Meet Helena Bowen | Speechwriter & Speaker Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Helena Bowen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Helena, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
In my early 20s, I worked on set in film & television as an Assistant Camerawoman (AC) and later an Assistant Director (AD). I loved working on set — one day I was wrangling 50 extras on a fake airplane in North Hollywood, and another I was operating an animatronic tentacle in an alien movie. But that level of freedom & creativity also came with 12-hour minimum days and a wildly unpredictable schedule. I couldn’t commit to attending a friend’s wedding, let alone a dentist appointment. Then, I made a 180-degree shift to working in corporate America, at HBO in Santa Monica. Suddenly, I had so much time! What will I do with all the extra hours in the day? I loved the predictability, but ultimately didn’t enjoy being a cog in the machine. I wanted to be flexible, creative, and spontaneous. I needed to find a middle ground between working on set & working in the office. Ultimately, I decided to start my own business because I could make that business whatever I wanted. I could be spontaneous & creative — and still have full control over my calendar. Running my own business allows me to do that.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
As a speaker coach & speechwriter, I’m kind of like a journalist; I interview people about their most exciting accomplishments or their biggest challenges, and then I help them package that into a fascinating speech.

When I first started my business, I listened to all the most famous entrepreneurs online. At the time, it was all about hustle, hustle, hustle. Work as hard as you can, for as long as you can, and make as much money as humanly possible!

I felt so guilty when I just couldn’t keep up. And then I remembered — this is a CREATIVE job. I am an artist and a writer first. Entrepreneur second. I had to give myself more space in my schedule to play around, marinate, and procrastinate. My best results come with time and independence.

Then, I read a book called “A World Without Email” by Cal Newport, and that finally gave me the courage to step away from hustle culture and set clear boundaries with my clients so that I could actually do the best work on their behalf. I put a message in my email signature: “I only check email once a day, often at night. If you need something urgently, please text me.” That simple changed has completely changed my clients behavior around email, and my OWN behavior. Clients are less impulsive & more thoughtful in emailing me, and in turn, they give me more space and freedom to do the actual work they’re paying me to do.

I call it “slow business:” working thoughtfully and spaciously to deliver world-class results.

Another mantra I’ve developed over the years is, “what’s good for me is good for my clients.” My best speeches come from a place of curiosity, creativity, and discovery. But all that disappears when I’m feeling rushed, judged, or pressured by my clients. I’ve had to learn to set boundaries and care for my clients without getting dragged down into fear & anxiety. Instead, I have to prioritize my own needs — whether that’s taking time off, going out with friends, watching TV, reading, traveling, or creating art. I have to take care of myself so I can be the best version of myself for them.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
EAT / DRINK: – Sugarfish – you haven’t had sushi until you’ve had Sugarfish.
– Uovo – best pasta in Los Angeles. Get several dishes and share them so you can try multiple.
– Gracias Madre – best vegan in Los Angeles, and bonus – the site of my first date with my now husband.
– Bacari Playa Del Rey – stunning view from their back patio, and you can walk around PDR before or after. PDR is the best kept secret of LA locals. It’s not crowded or touristy like Santa Monica & Venice.
– Randy’s Donuts – most overhyped things in LA aren’t worth it, but Randy’s sure is.
– Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams – unbeatable

VISIT / HANG OUT:
– Warner Bros Studio Tour – if you’re event vaguely interested in movies, go. Worth every cent.
– Paramount Pictures / Sony Pictures Studio Tours – Tied for 2nd behind Warner Bros. Go to all of them if you love movies.
– Attend a Live TV Taping – There are so many options like Jimmy Kimmel, Jeopardy, The Price is Right, the Voice, and America’s Got Talent.
– Rose Bowl Flea Market – The biggest & best of vintage and second-hand shopping in LA.
– Abbott Kinney Street – The place to be if you love sustainable fashion.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Holly Schiffer, formerly SVP of Post Production at HBO & my boss for nearly 3 years. Many executives had a purely transactional relationship with their underlings — but Holly immediately took me on as her protege. She brought me along to important meetings & events, like the final mix for an episode of Game of Thrones. She even let me take charge on projects that were assigned to her, like delivering HBO’s The Tale with Laura Dern. In placing so much trust in me & treating me as an equal, Holly allowed me to grow and learn with full confidence.

Website: helenabowen.com

Instagram: helenaspeaking

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenaspeaking/

Other: TikTok – @helenaspeaking

Image Credits
Paige Ray