A Wing Person in Action: Lessons from Will & Harper

If you haven’t watched Will & Harper on Netflix , make it a priority. This heartwarming film, starring Will Ferrell and Harper Steele, beautifully shows what it means to be a Wing Person—offering support, standing by someone, and helping them navigate life’s challenges.

One particularly powerful example of Will’s role as Harper’s Wing Person involves a scene where they stop at a roadside pub. Harper, who used to love stopping at small-town watering holes during her road trips, now faces uncertainty about how she’ll be received as a trans woman. Will offers his quiet support by first waiting outside, ready to step in if needed, and eventually joining her inside. It’s a subtle but significant act—Will doesn’t overstep or take over Harper’s experience. Instead, he’s there to ensure that she feels safe without removing her agency.

Will doesn’t fix things for Harper—he simply makes sure she never has to face them alone.

But Will & Harper also shows us the difficult side of being a Wing Person. In one scene, the pair attends an NBA game, where they meet the Governor of Indiana. Known for his anti-trans stance, the governor acts uncomfortably when introduced to Harper. However, he quickly brushes aside his principles to take a picture with Will, exposing the superficiality of his actions. In this moment, Will shields Harper from what could have been a more confrontational situation, showing the importance of standing by someone through both the good and the difficult.

In tough situations, a Wing Person can make the difference between feeling vulnerable and feeling strong.

During a recent interview on Late Night with Seth Meyers, Harper reflected on her road trip experience, saying, “When you walk into a bar or a basketball game with Will Ferrell, people tend to want to be kind.” Will’s presence brought comfort, and more importantly, safety. Without him, Harper admitted she would have been more afraid of how people might react. This encapsulates what it means to be a Wing Person—offering emotional security in situations where someone might feel vulnerable or uncertain.

In my own life as a Professional Wing Woman, I often help clients navigate social situations or career events where they feel unsure. Like Will’s role in the film, my goal is to provide that presence and encouragement, helping people step into their confidence without taking over for them. Sometimes, it’s as simple as introducing someone to the right person or offering a bit of reassurance that they can handle what’s ahead. The role of a Wing Person is about being a steady presence, offering quiet but meaningful support when it’s needed most.

Having someone by your side can make the unfamiliar feel manageable.

At the heart of Will & Harper is a message about the strength of human connection and the vital role we play in each other’s lives. Will’s unwavering support helps Harper navigate a world that now feels unfamiliar to her, but the relationship is mutual. Will, too, learns and grows from being by Harper’s side, discovering new dimensions of their friendship along the way.

As you finish watching Will & Harper, take a moment to think about the Wing People in your own life:

Who stands by you when things get tough?

Who offers that quiet support, ready to step in when you need them, without overshadowing your own journey?

And equally important, who could use your support right now? How can you show up for someone and be their Wing Person?

In the end, being a Wing Person is about showing up for each other, through the highs and the lows, and knowing that, no matter what, you’ll have someone standing by your side.

Happy connecting!

Shaena, your Professional Wing Woman