Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action, discusses finding your audacious spark and making a difference in the world. Topics include transitioning after leading a successful organization, writing a new book, and embracing your unique path to success.
Embrace exploration and creativity without fear of failure to discover new interests and passions.
Find balance between personal expression and public expectations to stay true to oneself as a writer and creator.
Cultivate resilience and embrace vulnerability in pursuing creative endeavors despite criticism and setbacks.
Deep dives
Transitioning from Leadership to Writing
Shannon Watts, known for leading Moms Demand Action, transitions into writing a book with support. Despite struggling to relax after her leadership role, she swiftly developed a book proposal. Reflecting on her driven personality and busyness addiction, she faces challenges in finding stillness amidst her upcoming book deadline.
Exploring Different Passions and Embracing Change
Shannon emphasizes the importance of allowing oneself to explore various interests without fearing failure. With a focus on sparking creativity and self-discovery, she discusses the necessity for women to try new things, even if they diverge from societal norms or expectations.
Embracing Personal Identity and Creative Freedom
Delving into the complexities of personal identity as a writer and creator, Shannon shares her journey of self-discovery and acceptance. She highlights the struggles of navigating new roles and finding the balance between personal expression and public expectations, emphasizing the importance of staying true to oneself.
Overcoming Fear and Self-Doubt in Pursuing Passions
Addressing fears and criticisms, Shannon encourages embracing vulnerability and openness in creative endeavors. She shares her experiences of facing criticism and threats, emphasizing the resilience needed to pursue one's passions despite potential backlash. Shannon's journey reflects the challenges and rewards of staying true to oneself and one's creative spark.
Managing Time and Creative Energy
Shannon discusses the challenges of transitioning to a new phase in her career, emphasizing the need to adapt to managing time independently after years of structured schedules. She shares strategies for organizing tasks, maintaining creativity, and ensuring personal well-being, emphasizing the importance of self-compassion and flexibility in creative pursuits.
In this bonus episode of Create out Loud, I interview a force of nature, Shannon Watts. In case you don't know Shannon, she founded Moms Demand Action, now the largest women’s volunteer organization in America. She's been called a “summoner of women’s audacity,” named a Time Magazine 100 Most Influential People, a Forbes 50 over 50 Changemaker, and a Glamour Woman of the Year. She writes a popular substack https://shannonwatts.substack.com/about
I'm working as a book coach with Shannon on her new book about helping you find your audacious spark and play with fire to change your world. I wanted to talk to Shannon about this transition she is in after 10 years leading Moms Demand Action, about writing, and about sparks.
If you wonder how someone like Shannon has accomplished her goals and how you can do it too, in your own wonderful unique way, you'll love this episode.
Episode resources:
Find out how to work with me here.
I'd love you to join me on one of my Retreats or Writing Intensives.
My book, Why Bother: Discover the Desire for What’s Next, is a great resource for learning to create out loud.
Your feedback is so important to me! You can leave a review on Apple podcasts, or email me at jen@jenniferlouden.com
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