Influencer Editorial Team
At Influencer Magazine UK, we had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Paul Salfen, author of GOING FOR IT! and a respected figure in the media and entertainment world. Known for his engaging conversations with some of the biggest names in film, music, sports, business, and culture, Paul’s journey is a testament to persistence, passion, and the power of curiosity.
In this exclusive feature, Paul shares how he found his path, his approach to meaningful conversations, and the lessons he hopes to pass on to future generations.
What techniques or preparation methods are essential to your work?
Dr. Paul Salfen:
That’s the interesting part – I don’t prepare questions before my interviews. I have a general idea of what I’ll ask but I really try to let it be a conversation that flows rather than me reading off of a list – I think that’s distracting. I do a lot of work to get what I get but what you see doesn’t feel like work on purpose.
Paul’s conversational style reflects a natural ease that resonates with audiences and interviewees alike. His success lies in creating space for authentic dialogue rather than structured interrogation — a rare quality that sets him apart in a crowded media landscape.
What inspired you to pursue this creative path?
Dr. Paul Salfen:
I’ve always been interested in interviews with great minds. I love to learn from amazing people. Generally, I try to only interview people I find very interesting and try to only put out the best content from that so others can learn and get something out of it.
Paul’s work is driven by a deep curiosity and a genuine respect for those who shape culture and ideas. His book, GOING FOR IT!, captures the wisdom and stories of hundreds of celebrities, offering readers valuable insights on success, resilience, and creativity.
He reflects on his remarkable career path with humility and honesty:
Dr. Paul Salfen:
My journey is a very unique one and would be almost impossible to duplicate. I’ll help anyone that asks, but how do you tell someone that a kid with no connections, no family in the business, and no knowledge of the business that they can rise up and find themselves in front of the most notable actors, directors, musicians, authors, producers, athletes, astronauts, CEOs, and world leaders and attend some of the most exclusive events in the world and make friends with people they grew up admiring? But the real answer is persistence. I never gave up and always believed I could do it – hence GOING FOR IT!
Paul’s journey is not just inspirational—it’s proof that relentless belief, resilience, and a genuine love for storytelling can carve a path through even the most competitive industries.
About Dr. Paul Salfen
Dr. Paul Salfen is a respected figure in the world of media and entertainment. Having started his journey in high school by interviewing bands (even when his teacher meant school bands, not chart-topping ones), Paul has gone on to build a career interviewing the most recognizable names across multiple industries. Through his book, GOING FOR IT!, he aims to inspire future generations by sharing stories of perseverance and success from some of the world’s most accomplished individuals.
Paul is passionate about seeing his work reach schools and libraries, ensuring that young and determined minds everywhere can be inspired by the same advice and insights that shaped his journey.
