Rejection and Resilience: Lessons from Every Creative Who "Failed" 🎭🔥
🔥 Rejection. Failure. Flops. Every creative has been there.
From The Graduate to Megalopolis, legendary filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola has seen both meteoric success and epic flops. And guess what? So has every creative person. 🎭
The hard truth? Failure is inevitable. But it’s also where we find growth, resilience, and our next big idea. Even the best in the industry—Coppola, Spielberg, Nichols, comedians, artists, entrepreneurs—have had projects that bombed. What sets them apart? They keep going. They keep creating.
💡 Failure isn’t the end—it’s just part of the process. It means you took a risk. It means you’re actually doing the thing while others are stuck on the sidelines, too afraid to fail. And that’s a win.
🎬 So, what can we learn from the best of the best about rejection and resilience?
📖 Read more in my latest article.
Lessons from a Life in Television: Overcoming Roadblocks 🎬🚧
Problem-solving is the backbone of television production. No matter how perfectly you plan, roadblocks will happen—equipment failures, last-minute cancellations, and unexpected curveballs are just part of the job. The real test? How you handle them.
In this piece, I break down the mindset and strategies that have helped me navigate the unpredictable world of TV production, creative leadership, and high-stakes decision-making. From backup plans to keeping your cool under pressure, these lessons go beyond the industry—they’re essential for anyone who wants to think fast, adapt, and succeed.
Because here’s the truth: roadblocks only stop you if you let them. 💡
✨ Have you ever hit a roadblock that tested your patience (or sanity)? I’d love to hear how you handled it—or what you learned along the way. Feel free to share your thoughts!
Everyone Who Works in Media Has Anxiety—And That’s OKAY
🚨 Media professionals, creatives, and freelancers—this one’s for you! 🚨
The TV and media industry isn’t just “evolving”—it’s in free fall. Job security? A myth. Stress levels? Off the charts. And if you’re feeling burned out, stuck, or straight-up invisible, you are not alone.
In this article, I dive into:
👉 The relentless pressure of working in media & entertainment (and why it’s getting worse)
👉 The brutal reality of creative burnout, job insecurity & impostor syndrome
👉 Why the SNL 50th Anniversary Special hit way too close to home
👉 And most importantly—why it’s OKAY to just be okay (seriously!)
💡 If you’ve ever felt like you’re white-knuckling it through your career, this is for you.
Read the full article here ⬇️ and tell me—how are YOU navigating all this uncertainty?
Feeling Small
Feeling small doesn't mean you're weak. It's a reminder that even when the world feels overwhelming or bullies try to tear you down, you can still stand tall.
🌟 Whether it's turning your back on negativity or confronting it head-on, never let anyone take away your worth. You are not small—you are resilient. 💪✨
Fully Unapologetic: It’s January 15th. Are you thin yet?
"Are you thin yet? Accomplished all your goals? It’s been two weeks, after all! 🙃 Let’s cut the nonsense—January doesn’t have to be a gauntlet of unrealistic expectations.
This season is tough enough without piling on guilt. Instead of striving for perfection, aim for progress. Some days, just being ok is a win. Take it one day at a time—1-0, every day.
Remember: it’s ok to be ok. 💛"
Fully Unapologetic: What Inspires Me (as a 54-year-old Fat Woman)
What happens when a middle-aged woman reflects on life, Star Wars, fashion, body image, and the extraordinary voices challenging societal norms? You get a raw, heartfelt, and uplifting perspective on what it means to embrace yourself at every size and every stage of life.
In her latest essay, Shannon Malone-deBenedictis, an Emmy-winning storyteller, dives deep into the progress we’ve made—and the trailblazers lighting the way forward. From plus-sized fashionistas and unapologetic athletes to celebrities dismantling Hollywood's outdated body ideals, Shannon celebrates the inspirations that fuel her unapologetic self-love.
✨ For anyone who’s ever felt unseen, this essay is a reminder: you belong, and your light matters.
