Meet IAW members in Featured Members, a weekly column where members highlight their careers and businesses. Today, the spotlight is on IAW Member Barbara Silverman. After years of working for others, Barbara found the confidence to strike out on her own and continues to celebrate success in all areas of her life.

VIP, Elite and Preferred Members: to be featured in Member Spotlight, contact us at featuredwomen@napw.com

IAW: What is your greatest achievement in life so far?

Silverman: An achievement in “life” is of course much broader than a professional achievement. While I have received numerous professional awards, performed as musician and achieved as an athlete, nothing compares to the magnificent role as a parent. Motherhood is my greatest achievement in life so far and will always be unless I find a cure for cancer or a solution for world peace.

IAW: What are your long-term motivations for your company?

Silverman: While I have been employed in a consultative position for much of my career, after more than 30 years of W-2 employment, I am taking the leap of faith in myself and starting my own consulting company. My long-term motivation is to secure the financial means long term to live comfortably while helping others in need.

IAW: How would you occupy your time if you did not have to work for a paycheck?

Silverman: I would continue to make healthy living a priority but instead of hours working I would spend more time with my family and friends. I would return to doing things I love such as playing the piano and bassoon. I would become more active in my community with a focus on helping seniors. I would also become more involved in organizations such as Best Prep, offering to share my experience by educating others on the real estate lending process and keys to successful homeownership.

IAW: If you were to be President of the United States for a day, what’s the first thing you would do?

Silverman: Wow, this is such a hard question but realistically I would meet with every person I could fit into the day who would be reporting to me to learn as much as I could from them about the current state of the organization.

IAW: In your professional career, of what are achievement are you most proud?

Silverman: I am most proud of the people that I have hired early in their careers who have gone on to do remarkable things and become successful.