned again, leading Judi to establish Turning Point International in South Africa—a venture she navigated masterfully for six prosperous years before returning to the United States. Anchoring Turning Point International in the vibrant heart of Las Vegas, Nevada, she continued her legacy.

Judi’s impact knows no borders, inspiring hundreds of thousands globally with her distinctive speaking and training style. Her name graces stages alongside luminaries like Norman Vincent Peale, Og Mandino, President George Bush, Sr., Les Brown, and more. A beacon of motivation, a sage of personal development, and an irreplaceable mentor, she has left an indelible mark on entrepreneurs and executives across 29 countries.

Recognizing her unwavering commitment to personal growth and empowerment, Judi Moreo has received numerous accolades, including the Women’s Federation for World Peace HerStory Award and induction into the Business Hall of Fame. The Certified Speaking Professional designation from the National Speakers Association, held by less than 10% of the world’s speakers, is a testament to her journey.

From the Las Vegas Diamond Star Visionary Award to Nevada Businessperson of the Year, Judi’s trophy shelf narrates a life dedicated to excellence. Her accolades extend to the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, where she is celebrated as the “Woman of Achievement – Entrepreneur,” and the prestigious Circle of Excellence Award. The American Women in Radio and Television recognized her with the Outstanding Achievement Award, and her contributions to the modeling world earned her the World Modeling Association School Director of the Year Award and the United States Career Model Award.

Now, let’s learn more about the person behind the reputation.

A: “You Are More Than Enough” is one of your most celebrated works. This motivational book has received acclaim for its practical advice and inspirational stories. How did you develop the idea for this book, and what message do you hope readers take away from it?

J: For 21 years, I owned and operated Universal Models Finishing School and Model Agency in Las Vegas. At the school, we offered courses in Personal Development and Professional Modeling. Many people attended the programs wanting to improve their self-confidence, self-worth, and self-esteem. Often, attendees said they did not believe they were “enough”…not only to be a model but enough to be accepted, loved, and admired. I read constantly on these subjects, and I felt something was missing in the self-help genre. I wanted a book that could make people feel good about who they are and guide them as to what to do and how to do it to embrace the feeling of being powerful and influential. I wrote the book to make a positive difference in people’s feelings about themselves…and it has!!!

A: You are a sought-after speaker who has delivered keynote addresses at conferences, seminars, and workshops worldwide. What motivates you to continue speaking and sharing your wisdom with diverse audiences?

J: Yes, I have been blessed with having a speaking career that has taken me to 29 countries on four continents. The motivation comes from people coming up to me after a presentation or writing to me after they have heard me speak and telling me that my story touched their hearts or they used some of my advice, which made a positive difference in their lives, especially when someone says I heard you speak 10 years ago and I still use the information you shared.

A: You have coached numerous individuals, helping them navigate personal and professional challenges. How do you approach coaching, and what are your guiding principles for mentorship?

J: Coaching is a very personal experience. I work one-on-one with individuals to give them my full attention and address their issues, problems, strategies, and growth. However, group coaching can also be very beneficial, and it is very cost-effective. Participants receive three months of group coaching along with my You Are More Than Enough online course.

My guiding principles for mentorship include mutual respect, trust, confidentiality, active listening, setting clear goals, empowering them to make their own decisions, being accessible, leading by example, cultural sensitivity, and providing constructive feedback. I create a supportive and nurturing environment where mentees can learn, grow, and thrive.

As a speaking coach, I teach participants that professional speaking is a business and should be conducted as one. They learn to create a brand and a signature story, how to get noticed in the marketplace, what makes a speech unforgettable, where to find clients, how to get referrals, and much, much more.

As a writing coach, I help new authors structure their books and get them written, published, and publicized. For experienced authors, I offer editing services. I also offer ghostwriting services for those with a story to tell but no idea how to tell it.

A: As the founder of Turning Point International, you have established a platform to offer training and development services. What inspired you to start your business, and what has been your biggest entrepreneurial challenge?

J: When I speak to an audience, so many audience members tell me that they would like to bring me in-house for their employees to hear what I have to say, or they wish they could take me home to have the members of their family spend time with me, or that someone they knew could also use the advice I share. Many said they were putting the information to use in their personal and professional lives, so I decided to offer my services to them. They can bring me in-house to motivate their teams and work with me personally to improve their leadership skills. They can take me home to their families through my books and online courses. They can spend time with me personally through the online course and group coaching or through personal one-on-one coaching. My biggest challenge has been balancing my life and maintaining good health while traveling worldwide.

A: And how do you do that?

J: I spend as much time as possible in nature and with animals…at least a weekend in the bush or outback in whatever country I visit. I take loads of photographs, and when I get home, I go into my art studio and paint the animals I photographed. Painting is my meditation. It gives me several hours of quiet time to free my mind from the stresses of life. When I paint the animals, I sit quietly in my studio and paint their eyes first. Once the eyes are done, I feel I can see their personalities, and we have a soul connection. Then, painting the rest of the animal is a project of love. I want to make them as beautiful and authentic to life as I can.

