Good stories aren’t just about success, they’re about grit

Working in the marketing and public relations realm, the goal is usually to celebrate the positives. Me, I’ve never really been a rule follower. I think that’s what led me to find significance in my shadows. It’s also what led me to become a frequent speaker about my own vulnerabilities. 

I never set out to be a “motivational speaker.” But somehow, I’ve become one, at least according to my calendar. Last year, I was asked to speak at nearly 30 events. And while I don’t say “yes” to every single ask, I do feel like it’s my duty to give back and help others by sharing what I’ve learned. My hope is that they can avoid my mistakes. 

Struggles with weight, ups and downs with mental health, finding balance—these have all been topics of my talks, along with the ins and outs and dos and don’ts of marketing. I’ve talked about losing major business accounts and the mental shift it took to bounce back from those losses and reinvent my agency. I’ve become an open book, both personally and professionally, because I see that it resonates. I don’t get paid for these gigs, but I do walk away richer when I connect with people.  

I’ve given talks to audiences that include the Nevada Hotel and Lodging Association, Women in Lodging, National Association of Women Business Owners, American Marketing Association, Urban Chamber of Commerce and many others. And yet, I have to confess, it wasn’t until I was recognized as “Best Motivational Speaker (Women)” by the Silver State Awards that I started to actually think of myself as a motivational speaker. 

I used to fret that my super authentic shares made me seem unsuccessful or unattractive. But now I know that the opposite is likely true. To me, inspiring people means being real, and that means being vulnerable. 

Recently, I was honored to learn that I was nominated by a colleague in the Vegas Inc Women Inspiring Nevada Awards. Spoiler alert: I didn’t win (some truly amazing women did!). And that’s OK. Because I’ve found that opening up to others about my life helps me feel more purposeful. And my mantra has always been “givers gain.”