A guide to believing in yourself (but for real this time) | Catherine Reitman | TEDxToronto

Summary

In this inspiring talk, the speaker reflects on her journey from feeling powerless as an actor to becoming a showrunner, emphasizing the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone. She shares her initial hesitations in pursuing her ideas due to self-doubt and societal expectations but ultimately encourages embracing one's unique voice. The speaker's personal anecdotes, including her father's dismissive comment about her show idea, highlight the challenges faced and the courage needed to persist. She advocates for the empowerment that comes with making the choice to pursue one's creative passions, even when met with skepticism, and the necessity of staying true to one's vision.

Takeaways

• 😌 The speaker emphasizes the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone and embracing the choice to grow.
• 🎭 She shares her personal journey from feeling powerless as an actor to becoming a showrunner, highlighting the transformative power of choice.
• 🤔 The speaker discusses the struggle of creative types, including her own, who often face rejection and the feeling of not having control over their careers.
• 📝 She admits to starting to write as a way to take control of her career, despite feeling inadequate or unqualified at first.
• 👨 Her father's advice to 'leave that to Aaron Sorkin' initially discouraged her, but later became a catalyst for self-reflection and determination.
• 🔄 The speaker explores the idea that saying 'no' to the choice to step outside one's comfort zone is a common but potentially regrettable decision.
• 🛌 She references Bronnie Ware's book, highlighting the top regret of people on their deathbeds: not living a life true to themselves.
• 🚫 The speaker challenges the notion that certain opportunities are only for certain people, using Aaron Sorkin as an example of someone who didn't let others' achievements limit his own.
• 👶 The birth of her son and her experience with postpartum depression led to a pivotal moment where she chose to write about her personal struggles.
• 🎬 The creation of 'Workin' Moms' was a direct result of her saying 'yes' to her own voice and experiences, despite the challenges and skepticism from others.
• 🏆 The speaker concludes by encouraging the audience to consider their own unique voice and to have the courage to use it, regardless of the obstacles.

Q & A

What does the term 'showrunner' refer to in the context of the entertainment industry?

In the entertainment industry, 'showrunner' refers to the person who has the ultimate authority over a television series, typically the creator or head writer and producer.

How does the speaker describe her initial feelings about her career in acting?

The speaker describes her initial feelings about her acting career as feeling powerless, unqualified, and constantly rejected, with no control over her own career.

What was the speaker's father's profession, and what is one of his notable works?

The speaker's father, Ivan Reitman, is a filmmaker known for his work in comedy, with one of his notable works being 'Ghostbusters'.

What advice did the speaker's father give her regarding her idea for a medical dramedy?

The speaker's father advised her to leave the idea of a medical dramedy to Aaron Sorkin, implying that she should not pursue it.

What is the significance of the phrase 'Leave that to Aaron Sorkin' in the speaker's narrative?

The phrase 'Leave that to Aaron Sorkin' signifies the speaker's internalized doubt and the pressure to conform to expectations, which initially deterred her from pursuing her creative ideas.

How does the speaker describe the importance of listening to one's inner voice?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of listening to one's inner voice as a means to live a life true to oneself, drawing on the regret of people on their deathbeds who wished they had been more authentic.

What personal experience did the speaker use as inspiration for her series 'Workin' Moms'?

The speaker used her experience with postpartum depression and the challenges of balancing motherhood and work as inspiration for her series 'Workin' Moms'.

What was the speaker's response to the network's suggestion to make her show more relatable by removing specific scenes?

The speaker initially complied with the network's suggestion, removing specific scenes, but when the network passed on her show, she realized the importance of sticking to her vision.

What lesson did the speaker learn from her experience with the US network?

The speaker learned that even when faced with the possibility of rejection, it's crucial to have the courage to stick to one's vision and be true to one's unique voice.

How does the speaker encourage others to approach their own creative endeavors?

The speaker encourages others to consider saying 'yes' to their own creative choices, to be specific and authentic in their work, and to enter the arena despite the challenges and potential for failure.