A: What advice do you have for individuals struggling with self-doubt and insecurity in their personal or professional lives?

J: Self-doubt and insecurity can be challenging to overcome, but with patience, practice, and the right mindset, you can build your confidence and self-esteem.

• The first step is recognizing and accepting that you are experiencing self-doubt and insecurity. It’s okay to feel this way at times; everyone does.
• Pay attention to your inner dialogue and challenge negative self-talk. Replace self-criticism with positive affirmations and realistic self-appraisal.
• Set goals and break them down into smaller, achievable steps. This can make your objectives seem less overwhelming and boost your confidence as you accomplish them individually.
• Seeking feedback from others can help you gain perspective and improve. Don’t be afraid to ask for mentor feedback or hire a coach.
• Identify and celebrate your strengths and accomplishments. Keep a journal of your achievements, no matter how small they may seem. I created the Achievement Journal for this very reason.
• Prioritize self-care to improve your overall well-being. This includes getting enough rest, eating well, exercising regularly, and practicing relaxation techniques like mindfulness or meditation.
• View challenges and failures as opportunities for growth and learning rather than as signs of inadequacy. Mistakes are a natural part of the learning process.
• Invest time in developing the skills and knowledge you need for personal and professional growth. The more competent you feel, the less you’ll doubt yourself. Read self-help books. Contact me for recommended books to read.
• Visualize your success and imagine yourself overcoming obstacles. This can help boost your confidence and motivation. Create a vision board and post it where you see it often.
• Spend time with people who uplift and support you… your mentor, coach, and friends with positive attitudes. Avoid those who bring you down or undermine your confidence.
• Learn to set boundaries and say “no” when necessary to protect your time, energy, and mental well-being. Overcommitting can lead to feelings of insecurity.
• If self-doubt and insecurity are severely affecting your life, consider seeking the help of a therapist or counselor. They can provide you with strategies and techniques to address these issues.
• Treat yourself with the kindness and understanding you would offer a friend. Be patient and forgiving with yourself as you work through these feelings.
• Sometimes, the best way to combat self-doubt is to step out of your comfort zone and act despite your insecurity. The more you do something, the more confident you become.
• Understand that nobody is perfect. Everyone has flaws and makes mistakes. Striving for perfection can fuel insecurity, so aim for excellence instead.

Remember that building self-confidence is a journey; it takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself, and don’t be discouraged by setbacks. Overcoming self-doubt and insecurity is possible with consistent effort and a belief in your ability to grow and improve.

A: How do you stay motivated and inspired to continue your work in personal development?

J: The work itself is motivational. Seeing people develop and gain confidence in themselves and their abilities is rewarding. Watching them succeed is thrilling. It is incredibly inspiring to have them call or write years after working with me and thank me for being a part of their lives. Having someone come back to work with me again after 20 years or more, saying they need a Judi Moreo fix, is my all-time best.

A: What do you believe are the key factors differentiating those who succeed from those who don’t in their personal and professional journeys?

J: A combination of factors influences success in personal and professional journeys, and it’s important to note that success can vary significantly from one individual to another. However, several vital factors often differentiate those who succeed from those who don’t:

• Successful individuals typically have a clear purpose and passion for pursuing their dreams. They set specific, measurable goals and create a vision for their future.
• Those who succeed tend to be resilient, bouncing back from failures and continuing to work toward their goals with determination.
• Successful individuals are open to change and innovation. Adapting to changing circumstances, technologies, and market conditions is crucial in today’s fast-paced world.
• Understanding financial principles and managing money is essential for achieving financial goals and security.
• Strong communication skills, including active listening and compelling expression, are essential for success in personal and professional relationships.
• Successful people seek opportunities to acquire new knowledge and skills through formal education, training, or self-study.

A: What new projects or initiatives are you currently working on, and what do you hope to achieve?

J: My latest project is the “You Are More Than Enough: Overcoming Your Perceived Limitations” online course. It includes 16 modules of learning materials, three months of group coaching with me, membership in the You Are More Than Enough Facebook group, three free ebooks, and much more. It will help people give up their limiting beliefs and feel More Than Enough. To learn more about this program, go to https://classes.empoweringhumanitytv.com/courses
I am also finishing another self-help book, “Are You All In? “Winning Strategies for a Fulfilling and Rewarding Life.” It will be coming out very soon.

A: How exciting! As always, I am wishing you much success.

Judi Moreo’s journey from self-discovery to becoming a beacon of inspiration in the world of personal development is nothing short of remarkable. Her book, “You Are More Than Enough,” inspires individuals to believe in themselves and reach for their highest aspirations. She has impacted and continues to significantly impact countless lives through her work as an author, speaker, coach, and entrepreneur. Her story is a testament to the boundless potential residing within each of us. As we delved into her life’s journey and contributions, we unveiled the profound wisdom and transformative energy that define this remarkable woman. Judi Moreo truly is More Than Enough!

This article originally appeared in the Winter 2024 issue of CHOICES Magazine