Interview with Howard Waldstreicher, Author of Facebook’s Oldest Intern

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Facebook’s Oldest Intern?

I thought, what a perfect time to write my story with so many people over 45 or even over 40 years old looking to reinvent themselves. Maybe they want to change careers but think they are too old. My story is how I reinvented myself. Think about it. What were the odds of a 60-year-old fitness trainer reinventing himself with the most unlikely of companies? Facebook. I know it’s called meta now, but I hate that name.

I sent out tons of resumes, networked, did what you were supposed to do, and nothing. Just crickets. I could have given up and believe me, I was close, but I kept pushing and as my mother always said, “it only takes one”. I am hoping my story gives people that are of a certain age the inspiration and hope that it can be done. It’s not easy, but if you keep trying something good will happen.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Facebook’s Oldest Intern , what would they be?

For me it’s all about the character ROCKY BALBOA. He never, ever gave up. The theme from ROCKY and “Eye of the Tiger”. And I need to throw in “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey as well.

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

My favorite books are action/thrillers such as Lee Childs’s Jack Reacher books and Brad Thor’s Scot Harvath books. The thing is, I am not a writer. I am a believer in fate and felt I got accepted to Facebook for a reason. To help and inspire people. After being impacted by the layoffs and being at facebook for almost 2 years it was time to tell the story and give people hope.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Another Lee Child book. I am on to his 4th book!

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

My favorite scene has to be chapter 1. “Finding something to do in bed”. Because without my wife’s nagging, I wouldn’t have a story to write.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

No. I just wrote in a journal every week of what I did at Facebook.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

My mom always had these sayings and I remember them to this day and they make so much sense. “It only takes one”, “Nothing ventured noting gained”, and “If you don’t ask you will never know” (I think that one was dating advice… if you don’t ask the girl out you will never know if she would say yes or no…But, I also had three older sisters, so plenty of dating advice…)

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

You are never too old to change. It’s not easy, but it can happen.

Howard Waldstreicher is the author of the new book Facebook’s Oldest Intern – How a 60-year-old fitness trainer reinvented himself with the most unlikely of companies

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