Meet Mandi Woodruff -Santos: she helped me with my first in-studio interview

Inspired to share stories of people I've met in my journey to let them know how much they've impacted my professional growth. I've learned that we never truly do it alone: some people open doors, give advice, support projects, and are my life teachers. This will be a series, I call Happy Work.

In 2015 I had just completed an ambitious project, the Road to Financial Wellness, we held dozens of events across the US attended by thousands of people. I planned to break the money taboo and turn local conversations into national discussions on financial well-being. I was passionate about getting the message out to as many news outlets as possible.

As you can imagine, talking about financial education or financial literacy isn't "media worthy." A news producer told me it "wasn't a topic Americans cared about." Of course, we had to make them care because financial knowledge and accessibility can change lives: I am a testament.

I reached out to as many local news stations with some success, but I couldn't get the attention of larger outlets. Unless I was talking about "how to save pennies on a grocery bill" or "yell at someone for being bad with money," they didn't seem to be interested.

Later that year, I met Mandi Woodruff-Santos through a mutual friend Tiffany "The Budgetnista" Aliche . We've been conversing online for some time, and I have followed her work on Yahoo News. Tiffany and Mandi had also started the Brown Ambition podcast. I loved the idea of a show that gave a platform to underrepresented communities.

I messaged Mandi and said I'd like to come to the show. She replies back immediately, "I have something that can help you. Come on Yahoo News."

"How exciting?" I thought to myself. It'll be the first time in a studio.

I arrived at the Yahoo News studios in Manhattan. My name was on the list: I was where I was supposed to be. This wasn't some dream.

As I was ushered inside, Mandi came over with a hug and says, "Are you ready? They'll do your makeup in this room, and the green room for you to relax is over there."

I was nervous. I can speak in front of hundreds, even thousands of people with ease (okay, it always comes with butterflies), but taping in a studio with multiple cameras and bright lights was something else. I was beyond nervous.

They call me to head over to the studio. My palms were sweating. Mandi looks over and smiles, "You'll do great, just be yourself."

I was a nervous wreck because this experience was new. My mind couldn't comprehend it, and nervousness showed.

Mandi asked her questions. I answered them. We stopped taping.

"How do you think that went?" she asked as she leaned closer to me.

"I could do better," I said nervously.

"Take a deep breath. Just look at me and talk to me as a friend without the cameras. I've seen how you are in front of people. I know it's different, but you got this," she said.

"I'd like to tape again, is that okay with you?" Mandi asked.

We did another taping: it went better.

"You were great. Just be yourself, people love you for that and let your personality shine. It takes practice with cameras, but you'll get there," she said.

After the taping, we spent another hour over some light snacks discussing our goals, many of which Mandi is accomplishing years later.

I want to thank Mandi for that professional experience. Mandi didn't need to do what she did that day, but that's the type of person she is–patient, caring, and a natural coach–who can pull the goodness inside you before you even know it was there. If my first studio appearance was any different, I don't know where I'd be today.

She boosted my confidence and reassured me, which has helped me continue to serve my purpose and do good in the world. It's also informed me on how to coach people who want to be professional speakers. Lead with compassion and understanding. And don't be afraid to give feedback that can help the person be their best.

(These are recollections from memory and my written journals).

What's your lesson?

Don't be afraid to try something new, even though it makes you nervous. In fact, it's probably what you need to level up in your profession.

Pay attention to the lessons people give (consciously or not): you can learn how to be a better employee, professional, leader, and business owner by observing how others treat you. There are really good amazing people in this world who want to see you succeed. They don't see competition. They see an opportunity to open doors.

And be the person who shows compassion and understands that we all don't have the same experiences. Offer your platform for those doing good and find ways to amplify underrepresented voices.

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Why the Happy Work series?

So much has happened in the last few years I realized how important it was for me to share these stories of people who've impacted my professional career and life. I want them to know they've left a legacy within me. I will share these stories once a week or more. Many people are part of my journey, and I want to honor them.

In my upcoming book,?Happy Money Happy Life: A Multidimensional Approach to Health, Wealth, and Financial Freedom, I've written about some of these people. In the book, I shared the happy dimensions that make us whole: mental, emotional, physical, spiritual, occupational, environmental, social, and financial. I specifically focused on how financial health impacts other parts of our well-being and how we can improve our finances to affect other areas positively. My claim:?You can buy happiness by spending on wellness.

Learn more about the book:?phroogal.com/happy

Preorders are available online via?Bookshop?(support independent booksellers),?Amazon,?and other retailers.

I ask you to support local bookstores and small business owners in your community. You can also find a local bookstore through?IndieBound.