Bethenny Frankel's professional journey began modestly, working at a bakery during high school. This early experience, though seemingly simple, highlights her innate drive and resourcefulness, as she saved money for personal endeavors. It foreshadowed a career defined by an entrepreneurial spirit and a hands-on approach to achieving goals.
Even a celebrated entrepreneur like Frankel has faced less than ideal work situations. She recalls a particularly challenging experience at a PR firm in Los Angeles, where mundane tasks like licking envelopes for invitations were part of the daily grind. This period, marked by what she describes as a lack of intellectual stimulation and unexpected reprimands, provided valuable lessons in workplace dynamics and personal resilience, shaping her understanding of effective leadership and team environments.
A crucial piece of advice has profoundly influenced Frankel's career trajectory: to remain detached from both praise and criticism. This philosophy, which she succinctly summarizes as \"Don't believe the love; don't believe the hate,\" underscores her ability to maintain a clear perspective amidst the often overwhelming scrutiny of public life. It allows her to stay grounded and focused on her objectives, regardless of external validation or negativity.
Contrary to common practice, Bethenny Frankel chooses not to set an alarm. She views alarms as disruptive and prefers to let her body, and even her daughter's, wake naturally. This unconventional approach to starting the day reflects her belief in listening to one's internal rhythms and prioritizing well-being, demonstrating a personalized method to managing her demanding schedule without rigid external cues.
Frankel's insights into beauty extend beyond specific brands to a holistic focus on consistent skincare practices. She emphasizes the importance of foundational steps like thorough cleansing, mindful makeup application, and regular exfoliation. Her advice challenges conventional wisdom, particularly for younger individuals, advocating for skin nourishment and layering rather than aggressive drying, highlighting a long-term approach to skin health that prioritizes feeding the skin rather than stripping it.
Two fundamental truths have shaped Frankel's outlook: the futility of trying to satisfy everyone and the inherent difficulty of significant achievements. She believes that attempting to please all inevitably leads to pleasing none, a powerful lesson in maintaining authenticity and setting boundaries. Additionally, her adage, \"If it were easy, everybody would do it,\" serves as a reminder that true success often requires overcoming substantial challenges, emphasizing the value of hard work and perseverance.
In a departure from traditional notions of power dressing, Bethenny Frankel reveals that her \"power outfit\" is no longer about external display. Given her formidable personality, she finds that overt power clothing can be excessive. Her current wardrobe in New York City consists predominantly of severe black attire, reflecting a minimalist approach. This evolution signifies that her power is now self-contained, requiring no outward amplification. She has transcended the need for sartorial expressions of authority, relying instead on her intrinsic influence.
Frankel's ultimate career philosophy is rooted in action and defiance against skepticism. She advocates for a \"just do it\" mentality, urging individuals to disregard those who doubt their aspirations. Her own journey, marked by establishing ten highly profitable businesses despite initial discouragement, exemplifies her belief in building as you go. She embraces an agile approach, where ideas are rapidly prototyped and scaled based on immediate positive reception, consistently leaning into what proves effective.
A significant part of Frankel's recent social media presence involves her candid product reviews. She believes her audience trusts her, even if they don't always agree with her, because her evaluations are genuine, not performative. She delights in discovering new products and sees her reviews as a way to support small businesses, knowing that even large brands started humbly. She also recognizes the inverse impact: a negative review, though potentially tough to hear, can save new entrepreneurs from significant long-term losses by providing a necessary reality check. Ultimately, her reviews benefit consumers through transparency and offer brands, both new and established, invaluable, unfiltered feedback.
Among her most significant career achievements, Bethenny Frankel highlights appearing on the cover of Forbes, a testament to her business acumen and influence. She also humorously notes her appearance in Sports Illustrated as a proud moment, showcasing her diverse accomplishments and her ability to make an impact across various domains. These milestones reflect her journey from reality TV personality to a recognized figure in business and media, celebrating both her entrepreneurial success and her broader cultural footprint.
Maintaining balance in a demanding career is crucial for Frankel, who relies on self-regulation. Her team observes her intuitive ability to give her body what it needs. When stress levels rise, indicated by physical cues like teeth grinding, she proactively seeks relief through activities like massages, baths, or walks. This adaptive and self-aware approach allows her to navigate the intense highs and lows of her professional life, ensuring her well-being remains a priority through consistent self-care and responsiveness to her body's signals.