Debbie Goetz is the epitome of an entrepreneur. She heads up a Bucks County media relations, public relations and communications firm. I have worked with her as she helps other business leaders, professionals, non-profit organizations and the like get their stories noticed and seen in print and on television. Debbie sat down for an interview with the podcast SolFul Connections and shared stories of her business and life. Here, she shares a bit more about her firm and her perspectives.
Name:
Debbie Goetz
Introduction
Debbie is a Public Relations, Media Relations and Communications consultant right here in Bucks County. Her company is Debbie Goetz Media Connections. She hails from Long Island, but moved to Bucks County when she got married 31 years ago. Debbie works with small to midsized businesses, individual professionals, civic and community organizations and nonprofits, in the Philadelphia region and across the country.
Childhood
Debbie grew up in Plainview, Long Island. Exit 44, for those of you who are familiar with the LIE (Long Island Expressway)
What drives you? What gets you going?
Making a difference. I pride myself on working with businesses and organizations that strive to make the world better for others. Helping businesses and organizations achieve their goals and missions. Their success is my success!
On a personal note, I love to anonymously pick up the check for seniors at local restaurants. To see their expressions or hear their reactions when a server tells them their bill has been taken care of makes my heart burst. I love to do this at Aunt Judy’s in Doylestown because a lot of their customers live in Heritage Towers and many are veterans. I like to honor my dad’s memory that way. He was a decorated veteran of the Korean War.
Who/What inspires you?
People who are not afraid to rock the boat to effect change. Like Greta Thunberg, Laverne Cox – she is so genuine and authentic. Michelle Obama. I loved her book Becoming. Eleanor Roosevelt for her courage to use her cred to fight for human rights. Mother Teresa, one of the first people to establish homes for people with AIDS.
What is a special childhood memory?
I was a Red Cross volunteer and worked at a local nursing home throughout high school. I was awarded Outstanding Volunteer of Nassau County when I was a senior in High School. I volunteered over 1000 hours.
What is an event that has shaped you?
9/11 – I worked on Wall Street for several years before moving to Bucks County and I attended grad school at NYU’s downtown campus and lived in Hoboken. I commuted through the World Trade Center every day. I knew people who died that day. I have friends whose loved ones perished that day. It felt like a piece of my life was taken away.
On a positive note: Becoming a mother to 3 great kids. Now I’d like to become a grandmother, but that’s something I will have to wait awhile for.
What makes you happiest?
Spending time with my family. When your kids are grown, you cherish having your family unit all in one place at the same time. It doesn’t happen often. Cuddling up by a fire with my kitties. Spending time in my garden – growing herbs, flowers and vegetables, traveling
What book or movie or song has made a profound impact on you? Why?
If I can use a Broadway show instead, I would have to say They’re Playing Our Song.” It was the first Broadway show I ever saw and it starred Robert Klein and Luci Arnaz. I fell in love with Broadway musicals that day.
What is your favorite or desired destination?
I had to cancel a trip to Israel in 2020. I cannot wait to be able to reschedule that trip.
I would also love to go to Italy for 2 weeks
What gets you through the day:
I try to focus on the positive. I try to surround myself with positive people. Focusing on the negative is a real energy and mood sucker. I find that listening to Classical music helps calm me down when I am on edge.
In any negative situations, I try to find a teachable moment. How can I respond differently the next time? How can I address this problem better?
Favorite musical artist or genre:
My musical taste is pretty eclectic. It ranges from Classical to Broadway Showtunes to 70’s Disco to Springsteen and Classic Rock to Stevie Wonder and more.
Favorite Quote:
Be the change you wish to see in the world, Ghandi
What do you, in the words of Oprah, “Know for sure:”
I know for sure that I am wired as a doer and a fixer. That has its positives and negatives. I get “sh##” done. But I also jump into fixer mode sometimes when another person (usually my husband or children) just wants me to listen. My daughter taught me a new way of dealing with this. I ask the question, “Do you want advice or support?” That way I know what my role is in the conversation and I don’t annoy anyone by trying to fix when that isn’t what they are looking for.