Spotlight #17: Rosanna Catalano

Just because we are conducting business on Zoom, doesn't mean we can't continue to grow our networks! We were about two minutes into our virtual meeting when I recognized Rosanna as someone who I could learn so much from and had wisdom to share with the growing Lift & Be Uplifted Inspiring Women Blog community. When on Zoom with Rosanna, I could see an uplifting quote posted behind her about inspiring women that resonated with me. As the meeting progressed, it was clear that she's had an array of experiences that involved lifting up others both personally and professionally.

Rosanna is the founder and President of Rocket Ship Consultants, LLC, a company that works with clients looking to change their professional trajectory through business consulting, career coaching, and video podcasting.  Her varied background as a lobbyist, trial attorney, television news producer, professor, university dean, career coach, and chief agency administrator have enriched a unique perspective and skill set for solution oriented storytelling, and successful strategy creation.

For more than two decades, she has advocated on behalf of clients and organizations and made hundreds of presentations.  She has extensive experience in making introductions for clients, Florida administrative law and compliance issues, higher education management, state budgets, procurement, litigation, and strategic planning.  As a result, she is able to create a path for her clients and leverage her strong connections throughout Florida government and across industries to assist clients with getting the right door opened at the right time with the right message. 

She is currently the Chair of the Development Committee for the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, Vice-Chair of The Florida Bar Governmental and Public Policy Advocacy Committee for lawyer lobbyists, and Associate with Capitol Access.  She produces and hosts The Floridaville podcast and three live video shows, Take Off Monday, Launch Pad, and Connect at the Capitol.

Learn more about Rocket Ship Consultants services HERE!

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1. Rarely is someone's journey linear. Can you explain what you wanted to be when you grew up, and how your career landed where you are right now?
Growing up with immigrant parents, the focus was always on education.  My parents never asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up.  Instead, they would ask me if I wanted to be a doctor or a lawyer.  I didn’t like blood and the lawyers I watched on television seemed to have interesting jobs, so I figured I would be an attorney.  
 
2. Which single word do you most identify with? 
Real.  I am a genuine person that feels deeply and loves deeply.
 
3. What moment in your life was the most formative in your development as a woman in the professional world?
Ironically, the moment that was most formative in my development professionally occurred in my personal life.  At the age of 30, I went through a tumultuous divorce.  When you survive a heartbreak like that, you learn to trust your gut, take stock in what matters to you, and be braver.  These hard lessons have served me well in my professional life.

4. What do you think holds women back from fulfilling their greatest potential and going for their dreams?
I think women are quick to talk themselves out of their big dreams because they have taken a rejection to heart. These are things that I sometimes struggle with as well.  I still have to give myself a pep talk after multiple rejections and remind myself that “no” does not mean “no forever” it only means “no for now.”     
 
5. How do you believe leaders in the workplace can be more inclusive for women?
Everyone could use more time and money in their lives and women are no exception.  I believe flexible work hours and equal pay can go a long way to elevating women in the workplace and creating a culture of inclusiveness and respect.
 
6. Favorite ice cream flavor?!
Coconut.

7.  Describe a time when you were underestimated in your career/life. How did you react? What did you learn?
Surprisingly, I am not bothered when someone underestimates me.  In fact, I find it motivating.  I think it has to do with my confidence.  I know deep in my heart what I am capable of and I will not let anyone stop me from achieving my goals.  It is fun to prove people wrong who do not believe in your potential.  Other people’s doubts should always serve as gasoline to your inner fire.
 
8. With your unique background as a lobbyist, trial attorney, television news producer, professor, university dean, career coach, and chief agency administrator, which of these career paths provided you the greatest space for growth?
With every position I have held professionally, I have grown immeasurably. All of my professional experiences have common threads which have allowed me to develop and cultivate a very unique skill set.  I know how to build strong relationships, “friend-raise”, handle politicized issues, prioritize extensive workloads, manage staff, produce under extreme deadline pressure, gather and synthesize large amounts of information, comply with regulations, handle public comments and concerns, and advocate and negotiate.  For nearly 20 years, I have represented organizations in an external capacity whether on television, in a courtroom, classroom, legislative hearing room, alum’s office, or a conference room.   

9.  Who is your female icon?
I do not have a female icon.  There are lots of inspiring women I “follow” on social media like
Brené Brown, Dolly Parton, and Amy Purdy.  I admire unabashedly bold women.  As the saying goes, “well-behaved women rarely make history.”
 
10. What advice would you go back and give to your 20-year-old self?
There are so many things I would tell my 20-year-old self.
Wear sunscreen and sunglasses.
Buy stock in Google.
Learn more about computers.
Some wolves are dressed as lambs.
Make sure you have plenty of paper products and sanitizer on hand in the year 2020.