Talent and Courage

I had been told for years, I had talent. I took a leap and joined a Summer Stock group and helped create a new musical for Joseph Papp. The picture above shows me in the back row, with the gold skirt on. Interestingly, prior to this experience I had never had a dance class or been in a musical and yet, I was cast as a tap dancer in a full on musical. WOW!

However, there’s a moment in every creative life when talent isn’t enough.

You can have all the skill, vision, and preparation in the world — but sooner or later, the path will ask for something deeper. It will ask for courage.

In fact, not long after this show, I hit a wall. I was not sure I had what it took to be on Broadway and I did not have support at home. What was I to do?

This week on The Creative Connection Podcast, I sat down with Gem Wiltshire, Managing Director of Hollywood Access Inc., and we talked about this and about what it really takes to move forward as an actor, artist, or human being.

Gem has built a life around helping others step into their own light — guiding both her children and countless performers toward success on the world’s biggest stages and screens. But what struck me most wasn’t her résumé — it was her heart.

Because Gem doesn’t just talk about courage. She lives it.

🌿 Talent Gets You Started — Courage Keeps You Growing

Talent opens doors — but it’s courage that keeps you in the room.

Every creative journey begins with a spark — a moment of recognition that says, I was made for this. But bringing that spark to life takes more than inspiration; it takes the willingness to act, to risk, and to stay true to yourself when the world tells you to be something else.

Gem and I talked about the countless moments when courage becomes the defining factor: auditioning after rejection, showing up when imposter syndrome whispers “not yet,” starting a business, or daring to reinvent yourself midlife.

In every story, courage isn’t a loud, dramatic force. It’s the quiet decision to keep going — to trust that your voice, your timing, and your truth still matter.

💜 The Heartset Behind True Success

Courage isn’t just about bold moves. It’s about staying open — to feedback, to failure, to transformation.

Gem and I both know what it means to redefine success:

• She moved from the boardroom and classroom into the heart of Hollywood.
• I moved from center stage to directing, teaching, and coaching others to shine.

What we’ve both learned is that real success has more to do with alignment than applause.

When your heart, belief, and purpose line up — when you’re creating from who you are, not who you think you should be — that’s when fulfillment begins.

And that alignment always requires action.

🌸 Stepping Into Action

We can dream, plan, and prepare — but the moment that changes everything is the one where we say yes and step forward.

This is what I love most about Gem’s story: she didn’t wait for perfect timing. She took the next right step.

I took a step and left a corporate job where I made great money but it did not fill the well of my soul. I went on a journey to discover what would.

If you’ve been standing at the edge of something new — a creative project, a business, a shift in your life or career — let this be your reminder:

You don’t have to have it all figured out.

You just have to begin.

Action is what transforms courage into momentum.

So write the scene and screenplay for your own life.

• Send the email.
• Apply for the role or position of your dream.
• Start the thing that’s been whispering to your heart.

That’s where courage becomes creation.

🌿 An Invitation to Begin Again

If you’re ready to step forward — not with hustle, but with heart — I’d love to invite you to join me for the Rooted In You Winter Circle, beginning January 3rd.

This six-week journey is designed to help you pause, reconnect with what is calling you, and realign with what matters most to you — so you can create your next chapter from clarity and confidence.

💜 Early-bird registration is open through November 15th with a special rate of $297 and two bonus 1:1 coaching calls when you register early.

You’ll find all the details in the show notes or here; Rooted In You.

✨ Because Here’s the Truth

Talent may get you noticed, but courage builds the life you love.

And when you take action — even one small step — you turn dreams into direction.

So go ahead. Be brave enough to begin again. The world is waiting for what only you can create.