How can you stay true to yourself, even if the whole wide world is telling you to be different?
From (not) networking in Hollywood as an introverted actress to turning an ADHD diagnosis into a wonderful opportunity to acquire new skills and techniques, Nicole J Butler does things her own way.
In the past 20 years, Nicole has appeared in over 100 commercials, television shows, and independent projects, including her self-produced web series, “Sister President”.
But that level of success didn’t come easily. Nicole moved to Hollywood with just $200. She got stuck with jobs that she hated, made it through terrible auditions, quit acting, and went broke. Then, after years of doing it wrong, she decided to stop following “the rules”… and started getting it right.
In this episode, Nicole and I talk about
- Being a leader and an introvert
- Iowa, intersectional invisibility and being a Black woman in Hollywood
- What working through burnout feels like
- A different perspective on being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult
This episode at a glance:
[10:34] How Nicole turned political disenchantment into a compelling web series.
[19:11] Getting through those “make or break” moments. Growth is uncomfortable, and if you don’t stretch, you don’t grow. We all need those “hat over the fence” moments to help us grow.
[23:17] How to know if someone is a good match to work with: shared work ethics, values, and people who are a pleasure to be around.
[27:58] Being a Black woman in Hollywood – from back when all the roles were bailiffs and police women… to now.
[29:48] The conundrum of intersectional invisibility: being incredibly unique and visible – but at the same time finding it so much harder to get people to listen to you.
[36:18] Being an introvert in a traditionally extroverted field
[40:42] Why leadership is not about value or importance; it’s about adding your unique talents to the big puzzle.
[42:42] How even if leading is not your default setting, sometimes it’s necessary, a means to an end
[50:59] Working through burnout – mental and physical exhaustion
[57:48] Viewing dyslexia, ADHD and other potential personal challenges as a skillset rather than a disability.
Resources and Links mentioned in this episode
- Check out Nicole’s website
- Follow Nicole on Instagram or Twitter
- Watch Sister President on YouTube
- Read about breast cancer and/or find support at the National Breast Cancer Foundation
- Richard Branson on Dyslexia and Imagination
- Read more about burnout prevention and treatment
