Terri J. Vaughn on Finding Purpose and Joy
In this episode of No Boxes: Just Verses, we're joined by the incredibly talented actress, director, and producer, Terri J. Vaughn. Are you a leader trying to balance your career with your personal life, stay true to your purpose, or pivot when life throws you a curveball? Terri’s story is a masterclass in heart, humor, and honesty. This conversation goes beyond the spotlight to explore the roots of her resilience and the five songs that shaped her journey from a childhood in the Bay Area to a Hollywood powerhouse.
Terri J. Vaughn is an award-winning actress, director, and producer known for her iconic roles in shows like The Steve Harvey Show and films like Friday. She is also a three-time NAACP Image Award winner and a powerhouse behind the camera, directing for major networks and streaming platforms. Terri is the founder of the Take Wings Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to mentoring young girls.
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Key Takeaways:
The Power of Purpose: Learn how Terri’s humble beginnings and family support led her to create a foundation to empower young girls and why finding your purpose is the key to a lasting career.
Faith Over Fear: Discover how Terri took a leap of faith to pursue a career she never even dreamed of and how her belief in a higher power guided her steps when things got tough.
The Leadership Lesson of the Pivot: Hear how Terri embraced an unexpected marriage and family, teaching us that true leaders must be willing to pivot and change their plans when life presents a new pathway.
Leading with Joy and Empathy: Find out how Terri, as a director, uses music to shift the energy on set, bringing her team together with empathy and humor to create great content.
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The Real Secret to a Powerful Career: Lessons from a Hollywood Powerhouse
Have you ever wondered what it takes to build a successful career that lasts for decades? You see the awards and the iconic roles, but you know that's only the result of years of hard work behind the scenes. What if the real secret to a powerful career isn't just about talent, but about faith, humor, and a willingness to be "unboxed"? In an insightful conversation on the podcast "No Boxes: Just Verses," renowned actress, director, and producer Terri J. Vaughn shared her incredible journey, revealing how she went from a kid in the Bay Area to a Hollywood powerhouse by staying true to her purpose. This article will show you how to build your own lasting career by learning from her five key lessons.
Prerequisites to an Unboxed Journey
Are you ready to build a career that is about more than just your job title? This approach is for anyone who wants to lead with heart, honesty, and a real sense of purpose. It's for you if you are willing to learn, pivot, and see your personal story as your greatest strength. All you need to get started is an open mind and a commitment to seeing your path as a unique and beautiful journey.
Step 1: Build Your Confidence with a Strong Support System
It's easy to think that you have to make it on your own. But the truth is, most successful people have a strong support system that gives them the confidence and responsibility they need to succeed. Our guest shared how she was raised by "baddie" women—her mother and grandmother—who instilled powerful values in her from a young age. Growing up in a tough neighborhood, she was taught to be responsible and focused on school. This strong foundation led her to create a foundation later in life to help young girls who might not have that same support system. She learned that mentors and supporters change outcomes for girls and that mentorship is a powerful leadership lesson.
This step shows us that the confidence to build a career often comes from the community and values you are raised with. Your journey starts with the people who believe in you and the lessons they teach you.
Conclusion:
A strong support system is the foundation for confidence, leadership, and a lifelong commitment to giving back.
Find and value the strong mentors in your life.
Let your personal journey inspire you to mentor others.
Believe in yourself, knowing that your hard work and background give you strength.
Understand that leadership can start with giving back to your community.
Step 2: Trust Your Path and Let Faith Be Your Guide
Many of us have a very clear plan for our careers, and we think that is the only way to succeed. But what if your greatest opportunity comes from a path you never planned for? A common mistake is to think that you are in total control of your career. Our guest shared how she never planned to be an actress; she always thought she would be a businesswoman. But after a surprise opportunity from a pageant, she was offered a part in a play. She took a leap of faith, moved to a new city, and when things got tough, she looked to her faith and said, "I didn't ask for this. You put me here. So you are going to work this out".
This step teaches us that a career of purpose is often a journey of faith. It’s about trusting that the path you're on, even if it's not the one you planned, is where you are meant to be. She learned her craft, put in years of hard work, and was rewarded with a long and successful career.
Conclusion:
Great leaders have faith that their path, even when unexpected, is the right one, and they are willing to put in the work to master their craft.
Be open to new opportunities, even if they aren’t what you planned.
When times are tough, let your faith guide you and remind you of your purpose.
Focus on mastering your craft and being great at what you do, not just on becoming famous.
See your career as a gift that you are meant to share with the world.
Step 3: Learn to Pivot (And Admit When You're Wrong)
As leaders, we often feel like we have to have all the answers. It’s hard to admit when we are wrong, especially when we’ve made a public decision. But our guest’s journey shows us that being able to pivot is a necessary and beautiful part of life. After a difficult divorce, she was certain she would never get married again. She was serious about it and even told her future husband that she didn't want to get married. But as life went on and they decided to have a child together, she realized that her plans had to change. They made the decision to get married in a surprising way, proving that a leader must be flexible and open to a new way forward.
This step teaches us that a true leader is never so stuck in their ways that they can’t change their mind. Being able to pivot, admit you're wrong, and find a new pathway is a valuable skill that shows strength and wisdom.
Conclusion:
Pivoting is a powerful leadership skill that shows flexibility, wisdom, and a willingness to adapt to new situations.
Be open to different options and don't get stuck on one plan.
Understand that life is full of pivots, and that's okay.
Have the courage to admit when you are wrong and change your mind.
Trust that your new path, even if it’s unexpected, can lead to a beautiful outcome.
Step 4: Lead with Empathy and Joy
As a leader, you are in charge of the entire team, whether you are a CEO or a director on a film set. A common mistake is to be so focused on the final outcome that you forget about the people doing the work. Our guest shared how as a director, she makes it a point to understand the energy of her team. When she feels people are getting tired or stressed, she puts on a song to change the mood and uplift everyone's spirits. She understands that a fun, loving environment gets the best work out of everyone.
This step shows us that leadership isn't just about giving orders; it's about being an empathetic leader who cares about the people around you. By using music as a unifier, she creates an atmosphere of joy and reminds everyone that they are a valuable part of the team. Leading with empathy and joy is how you create great content and a lasting legacy.
Conclusion:
Leading with empathy means caring about your team's energy and using tools like music to create a positive environment.
Pay attention to the energy and morale of your team.
Use music or other creative tools to uplift the mood on a set or in an office.
Value the contributions of every person on your team.
Believe that a positive and fun environment leads to better results.
Conclusion: Your Unboxed Journey to Authentic Leadership
In this article, we’ve gone on a journey with a Hollywood powerhouse, learning that great leadership isn’t about fitting in a box. It’s about building a strong foundation of support, trusting your path, and leading with empathy and joy. You've seen that your unique journey, with all its twists, turns, and personal moments, is your greatest source of wisdom and influence. The big idea is that being an empathetic leader with heart, humor, and honesty is the key to creating a powerful and lasting legacy.
Now, it’s time to apply these lessons to your own life. Start by thinking about your own leadership playlist. What songs mark the pivotal moments in your life? What songs remind you of your purpose and keep you grounded?
Final Steps to Take:
Identify your support system and learn from their guidance.
Trust that your unique path, even with its unexpected turns, is the right one.
Be open to changing your mind and pivoting when life calls for it.
Lead with empathy and humor, using tools like music to create a joyful environment for your team.
Remember that your career is a gift meant to be shared with the world.