Q: The best lesson you have learned from the competition?

JUDY: Many of my competitors are working with clients that have far greater budgets than my clients do.  I carefully examine the scope and breadth of the work they do and try to find ways to replicate the campaigns on a more affordable scale.  For instance, a watch company I work with doesn't have the means to give out free watches to every editor but a laminated version of the watch gives the editor an idea of the overall "look" without breaking the bank.  Then, if the editor is truly serious, we can get them a real watch to review.

Q: And what wise guys should learn from you?

JUDY: My slogan is, "If you're the expert, shouldn't EVERYBODY know?" and I do believe that the PR business is ALL about expertise.  Every company or organization should have a roster of experts in their arsenal, to make available to the media at the drop of the hat (even at the very last minute in a hastily compiled email interview...ha, ha)

Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?

JUDY: I have three children and lots of hobbies--including cooking, baking, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Pilates and Belly Dancing.  Diverse enough for you?  I am also on the Board of Directors of a group called Family Ties--that helps support families with mentally ill children.  I'm working on my third book.  My first, Searching for Mary Poppins:  One Family's Quest for Perfect Childcare (http://www.searchingforpoppins.com/) landed me on Oprah!, Dateline and CNN; my second, The Ups & Downs of Raising a Bipolar Child: A Survival Guide for Parents, was published last November by Simon & Schuster; and my new book is still undergoing conception.

Q: As a very successful woman from New York, tell me Judy, what was the major obstacle you had to face to make it big in NYC?

JUDY: I don't technically live in the city although I have had clients there.  There were never any obstacles though.   New York is a city full of dreams--from the actors who wait tables to the executives waiting for the "big break"--it's all there on a platter for the taking.  I love walking down the streets of NY and remembering working in the HBO building or temping for Hess Oil or knowing that I know the bowels of 30 Rock.  The skyscraper's the limit in NY!

Q: What people, first notice about you?

JUDY: Appearance-wise or intellectually?  I guess it's usually my creativity.  It tends to shine through even when I try to keep it in line (down Bowser!).  Sometimes that's not terrific, by the way.  There are times when people are looking for subdued and I am not subdued in the least.  But because of my very diverse experience, people tend to learn that there are very few topics that I can't either speak about or connect to in some way.  My greatest pleasure is "corporate matchmaking" if you will--putting companies in touch with other companies so that they can find the synergy and build something bigger and better together.

Q: And what Judy, first, notices about people?

JUDY: Hmmm...that's a toughie.  Creativity and energy level are sure to capture my attention.  I have a finely tuned Baloney-meter (it's an "acquired" sense after many years of being fooled) so if someone is name dropping or fudging I tend to turn off rather quickly.  But I love people with high energy levels, a high degree of professionalism and a desire to communicate.  That's a definite turn-on!

Q: Do you think, physical looks and appearances help in business?

JUDY: YES, YES, YES, beyond the shadow of a doubt YES!  I can speak to this one from experience.  I used to be about 85 lbs heavier than I am now and there is no doubt that the better you look, the higher your energy level and the more success you will attract.  When you take the time to take care of yourself, nurture yourself (with things that are GOOD for you) and exercise, your energy levels go up and you look better.  And when you look great and feel great, people respond in kind.  Which is not to say that I WASN'T successful before the weight loss.  I was.  But there was always an arms length attitude that is no longer there these days.  Actually, that is what my third book is about--the attitudes post-weight loss.  But that's all I'm saying on this for now.