About me
Randye Kaye’s career is a mosaic of colorful pieces, all tied to her passion for human connection. Especially since Covid isolation and social media’s illusion of connection, she inspires audiences to “ReHumanize to ReEnergize.”: Connect, Create, Collaborate.
Randye’s two bestselling books, Happier Made Simple and Ben Behind His Voices, are tied into her work as a motivational speaker, radio and podcast host, actress, singer, teacher, and mental health advocate.
She is a Master Facilitator with companies such as Communico, Inc., and leads webinars and in-person sessions on Customer Service, Emotional Intelligence, Presentation Skills and Communication. She has also served as a facilitator for workshops on DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) for the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) of CT. Recent workshops and keynotes address Mental Wellness, Empathy, Life Balance, Creativity, Teamwork and the Importance of Human Connection and Engagement – especially Humor.
Randye is also a prolific voice talent, stage and improv actor, and audiobook narrator – she brings these skills to her interactive presentations.
What do you do and why do you do it?
My core belief is that we are shaped by the communities we belong to: from a few hours (like seeing live theatre) to a lifetime (family); from small collaboration (2 lab partners) to a larger cohort (clubs, schools, conferences). Together we create a collective energy that gives each of us a piece to take with us when we leave the experience and move ahead.
In my work as actor, radio talent, facilitator, director, speaker – and as the parent of a son with SMI (serious mental illness), I see the treasure of human engagement everywhere – and yet, as we get less of it (Covid, Zoom, Social Media), energy and mental wellness are suffering.
My mission is to ignite others to understand, appreciate, empathize, and collaborate with each other so that we can refill our emotional reserves. No one is an island.
There is so much easy dehumanization, often anonymous, because of the changes that social media has brought, and those platforms are here to stay. It is the illusion of connection – but just that—a poor substitute for real human engagement.
Through the power of the words we use and the actions we take, we can connect more clearly and empathically so that our lives have more meaning and we have the energy to do what we can to make the world a better place.
Connect, Create, Collaborate. We need each other. That’s why we’re here.
What changed for you after age 50?
Wow. Well, at 50 my kids were almost grown but not yet “launched”- especially my son, diagnosed with schizophrenia. But parenting is a different animal once your kids are adults (so to speak), and I had time and energy to explore other areas – including new love relationships. I had done a lot of work to come into my own, and truly love (or at least accept and laugh at) my own flaws. I was no longer pursuing being “perfect.”
In my 50’s I reinvented my career (had mostly been acting, radio and voiceovers) and became a published author and speaker – but I still act professionally. I also met my second husband, and we’re still happily together.
I’d say the self-understanding and self-confidence that came for me after 50 was game-changing.
Still learning at 70.
What would you tell the 20 or 30-year-old YOU?
- Life is long, if you’re lucky. And you will be. You are.
- Growing up doesn’t end at 20, or 30.
- Take risks now, take risks later.
- Keep serving the ball!
- Failing means learning – and a great story.
- You don’t have to be famous to be loved.
- Have a life offstage.
- Remember to be happy where you are – so that you never regret not appreciating the moment.
- Let people help. Ask for help. Help others.
- Say what you feel, and what you want.
- You can’t please everyone – or even, really, anyone.
- Embrace your own flaws – they are part of you.
- Some people will not like you or your work. Consider the source.
- The number on the scale is not the judge of who you are.
- Keep wearing sunscreen.
What do you think you’ll tell yourself in retrospect at the end of your life?
You tried a lot of things. You learned a lot. You were a teacher and student with others. Your love will live on. You did your very best, faced many of your fears, and touched lives in ways (as parent and grandparent), and ways you may not know (a podcast listener, a reader of your books, a member of the audience).
What impact do you think increased visibility can have on your business?
More opportunities to touch lives, spread my message, get more speak-for-fee bookings, and increase book sales.
Who or what inspires you and why?
As I am now in my 70’s, I feel drawn to the women who are aging beautifully with honesty and humor – and not addicted to plastic cosmetic surgery or always aiming to fool the world and denying the beauty and reality of aging with wisdom, power, humor – and, yes, wrinkles, So: Helen Mirren. Sally Field. Sigourney Weaver. And, recently, Justine Bateman.
Something else I’d like to share
I’ve had many accomplishments. They are all meaningful, but these really touch my heart: my two books: Ben Behind His Voices and Happier Made Simple and my podcast: Schizophrenia: 3 Moms in the Trenches.
“Humor gets us through a lot of stuff… it’s almost like giving people permission to not be perfect.”
Randye Kaye
The Brief
In my series “Real 50 Over 50,” I had the pleasure of interviewing Randye Kaye, a remarkably multifaceted individual whose career is a colorful mosaic tied to her passion for human connection. Randye, an author, speaker, actress, singer, and mental health advocate, shared profound insights into her life’s transitions, especially as a parent of a child with schizophrenia. She spoke about the necessity of redefining herself both personally and professionally as she navigated the complex terrain of mental health and well-being.
Randye emphasized the lifelong nature of parenting, challenging the notion that it ends when children reach adulthood. Her journey, marked by resilience and a search for joy amidst adversity, has led her to write books and engage with communities worldwide, sharing her experiences and learnings.
She highlighted the importance of human connection and community, advocating for a balanced approach to happiness that allows for the full spectrum of human emotions. Randye’s insights on humor, engagement, and the act of showing up for one another resonated deeply with me, underscoring the shared human experience and the power of storytelling in healing and support.
