A NEW YEAR. NEW OPPORTUNITIES.

Bring it on.

After starting the year by presenting a workshop to members of Women in Film & Video (WIFV), I hit the road—which feels about right.

My first stop was a speaking engagement in Chicago at the Women in Camp – Illinois Chapter Summit, a gathering of camp directors, planners, financial directors, and just about every other role you’d find in a log cabin. It was a room full of leaders who manage chaos, logistics, budgets, children, and expectations—all at once.

First observation:

This was the most comfortably dressed professional conference I’ve ever attended. I was in heaven. Bless these women.

Second observation:

The confidence and pride these women have in leading the next generation is genuinely inspiring. Don’t get me wrong—children are wonderful. Sure! But to willingly and happily wrangle them in the most feral of situations? Damn. That’s impressive leadership.

I spoke about recognizing your own accomplishments and learning how to highlight your talents—something many of us struggle with, especially women in leadership. As a television professional and documentary filmmaker, I know I often get caught up in roles, deadlines, and tasks, quietly diminishing what I’ve actually achieved.

The reasons are many: cultural, generational, and personal. You name it.

So if we can boost ourselves by creating a logline about our own bad-a**ery—our leadership skills, creative strengths, and lived expertise—then let’s do it.

From Chicago… straight to sea

I came home for exactly one day and then headed to Florida to join the Carnival Conquest on a 13-day voyage around the Caribbean. I’ve been hired to speak about sharks, whales, marine life, and what it’s like to create a documentary filmed mostly underwater.

This is my third speaking engagement on a cruise line, and they do not disappoint. The audiences are enthusiastic, attentive, and deeply curious about the wildlife around them. They were also very supportive when I nearly fell after tripping on the drum platform—always a bonus.

The year ahead

This year brings new challenges—and I’m leaning into them.

Each speaking engagement is an opportunity to improve, adapt, and gain experience. According to my current schedule, I’ll be speaking on ships for about 100 days this year.

Yes. You read that right. One hundred days. About ten voyages. Five different cruise lines.

Am I insane? Some of you know me well, so that’s a silly question.

For those who don’t, here’s the truth: I don’t run at half-speed. Each opportunity becomes a foundation for something bigger. Each challenge opens a new path forward—creatively, professionally, and personally.

Adaptation is the real skill

Adaptation is the key to all of this. I’m relearning how to live—temporarily—in a dorm-room-sized cabin. Packing is always a test. Makeshift offices on Lido decks will do just fine.

My cruise presentations take up about 10% of my time, which means I’m still producing films, consulting, and facilitating workshops—just doing it a little differently this year.

And honestly? That’s the point.

Challenge yourself. You never know where that path might lead.