Faces of NLU: Meet Sharon Rieck Burstein
A successful motivational speaker, author and leadership coach discusses the “solid roots” she gained at NLU, from which she grew her own personal brand and business.
Our goal at National Louis University (NLU) is to set our students up for professional success after they graduate. However, we know that not all students will follow a clear-cut career path, nor will they have an easily definable profession. That’s certainly true of alumna Sharon Rieck Burstein. If you ask Sharon what her job is, she can probably give you a few different answers: motivational speaker, executive leadership coach, author, business owner, and others. What’s clear, though, is that Sharon has carved out her own path to success in the years since graduating from NLU with her bachelor’s degree, and she’s never stopped working and creating.
“For the past 30 years I have owned my own companies,” Sharon says. “Currently, I am at the helm as CEO of Sharon Burstein International, LLC and am a global speaker, author of three books, an Executive Leadership Coach, and have several signature events: YOUniquely You! Putting Women First-The Power of Possible, in its 5th year, and Leadership Summit America, in Year 7, which will be in New York October 27-28.”
Sharon started out like anyone else, though. Growing up in Albany, New York, she had dreams of becoming a teacher, which is why National Louis University initially caught her eye:
“My guidance counselor at Niskayuna High School, knowing that I wished to be a teacher, suggested National Louis to me during my freshman year. At that time, several students from my school were going to National Louis, and actually, three from my class all went to NLU, as well.”
Sharon chose to double major in Education and Psychology, graduating with her B.A. in 1974. She says that her education at NLU provided her with a base from which to grow her own businesses and brand.
“While my career and life have been and continue to be a wonderful adventure,” Sharon says, “ National Louis University provided me with the solid roots and foundation that have continued to propel myself and my career forward.”
Sharon credits her professors from NLU for influencing her future success:
“There were several professors who had a huge influence on me, the top one would be Dr. Dorothy Olendorf. Actually, I talk about her all the time in my talks.”
Now, Sharon takes on a similar mentor role as a motivational speaker, inspiring her audiences to achieve their goals. “What I love most about what I do is changing lives and building futures and creating excellence with lasting impressions in all that I do. If you are going to do something, do it the right way. You can never go wrong when you do the right thing,” Sharon says.
Like anyone, Sharon has encountered her fair share of bumps in the road throughout her career. She’s always remained optimistic, though, and offers encouraging advice to anyone who’s experiencing difficult times.
“I have had many obstacles in life,” she says. “But my advice is to push through the middle to success. There are always solutions and new paths.”
Sharon says that if she could describe National Louis University in one word, it would be “caring.”
Still living in upstate New York, Sharon is as ambitious as ever. Even a global pandemic couldn’t keep her from pursuing new projects:
“Since I got a bit bored during COVID, I am now in the process of publishing a new magazine, Lake George Living, which will launch early summer.”
Sharon has made a living passing on wisdom and advice to her audiences, so she was quick to offer encouragement to current National Louis University students:
“Determine your purpose and passion, follow your dreams, and dream big. If you can dream it, it can become reality.”
Check out all our undergraduate programs at National Louis University. To learn more about our comprehensive career services for students, visit our Career Bridge Office. You can also contact an Enrollment Specialist online or by calling (888) 658-8632 to discuss your educational and professional goals.
