How I Scored An Interview With Bill Clinton For My Book!

I had a miraculous day just a couple days ago. On Thursday I flew to Vancouver to interview Lance Armstrong live and attended the incredible Power Within conference http://www.powerwithin.com/. (See blog entry “My Interview With Lance Armstrong”for more info).

The original intention of the trip was to interview Lance Armstrong for my book, but I must admit that I did have other motives: I knew former President Bill Clinton would be at the event and so I was determined to secure an interview with him too!

Here is a business card I got
from Mr. Clinton at the event:

I didn’t know how I was going to get past the secret servicemen and get backstage, but I knew that I was going to do what it took to make it happen.

Around 11:00a.m., I got my lucky break. Jonathan Wygant, my current boss, friend and co-author for the book and I overheard that there was going to be a private lunch with Mr. Clinton. Jonathan artfully got verbal permission from the event producer but we were still not cleared by secret service and did not have any passes. We did our best to look calm, collected and unsuspecting and “made our way in” to a $2,000 a plate private luncheon with Clinton.

Once we were in, we snagged two open seats at an exquisitely-dressed table. After the three course meal has been served, Bill Clinton stood up (just feet from my table) and announced he was going to do a question and answer session. I couldn’t believe it!

I knew this was my chance. I turned on my recorder and started the tape rolling. Many hands shot up in the air, but I was sure that my hand was taller than the rest and I made eye contact with him as if to say “you have to pick on me”. I think I also had an advantage because I was the only one under 50 who had manage to be in the room. I took all the help I could get.

I was the second person called on by Clinton and by now I was thrilled. I fired my question: “Mr. Clinton, what advice would you give to someone who wants to be very successful for themselves, their family and the world at large?” Mr. Clinton ended up spending about 15 minutes responding to my question (that is the great thing about asking politicians questions). Furthermore, someone else asked another question which may him say “ I would like to further elaborate on the question the young women asked earlier…”.

His response was amazing. He was very transparent, honest and had great advice. It was amazing!! I knew God was looking over me and that this had all been divinely arranged.

I had got Clinton’s response to my question but I still needed permission and I saw my chance ---people started lining up for pictures. Again, all of the people in the line except Jonathan and I had paid enormously for these pictures and all had badges for a photograph. (I didn’t let that stop me!) I waited in line for about 15 minutes and luckily wasn't questioned. Before I knew it, it was my chance. I walked up to Clinton, shook his hand and said “ thank you so much for answering my question.”
”What’s your name?” He asked
“Paige Kearin”
“That was a great question you asked, Paige”
“Thank you. I am actually asking that question of many achievers for a book I am writing, and I was wondering if I can get permission to include your response in my book?" I asked nervously.
“Sure, just go talk to that person over there and get it documented that I am giving you permission”I walked over the man he was pointing to and got the card of the person to call.

I walked out of the room feeling like Christmas morning. I was over the moon and beyond thrilled. I must have said "yes, yes yes" a million times. It was magical. I was unbelievably stoked.

Mr. Clinton is truly an inspirational man. Whatever you think about Clinton before you meet him is eased instantly by his charisma, caring and intelligence.

I later got to hear him speak which was also incredible. Needless to say, I was very impressed by Clinton.

I learned a lot from Mr. Clinton and the small time he spent with me will always mean a great deal to me and will touch my life forever.

You are probably wondering what Clinton said to me. I want to share that with you, not through me but for you to hear it straight from Clinton in a follow-up post. As soon as I get permission, I will share his audio clip and pictures with you. Stay tuned! It is very exciting.