✨ For everyone else, it’s a glimpse into the power of acceptance, resilience, and finding joy in the chaos of life.
Fully Unapologetic: Finding Body Liberation in 2025
🎉 Embrace 2025: Love Your Body, Liberate Your Mind! 💪✨
BEHIND THE CAMERA: How The Current Media Landscape Breaks You Down
I was already dealing with anxiety and discrimination—both gender and weight bias—so jumping into freelancing at the worst time for TV and media felt like a recipe for disaster. Yet, here I am, sharing my journey of braving the industry’s biggest contraction in recent memory.
In my new post, I unpack the “streaming gold rush” that went bust, how it’s impacted our mental health and creativity, and why—despite it all—there’s a new path forward for those of us behind the camera. If you’ve felt the squeeze or battled your own shame spiral, you’re not alone.
art by AJ Jones via Deep Dream Generator
The Burden of "Invisible" Bias: How Weight Discrimination Shapes Our Lives
William Howard Taft: President. Supreme Court Chief Justice. Devoted husband and father. Lived well beyond his peers. Yet what’s his legacy? The tub.
In this essay, I reflect on Taft, history, and the weight bias that still drags people down. It’s time we learned more about the person, not the punchline.
Body Image in the Workplace: The Unspoken Rules for "Looking Professional"
One of my all-time favorite comedies, Working Girl, isn’t just a brilliant 80s film—it’s a powerful commentary on confidence, professional attire, and the biases that come with it. From Sigourney Weaver’s iconic red dress to the struggle Tess McGill faces in the corporate world, this movie resonates on so many levels. As someone who's battled with fitting into the "one-size-fits-all" corporate dress code, I reflect on how clothing can empower or diminish us, especially for women with body types that don't conform to societal norms. Here’s a look at how Working Girl and my own experiences highlight the pressure to "dress to fit"—and why it’s time to let individuality and confidence shine. ✨ #Fashion #BodyPositivity #ProfessionalStyle #Confidence
FILM PRODUCTION AND THE MICHAEL JORDAN EFFECT
Michael Jordan may be the GOAT, but his success wouldn't have been possible without his teammates—Pippen, Rodman, Kerr, and others. In both sports and the entertainment industry, the “stars” are nothing without their supporting teams. Just like in film production, where directors get the spotlight, there’s a whole team behind the scenes—producers, marketers, legal experts, and more—making sure everything runs smoothly. Let’s stop overlooking these crucial roles. Success is a team effort, and everyone’s contribution matters. #Teamwork #Collaboration #CelebrateEveryone #MichaelJordan #BehindTheScenes
MEDIA VS REALITY: When what is real is too real
As a passionate traveler and documentary filmmaker, I've learned that the world is a vast canvas filled with stories waiting to be told.
In my recent travels, I’ve come to appreciate not just the beauty of our planet but also the misunderstandings that can arise from how media portrays reality.
Whether understanding the scale of our oceans or the nuances of wildlife photography, we can all benefit from a bit of humility and awareness.
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MY CREATIVE PROCESS
When faced with a sea of ideas, it can be challenging to pinpoint the ones with true potential. Drawing inspiration from a beloved bear, I've refined my process for selecting ideas worth nurturing.
BEHIND THE SCENES: Developing “CARRIERS AT WAR”
Embedded documentaries may seem effortless, but behind the scenes, it's a different story. Success in this field requires an exceptionally skilled team, supportive executives, thorough preparation, as well as tact, diplomacy, and tenacity.
WHAT’S IN MY OFFICE
Your office space speaks volumes about you. Mine is a true reflection of who I am. Discover how I structure my life and work, and perhaps find some inspiration along the way.
LUCKY OR NOT: HOW I GOT MY JOB IN MEDIA
Lucky or Not: How I Got Into Media
🌱✨ How a difficult family moment led to a transformative career in media.
THE SH*T WILL HIT THE FAN
Things never go perfectly--chaos will find you.
How you handle when the sh*t starts flying is the key to finding success.