Lessons from the Red Carpet: What the Oscars Are Teaching Me

Three weeks from now, I’ll be escorting my book Turn Your Story Into Business Gold to the Oscars—specifically, to the pre-Oscars gifting lounge, where celebrities and media get an exclusive preview of curated products and brands. And while the book is doing its red carpet debut, I’ll be right there, talking about storytelling, business, and how defining your narrative changes everything.

But let me back up for a second.

How I Got Here (And Why I Said Yes Without Knowing the Details)

This whole opportunity started through a specific connection—and a shared admiration for Gloria Steinem. I got involved through the 262 Book Project, a group of powerhouse women authors, and when the organizer, Deb Drummond, mentioned the Oscars, I was in. No hesitation. No overthinking.

I didn’t even know what I was signing up for.

But I knew this: when you align with people who share your values, big things happen.

Then came the real challenge.

Once I committed, I pitched my book idea—and then had to deliver. Writing a book in 33 days? Getting it published within a month after that? It was an audacious timeline, but it forced me to trust my intuition, create a plan, and adapt on the fly. There was no time to overanalyze, no room for self-doubt to linger.

And that’s one of the biggest lessons so far:

Big Leaps Require Peeling the Onion

Stepping into a bigger arena will always trigger inner resistance.

It’s funny how voices of doubt show up at the strangest moments—right when you’re making moves, right when you’re on the edge of something bigger. And while I didn’t have time to sit and wallow in those doubts, I did have to get conscious of them.

?? When did they show up? ?? What triggered them? ?? How could I move through them faster?

That level of self-awareness is critical, because if we’re not careful, we start negotiating with our own potential. We start hesitating. We shrink back.

And in moments like this, momentum matters more than perfection.

The Oscars Swagger (AKA What Happens When You Leap and Don’t Get Squashed)

Once you start leaping—and don’t get crushed—you gain something else.

Confidence. Presence. That internal knowing that says, "I belong in this room."

This opportunity isn’t just about the Oscars. It’s about riding the wave of momentum—for me and for the entire 262 group. It’s about stepping fully into owning my story, building visibility, and using this moment to create more opportunities for myself and others.

The Rising Tide Lifts All Boats

One of the best things about this experience is that it’s not just about me.

The 262 Book Project is a movement. It’s a group of women who are showing up, doing big things, and supporting each other along the way. Because when one person levels up, it creates space for others to do the same.

So, as I get ready to step onto this bigger stage, here’s what I know for sure: ?? Growth happens at the edge of your comfort zone. ?? Trusting your gut will get you further than waiting for certainty. ?? The right people make all the difference.

And most importantly—your story is your strategy.

So tell me—when was the last time you took a leap before you felt ready? Drop a comment, and let’s talk about it. ??