Barbara Hemphill

Barbara Hemphill is the founder of The Productive Environment Institute and known as “The Paper Tiger Lady,” after her successful Taming the Paper Tiger book series by Kiplinger’s.

An internationally recognized expert on increasing profits, productivity and peace of mind by eliminating physical, digital, emotional and spiritual clutter, Barbara’s life work has been to increase public awareness of the emotional and physical cost of clutter. She founded the Productive Environment Institute to train Certified Productive Environment Specialists who are available to assist individuals and businesses.

Her passion is helping people eliminate the physical, emotional, and spiritual clutter that prevents them from accomplishing their work and enjoying their lives. A respected expert in paper, information and time management, and work/life balance, Barbara’s books include: Kiplinger’s Taming the Paper Tiger series, Love It or Lose It: Living Clutter-Free Forever, Bushido Business, co-authored by Stephen M.R. Covey, Tom Hopkins, and Brian Tracy, and her 2011 release, Organizing Paper @Home: What to Toss and How to Find the Rest.

Spanning a 30-year career on the cutting edge of a growing industry, Barbara has appeared on the Today Show and Good Morning America, in Reader’s Digest, and USA Today, among others. I’m so excited for you guys to connect with Barbara, check out her work and books, and follow along as she continues to show businesses around the world how to increase profits, productivity, and employee satisfaction.

I'd love it if you'd introduce yourself, what you do, and what you're working on.

I'm Barbara Hemphill, Founder of Productive Environment Institute. We provide training to become a Certified Productive Environment Specialist. Our training is based on "Clutter is Postponed Decisions®." We help leaders and business owners eliminate physical, digital, and emotional clutter so they can more effectively manage their time, space, and information. The result of our work together is an increase in their profit, productivity and peace of mind.

How did you get started?

I ran a $7 ad in a New York City newspaper: "Disorganized? I organize closets, files, kitchen - you name it! Call Barbara Hemphill." I started organizing homes when no one had ever heard of such a service. I soon learned that paper was the biggest organizing problem and wrote "Taming the Paper Tiger" which became a bestseller.

What inspired the work that you're doing?

Over 40 years ago, when I moved to New York City from India where I adopted three orphan children, one with special needs, my husband worked for a non-profit, and I needed to contribute to the family income, but I wanted my children to take first place. I decided the best way to do that would be to start my own business by listening to problems people talked about that I could solve -- and they would pay me for it! I heard people talking about having difficulty getting organized and managing their time.

What is your biggest passion? Do you feel like you're living your passion and purpose?

My passion is helping people eliminate the physical, digital, emotional and spiritual clutter that prevents them from accomplishing their work and enjoying their lives! I live it every day!

What is your joy blueprint? What lights you up, brings you joy, and makes you feel the most alive?

Doing my best to demonstrate the love of God in everything I do and to everyone I meet, whether or not I mention His name.

How do you live intentionally? Are there tools/resources/practices that you rely on to help you stay mindful and grounded?

I am a follower of Jesus, and I try to live my life and run my business on Biblical principles.

What would your younger self think about what you're doing now?

She would be pleased that at age 72 I feel better and am more excited by my life than ever before.

Do you have a go-to mantra or affirmation?

Together We Are Better! I believe that God created everyone with a specific purpose, and when we all work together, we can make the world a better place.

What is your biggest dream?

To give a speech when I am 100!

To learn more about Barbara and her work you can connect with her on her website www.BarbaraHemphill.com and www.ProductiveEnvironment.com and on Twitter @barbhemphill and Facebook @barbarahemphillllc

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Barbara Hemphill - Founder, Productive Environment Institute