Sharon Burstein: Empowering Women Through Confidence and Connection

Some leaders are inspired by what they achieve; others, by how they make people feel capable of achieving more. Sharon Burstein is the latter. With a career that beautifully bridges education, corporate leadership, authorship, and motivational speaking, she has become a guiding light for women striving to find their voice and purpose.

As the founder of internationally recognized leadership events and the author of award-winning books, Sharon embodies the spirit of empowerment and lifelong learning. Her journey reminds us that leadership is not about perfection, it’s about progress, persistence, and the willingness to evolve. This is a story of how one woman’s vision continues to shape thousands of others around the globe.

A Journey of Vision, Versatility, and Leadership

Tell us about your background and journey so far.

Life is a wondrous adventure with many twists and turns. That’s part of what makes it so exciting, the ability to push yourself forward and try new things. My professional journey began in education as a teacher of young minds. My paternal grandmother, Lillian, was the key person who inspired me and encouraged my every step. My grandfather, an executive with General Electric, showed me what hard work and vision can achieve.

Sharon Burstein is a global leadership and image motivational speaker, award-winning author, executive leadership trainer, and consultant. Through her companies and professional career, she has worked in all facets of strategic marketing, corporate communications, event management, and public affairs with hundreds of thousands of people. Her work has been recognized as innovative, creative, and unique. She has designed campaigns and programs to enhance branding and increase market share.

Throughout her career, she has been responsible for the creative marketing development of media, special events, public relations, television, and film, and has developed, produced, and marketed diverse television programs and specials for a variety of demographic markets. She is a top global motivational speaker and trainer on Leadership, Leadership Image, Teamwork, Confidence and Success, and Innovation, and is the creator of Leadership Summit America, Olympic Leadership Bootcamp, and YOUniquely You! Putting Women First, The Power of Possible signature thought conferences, as well as publisher of Lake George Living Magazine.

She is the President and CEO of Sharon Burstein International, LLC, a company that specializes in international marketing development, motivational speaking, training, leadership coaching, and special events. Founded in 1989, the company has worked with national and international clients spanning diverse industries, including corporations, associations, hospitality, resorts, chefs, governments, embassies, universities, museums, healthcare, insurance, sports, banking, education, investment firms, arts, fashion, and media.

In 1994, she founded Neswick Court, a women’s sportswear company. Sharon has been awarded several design and utility patents.

Prior to starting her own global businesses, she was Vice President of Corporate Communications for a publicly traded national insurance and healthcare corporation. In that position, she was responsible for public relations, advertising, special events, and investor relations. Before that, she was National Marketing Director for Eastern Exclusives in Boston, Massachusetts, an advertising and marketing firm, where she created award-winning marketing programs for Fortune 50 companies. In addition, Sharon served as an Adjunct Professor of Public Relations in the Communications Department at Russell Sage College in Troy, New York.

She is also the author of three award-winning books on leadership and motivation.

Active in the community, Sharon has been a member of:

• NSA – National Speakers Association

• NATPE – National Association of Television Program Executives

• Board of Directors – Arcady Bay Association

• Fort Orange Garden Club (GCA)

• Past member of the Board of Directors for the Northeast Association of Professional Communicators (Ad Club)

• Past member of the Board of Directors of the Estonian-American Chamber of Commerce

• Past member of the Board of Directors for Mohawk Pathways Girl Scout Association, Capital Repertory Theatre, and Multiple Sclerosis

In addition to receiving four Nori Awards for advertising excellence, Sharon is listed in Who’s Who in America, Who’s Who in the World, Who’s Who in Advertising, Who’s Who in American Women, Who’s Who in Public Relations, Who’s Who in Emerging Leaders, and Who’s Who in Finance and Industry.

In 2004, she received the Distinguished Alumni Award from National Louis University for career achievement, and in 2017, the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award. She is a founding member of the YWCA of Northeastern New York’s Club 1888.

She has also won awards for her three best-selling books, What’s Your Leadership Image, Life Snacks: 50 Tasty Motivational Messages, and Life Snacks for Women: Tips to Ignite Your Spirit and Inspire Your Life, Common Threads of Friendship. She has written articles for diverse publications and has extensive media experience.

Sharon received a Bachelor of Arts from National Louis University in Evanston, Illinois, and completed her Master’s work at Russell Sage College in Troy, New York.

A Personal Touch to Global Leadership

What makes your work or business unique?

What makes me and my businesses unique is that I take a very personalized approach to building people up creating long-lasting impressions. Excellence is at the core of everything I do. Life is not about taking a cookie-cutter approach or blending in, it’s about standing out, believing in yourself, and realizing that all things are possible. It’s about understanding that “If it is to be, it is up to me!”

Defining Success Through Empowerment

Share one achievement you’re most proud of.

I am proud of all of my life achievements; each one is special. With my signature events, Leadership Summit America and YOUniquely You: Putting Women First – Live, Love, Laugh, Learn women’s wellness retreats, I am extremely proud to have more than an 85% return rate. When we launched YOUniquely You for Bermuda (April 23–26), within just five minutes, 20 of the 30 available spots were registered by women of all ages from eight states, with only a few spots remaining.

Turning Challenges into Opportunities for Growth

What challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them?

One of the key challenges has been ensuring that I don’t allow toxic thoughts or people into my life. Surrounding yourself with positive individuals who help you grow is essential. We don’t get better by chance, we get better through change. I constantly listen to my inner thoughts and stay aligned with my purpose. Everything I do is about changing lives and building futures.

Expanding Horizons, Empowering Futures

What is your vision for the future?

My vision for the future is to continue growing all that I am doing, expanding my reach globally and helping others build their confidence and success.

The Power of Curiosity & Continuous Growth

How do you stay motivated and relevant in your field?

Staying relevant requires constant curiosity and an open mindset. I always look for new ways and areas for growth. I believe in maintaining the curiosity of a five-year-old, approaching every opportunity with positivity and a growth-centered mindset.

Wisdom for Women Ready to Lead and Rise

What advice would you give to aspiring women leaders and professionals?

Connect with other like-minded women who can lift you up without judgment. Attend seminars and events that foster connection and growth. Find mentors who will encourage, reinforce, and push you forward.

Life is a wonderful journey, one to be savored and enjoyed.

Conclusion

Every chapter of Sharon Burstein’s journey reaffirms her belief that greatness begins within. From classrooms to global conferences, her message has remained constant, lead with authenticity, nurture your confidence, and never underestimate your ability to make a difference.

Her life’s work is more than a series of achievements; it is a movement of empowerment. As she continues to guide individuals and organizations toward growth and self-discovery, Sharon reminds us that the most powerful legacy any woman can leave is the inspiration she sparks in others.

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