Today we’d like to introduce you to Kenya Rothstein.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Today I’m an environmental attorney by day and podcaster by night. But, if you asked me when I was a teenager if I thought I would be an attorney and host a podcast, I would have just stared and blinked at you in confusion. At the time, I didn’t know these jobs were within my grasp.
When I applied for college right out of high school, I got rejected from every school I applied to. I couldn’t believe it. Not one acceptance.
So I begrudgingly got a job at a cafe, signed up at the local community college and tried again.
As a young adult, the thought of putting myself out there and starting something new was terrifying. The thought of trying and failing was even worse. But, the thought of trying and succeeding? That was something I could not even imagine.
After over two years of studying and working and studying and working, I applied to college again. This time I got accepted into every school I applied to. I couldn’t believe it. Not one rejection.
I didn’t know it at the time, but that was the beginning of the journey that would lead me to becoming an environmental attorney and starting my podcast, Thank You For Saying NO. Achievements I consider successes simply because I didn’t give up.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
A recurring theme for me when I was in school, starting out professionally, and navigating relationships was fear of giving something my all and it not working out.
Looking back, I can say with laughable certainty that almost every Plan A I’ve given my all to has not worked out. My life has been filled with unexpected turns. Whether it’s not getting into school, not getting a job, ending a relationship, having to pick up my life and make a move I didn’t want to, losing someone close to me, or any of the other life-altering events that I just did not expect. But by following the wise words of Sheryl Sandberg, I learned to “kick the shit out of Option B.”
And looking back, I’m glad for all the things that didn’t work out and all the times I was told “no” because they led me to today. And today is GREAT.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m all about creating a positive impact. As an environmental attorney, I am dedicated to protecting the environment. As a podcaster, my goal is to inspire people and to give listeners hope that when they’re told no or when things don’t go according to plan, it will still work out, potentially even better than could have ever been imagined.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Favorite Books
Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg
The First, The Few, The Only by Deepa Purushothaman
You Gotta Be You by Brandon Kyle Goodman
Unicorn Space by Eve Rodsky
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
How Women Rise by Sally Helgesen & Marshall Goldsmith
Dare to Lead by Brené Brown
Saving Us by Katharine Hayhoe
A Promised Land by Barack Obama
Favorite Apps
Comedy Showcase App
Favorite Podcasts
Thank You For Saying NO
On Purpose
Call Her Daddy
Un2Re
Two Jews One Gay
The Gentleman’s Weekly
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.youtube.com/@thankyouforsayingno/about
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thankyouforsayingno/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Thank-You-For-Saying-NO/100088038129280/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenyarothstein/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thankyouforsayingno
Image Credits
Personal Photo- Photo Credit: Jaime Levy (kenyalove@earthlink.net) Attorney Photo- Photo Credit: Makenzie Taguchi (@wellfedbykenz) Podcast Logo- Logo Credi: Emma Porter (@emmaporter.world)
