Moonshot Mentor with Laverne McKinnon

Awe is the feeling of amazement and wonder. Awe brings fresh eyes to the familiar and can connect you with inspiration, hope and gratitude. It feels like a lovely topic for Thanksgiving week. 🦃 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit moonshotmentor.substack.com/subscribe

Building a strategic plan isn’t just a box to check—it’s a foundation that keeps you aligned with your vision and purpose. Strategy is your north star, keeping you on course, while tactical planning brings it to life. In the Moonshot Mentor Mastermind Producer Group and Moonshot Mentor Hybrid Producer Group, we’ll dive deep into both. From identifying your financing model to crafting a targeted pitch deck, these groups help you create a roadmap to move from concept to production, backed by a supportive community.If you’re ready to create a plan that brings your project to life, learn more and apply today. Both groups are carefully curated to ensure a committed, like-minded peer circle. 🌟 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit moonshotmentor.substack.com/subscribe

As the end of the year draws near and the holidays approach, you’ve probably heard the common belief that everyone’s winding down, checking out, and putting networking on hold. But is that really the case? 🤔 While some may be pausing their efforts, others might be quietly taking this time to make meaningful connections or set up future opportunities. So, the real question isn’t what everyone else is doing—it’s about what you want to do in terms of networking. By understanding your personal mindset and how it shapes your networking approach, you can make decisions that align with your goals and values. Whether you choose to network now or take a break, having clarity on your motivation will guide you toward the right choice. In this week’s post, I explore how your mindset influences your networking and how to make the most of this time—whatever your choice may be. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit moonshotmentor.substack.com/subscribe

n my work as both a producer and a leadership coach, I know how much grit film producing demands—balancing strategy, financing, team management, and constant adaptability. It’s a role that often feels isolated, with high barriers to entry and limited transparency. That’s why I’m launching the Moonshot Mentor Mastermind Producer Group and Moonshot Mentor Hybrid Producer Group—two application-based groups where producers can share insights, support each other, and gain clarity around the challenges we all face.If you’re a producer or a multi-hyphenate creator looking for real connection and a like-minded circle, you can learn more about the Mastermind here and the Moonshot Hybrid Producer Group here. Let’s make this industry a little more transparent and a lot more supportive. ❤️ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit moonshotmentor.substack.com/subscribe

Taking a pause this week with my regular blog and blogcast to share some tender feelings post election. When life feels heavy, I retreat to my cave, reconnect with my core values, and take small steps to find hope. I was inspired by Brene Brown’s post over the weekend about despair. If you're navigating sadness or despair, take a moment to reconnect with what sustains you. Write down your values, and take one small step to honor them. Sending love as we find our way back to hope. 🌱🖤 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit moonshotmentor.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit moonshotmentor.substack.comWhen you think about your career, do you ever find yourself stuck in uncertainty? Whether it’s waiting for feedback on a project or wondering if you'll get that promotion, uncertainty can feel paralyzing. It’s tempting to fill the silence with stories that explain the unknown, but what if those stories are holding you back?In this week’s blog, I’ll show you why we make up stories, how uncertainty can stop you from advancing professionally, and what you can do to break free from the cycle of doubt.

Stop the presses! I’ve got another deadline insight that a client shared with me: aggressive deadlines can actually be your secret weapon for creativity and growth. I was dubious, but she talked me through it and I get it! By setting challenging deadlines, you can push yourself beyond the boundaries of perfectionism and unlock new levels of creativity and efficiency.Dive into this week’s blog to discover how adopting aggressive deadlines can reframe your relationship with failure and boost your creative process.  This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit moonshotmentor.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit moonshotmentor.substack.comHave you ever felt like your work and personal life are a constant balancing act? It can feel impossible to keep everything steady without falling off track.But what if finding balance isn’t about standing perfectly still? What if it’s more like riding a wave—making minor adjustments to stay afloat rather than trying to stick a perfect landing? In this week’s blog, you’ll discover that proper balance requires flexibility, not rigidity. And we’ll even try out a simple exercise to help you make subtle, powerful adjustments in both your personal and professional life.

Many people are finding themselves reaching out for career help, only to be met with... nothing. Being ghosted by former colleagues or folx you’ve supported is disheartening, upsetting and frustrating. By understanding why your network is ghosting, you can learn how to make the right asks that will help you utilize your contacts and open up new opportunities.In this week’s blog, I  explore the three reasons your network might be ignoring you—and how you can fix it. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit moonshotmentor.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit moonshotmentor.substack.comDo you ever find yourself putting off tasks, even when you know they’re important? You might think it’s just a time management issue, but the real reason goes deeper than that.Experts say procrastination is more about managing emotions than managing time. It's not the task you're avoiding but how that task makes you feel—whether it's stress, fear, or even perfectionism creeping in.By understanding the emotions behind your procrastination, you can take real, meaningful steps toward completing your goals without guilt and frustration.This week’s blog dives into the emotional side of why we delay and explore practical ways to get started and accomplish your tasks and goals.