THEY VOTED - LIZ ROCKED!

"What Original Retro Brand vintage t should I wear?  I love that New York 'Big Apple' shirt, or any of those Rock The Vote tanks or scoop necks are SO cute.  What do you think?" 

This is what Liz Pryor, the winner of the GMA Advice Guru Contest, asked me when I told her we were doing a follow up interview to see how her life has changed since being chosen out of 15,000+ entries nationwide for the coveted title.

Andy: I think it's totally cool for an advice guru to ask for advice once in awhile, don't you?  Not that asking what t-shirt to wear is serious business.  Serious business is having a life changing experience like you've had.  Can you tell us a little about the final few weeks leading up to the announcement of the Good Morning America Advice Guru Contest winner?

Liz:  Let me just tell you it's been what you might expect and more.  The experience was intense, and the work was demanding.  You're talking about a girl who never even won a BINGO game, and here I was going up against 15 thousand, then 20, then 8, then 4 very qualified and wonderful people for this amazing opportunity.   One of the unexpected aspects of the competition was the writing.  All of us had to produce dozens of articles in a relatively short period of time.  I felt this might help my chances as writing comes naturally to me, but it was rigorous.  Then appearing on National TV to go head to head and answer some pretty weighty questions on the spot was pretty tough too - We're talking hardcore pressure cooker!

Andy:  Woa, I can feel the pressure just talking to you.  So you've come this far, but what about getting the winning notification.  How did that go down, and what did it feel like the moment you got the official word?

Liz: You know Andy, I worked hard for this and in my soul I believed I had a chance to win it.  Before they announced their choice, the 4 finalists were summoned into the offices in New York for the final personal interview with the GMA producers.  I'm taking me and 20 suits.  Believe it or not, this is where I actually feel the most comfortable!  Well the Executive Producer, Jim Murphy, after some serious questions about my take on life and the job, he asked me point blank "Why do you think I should give you this job?"  Looking him straight in the eye I responded "Honestly because I BELIEVE I CAN DO IT!"  And I said that with more conviction than probably anything else I've ever said in my life.  "We'll be in touch..."

Three excruciating days later I'm in my backyard doing some lawnwork when the phone rings.  It's Jim the Executive Producer.  Immediately I'm thinking how classy for the Executive Producer to call me personally to let me know I lost.  The thought of winning it at that point had vanished and that good old familiar friend named "doubt" took over.  He asked me if I was sitting down and could I keep a secret.  And then he said they were happy to inform me that I was chosen as the guru.  I had a pause of shock and then started crying as I thanked him.  That moment was one I will never forget.  You work your ass off, stay focused, make your best efforts and hope against hope.  And sometimes not often in life you get it.  I  got the brass ring.  No doubt it was life changing.  Nothing feels quite like it.  I learned a lot about the value of believing in myself - If you don't believe it, they never will.

"Nothing feels quit like it..."

Andy:  Amazing.  I remember pulling for you, and watching the video "advice battles."  Was so excited you won - Woo-Hoo!!  Has being on GMA opened up any new doors for you?

Liz:  It's been incredible and I feel so grateful.  Doors are opening all the time.  It has served as the platform for my brand and my voice.  My books, appearances, speaking schedule, radio stuff and television appearances all live in LizPryor.com which has more traffic than ever.  Most of what I'm about is bringing some comfort and direction to the women in this country who have become overwhelmed with everyday life.

In a sort of Dear Abby meets Jon Stewart kind of way, I recently partnered with international appliance giant Samsung as their parenting expert.  I offer tips, ideas, and advice for their "Make your house work" (see video below) campaign.  I am working on 2 new books at the moment - one on parenting and one on divorce.  My book on friendship was re-released in paperback and available now in stores and on my site.  I'll be appearing on the new Ricki Lake Show in the fall helping women navigate friendship issues and I'm also in talks for what my next move will be on air.  When I can, I will reveal what I'll be doing next.

Andy: We can't wait to hear, and it looks like you are going to be a very busy girl.  It also looks like you took my advice and wore both shirts for the interview!  Now I need your advice.  Which Samsung washing machine is best for taking care of my 100+ Original Retro Brand t's?

Liz:  Ok smart guy, this is an easy one.  Check the Smart Washer WF457 and attach any one of their hundreds of dryers.

Andy: Thanks for the advice Liz (ever hear than one before?)! 

It was great catching up with Liz today, and we're so proud of her and excited for all of her success.  Please check out Liz on LizPryor.com, Good Morning America, Samsung Home Appliances, Facebook & Twitter.

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