Angie Lederman of Clinton Twp on Life, Lessons & Legacy

Angie Lederman shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Angie, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
I would have to say the most important trait to have is integrity.
Integrity in your personal life means you are trustworthy. Trust is the foundation for all relationships. Integrity shows your moral compass, do you make the right decisions, even when this is difficult or unpopular? In business, integrity helps to promote your reputation. This is beneficial as a business leader or owner, helping you lead your staff/team. It also showcases to your client or patient base that you are the trusted source of information and education in your community.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Angie Lederman. I have been a licensed audiologist since 1994. I have always felt what I do is a calling, not a job. I wake up every day and get to help people hear better. What a blessing that is! While many people think I just sell hearing aids, I like to share that I help to improve people’s lives by improving their communication. When I opened my company in 2018, it was because I have worked in a great variety of settings and have seen what to do and what NOT to do in business. I have made it my goal to create an environment where patients feel like family, where they feel comfortable enough to share their hearing and communication difficulties honestly so that I can help them navigate the busy noisy world we live in. My definition of success is not what is in my bank account, but the heartfelt positive reviews that patients provide, both online and in person.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My mother sees me more clearly than anyone else. In general, I am very confident and comfortable with myself but we all have those days where we feel less than. On those days, I look to my mom for advice and words of clarity. One of the things she has always said to me, and it still gets me everytime she says it is ‘remember the stock of women you come from. your shoulders are strong’. I can be having the worst day and when I hear that, I stand a little taller and know that I can weather any storm. My mom has been my biggest cheerleader, always.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Have I ever almost given up? Professionally, yes. I was unexpectedly let go from a position I held for 18 years. I had always felt it was a dream job and I was lucky to have it. When I was fired, I curled up into a ball for about 3 months. I felt depressed, sad, scared, you name it. Even though, I had my license, my experience, my resume, I felt useless and tossed aside. I was ashamed at the time that I could not see through my tears to dust myself off and move forward. It took some time, but that was the initial push that I needed to further believe in myself and start my own business. Looking back at 2015 now, that was the single best thing that could have ever happened to me.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
Doing the right thing for no reason other than it is the right thing is where I feel we are failing today.
Part of the answer to WHY should be ‘because it is the right thing to do’. It should not matter what you get in return, doing the right thing is not because you will be rewarded. I fully believe most people are inherently good and want to do the right thing and it should be done freely without expecting something back. When you do the right thing, you are always rewarded. Maybe not tangibly, but the universe and karma works in mysterious ways. Doing the right thing for the sake of being a good person is enough.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope that when I am gone, people will know that I cared. I cannot remember a time in my life when I have not put others first. I truly believe we are put here to serve others. That looks different to different people, to me it means always doing anything I can to help enrich someone else’s life. This does not always have to be something big or expensive or even tangible. A kind word, a smile, holding the door for someone whose arms are full of groceries. Always looking around to see if someone needs a hand to hold, a shoulder to lean on, an ear to listen. When I hear or see that my children notice this, that they are proud of something I have done, it fills me with pride. I know that when I am gone, those who knew me will say she lived with empathy and kindness in her heart.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hearnowcenter.com
• Instagram: @hearnowaudiology
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/hearnowaudiology&tinnituscenter
• Youtube: @hearnowaudiologytinnitusce7125
• Other: CAN YOU PLEASE DOUBLE CHECK that the addresses I provided are accurate (I do not understand alot of it)