Dealmaking is part of of all we do in life

NEWS

Anna Breytenbach
"The Real You" Interview
Interview with Anna Breytenbach
The Dealmaker™ Graduate

Anna Breytenbach is a professional Animal Communicator who has received advanced training through the Assisi International Animal Institute in California, USA and has been practising for four years in America, Canada and South Africa with domestic and wild animals. Her conservation experience includes working with cheetahs and wolves in educational and rehabilitation programmes. In her communication and conservation work, she strives to live her personal mission of being a voice for the animals.

Anna attended The Dealmaker™ in June 2009. In her words the course "helped me to really partner with clients and service providers in the context of longer-term business relationships, as well as more clearly appreciate and stand up for my value."

1. When you were a child, who was your best friend? Why?
My best friend was my "imaginary" one - a farm girl named Valda. I envied her barefooted lifestyle and carefree spirit, and took great joy in playing out those possibilities for myself in my mind.

2. When you were six, ten and 16, what were your dream jobs?
Lion-tamer, spy and vet.

3. What was your first job and how much was your paycheck?
Copywriter trainee at the country's largest ad agency; paycheck R1 500 per month.

4. In one sentence, describe your current job to a five year old.
I help humans remember how to talk to the animals and hear their answers.

5. Where is the most interesting place you have ever visited? Why?
The Rocky Mountains in the USA, on a wild wolf tracking expedition for conservation purposes.

6. Do you have a "Life List"? If so, name three things that are on your List?
Recording a song, living in Alaska for a while and dancing with the San in the Kalahari Desert.

7. What is the biggest lie you tell yourself?
That I will slow down and take care of my rest and recreational needs!

8. What is the best advice a grand parent ever gave you?
To do whatever makes me happy.

9. What do you do when the going gets tough?
Knuckle down even harder to try to resolve the crisis.

10. In your career, what has been your greatest achievement so far?
Having a documentary filmed about my work - thus expanding its reach to more people who can use the techniques.

11. Your favourite gadget of the moment?
Leatherman.

12. If you were President for one day, what law would you put in place?
All animals are to be regarded as sentient beings, and enjoy the same rights as humans under the Constitution of our country.

13. If you could choose the President of the entire universe, who would you choose and why?
Aslan the lion from Narnia, because he'd rule with compassion, knowing and integrity, willing to purr or roar as the situation may call for.

14. Can you share one idea that someone could put into practice that would help them to improve their networking skills?
Be open and "real", willing to show people who you are on the inside; this will touch them more deeply than any amount of superficial chatter.