Hollywood is known for all the glitz and glam of fame, the lights, camera, action! This is where the energy of creativity, ingenuity and performance meets red carpets and media coverage. I was thrilled to attend the Top Talent Hollywood event! It was all about being a top-notch media opportunity, and I wasn’t disappointed.
What I discovered right away – this was my crowd! Qualities such as enlightenment, self-discovery, authenticity, and confidence were what our speakers and panelists discussed throughout the day. It was also great to reunite with some of my fellow Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award recipients!
The event was actually a combination of two dynamic experiences: The Big Festoon Hollywood, and Top Talent Hollywood. From morning to night, attendees were treated to a lineup of outstanding speakers and panelists, plus networking, red carpet interviews and opportunities. The daytime portion happened at the Hollywood Improv, led by Dani Wallace and her UK-based organization The Big Festoon. They brought vibrant international energy to this iconic location and all of us. Attendees from across the pond added both fun and meaningful insight.
Top Talent Agency hosted the evening segment on the iconic Sunset Strip. With David Fagan and his team leading the charge, the red carpet event featured a compelling mix of individual talks, panel discussions from top influencers and industry trailblazers—and even some improv with a few celebrities, including Micah Fitzgerald, known for his roles in 1923, The Call of the Wild, Westworld, Swamp Thing, and Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., and Isaac C. Singleton, Jr., recognized for his performances in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, Deadpool, Anger Management, and Planet of the Apes. The combination of entertainment, opportunity and value-packed sessions offered a wealth of takeaways—like sampling a rich blend of the best ideas and strategies in one place.
And of course, the red carpet itself was an experience to remember. I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Justine Reiss, with Dr. Natasha Weems also conducting interviews throughout the evening. Photographers and videographers were everywhere, capturing the energy and excitement. This was a true Media Day, and thanks to David and Dani, everyone had the chance to shine on camera.
So, why was I there? As a client of Top Talent, I knew that anything they offered would be top-of-the-line and bring together prime industry leaders for participants to connect with, provide media opportunities, and offer a wealth of information that could take each of us from where we are to where we want to be. I’ve been in private practice for over 30 years as a certified acupressurist and healthcare educator.
Working with David and his team over the last two years has brought me into the spotlight more than I’ve ever experienced before. That’s important to me because I’ve created a program for kids and schools to teach them self-help acupressure. This technique helps them become better partners with their bodies and increase their possibilities for success in whatever they want to do and become.
I met so many people at the Big Festoon Hollywood and Top Talent Hollywood events who were intrigued about what I’m offering and wanted to help me get the word out in a bigger way. That’s my dream, my passion, and my goal, and having more industry leaders want to help me achieve success is a bonus of attending the Hollywood extravaganza. I learned some key takeaways that I’ve excitedly begun to implement!
Seemingly endless fantastic insights from the speakers and panelists inspired all of us throughout the event. It was true edutainment at its best! Too many key points to share really, but here are some of the highlights:
Hearing David Fagan speak about how we can step into our potential was empowering. We need to know what we genuinely want to share AND understand who would be the “right folks to connect with”. His big nugget – be in the energy and belief that you are applying for a job every day! The key is to “give, serve, and share.” And another nugget – good marketers create the want! Make sure you quantify it!
Dani Wallace of The Big Festoon shared that it’s important to KNOW your values and live by them. Her secret formula to guarantee success is to RISE UP and know where you’re heading; WISE UP and figure out what you don’t know so you can seek out the information from those you can learn from; and then SHOW UP and be gloriously uncomfortable in your confidence. Dani is a magnificent entertainer with an exceptional ability to capture the listeners’ attention. You can tell that she cares about spreading the energy of “we are all good people doing good things.”
Jeffrey Hayzlett of the C-Suite Network is all about creating great content. And then – automate and delegate. After that, eliminate anything that is in your way so you can step into building something even better. His nugget – “It’s not just about keeping up; it’s about leveling up so you can have your WIN.”
Lisa Johnson was all about ‘Think Like a CEO’ and abiding by your values because people buy from people they like and value. Gain trust by “doing present action.” And remember that self-actualization is the most essential process for a life well lived.
One of my most significant joyful moments was having the opportunity to listen to Lisa Nichols. Yes, THE Lisa Nichols. Her nuggets: Playing big is necessary. And BE A CHANGE AGENT. Be strategic and plan to make an impact that is both impactful and unforgettable. Do that by sharing your message, your story. Believe that people want to know who you are. Someone is ready to hear it and say “yes,” so be prepared to speak it. In my opinion, Lisa’s BEST nugget is “Be okay with being the unicorn in the room.” THAT put a smile on my face and left me with the feeling that I could perform and succeed.
Megan Stachini spoke about EGO ENERGY, emphasizing the importance of drawing from authenticity, self-discovery, and inner enlightenment to create the energy that attracts the people you want in your life and business. That same energy will bring what you want to receive. The key is to live in the space and believe that “I’m worthy, I’m a success.”
Craig Bruce of Evolve Health and Lifestyle shared that we need to KNOW “who I am going to be and what will I do today.” And his nugget – ALWAYS be in the place of “knowing what I am grateful for.” I could tell that he lives by the nuggets found in his bestselling book, The Fulfillment Revolution. I’ve been lucky to have a conversation with Craig since the event. His mindset is all about fulfillment, and he is a fountain of great ideas and suggestions.
It was great to see Isabel Donadio, founder of Top Talent Agency. The event was a success because Isabel was constantly keeping track of everything. When she is present, I know that everything is being considered. Her enthusiasm for life and her pursuits in the world is contagious. Isabel cares and wants everyone to feel seen and heard. Thank you, Isabel!
I loved meeting up with Roosevelt Williams III again. He is such an inspiration with all that he has done to create space for the entrepreneurial community. His work with youth is exemplary.
It was great to see Janice Burt again. Her message that a creative life requires bravery, action, honesty, and hard work completely resonates with me.
Diana Wentworth was with us! There is a reason why this multiple time NY Times Bestselling author is known as an enchantress. She embodies magic, and listening to her takes me to a place where I feel the enormity of her heart. I felt fortunate to have had the opportunity to see her and hear her in person! I hope there will be another opportunity!
Being with Amanda Slade was a big treat. Amanda walks her talk. You can manifest your ALL. Her Diamond Co-Creative System helps you discover how ancient wisdom, and spiritually grounded steps provide practical results. Thank you, Amanda, for all that you bring to the world and me!
I look forward to connecting more with Kam Knight. His magic is all about understanding the mind and how to optimize its performance. Mind mapping is a direction that can create fresh solutions, and Kam’s perspective is intriguing.
It was great to see Caramie Ann in person. What she is bringing to people is financial education, wealth analysis and vision planning that’s all about creating habits to support you in being who you are and helping you leave a powerful legacy.
I met Jose Angel Manaiza, Jr and I look forward to spending more time with him. He is dedicated to helping students achieve success, which, of course, is near and dear to my heart. I look forward to seeing where our conversations take us.
These are just a few of the 300+ dynamic people who were at the magical Big Festoon Hollywood and Top Talent Hollywood Media Day that stood out to me. I can’t wait for the next one in early December!
Certified Acupressurist, Jin Shin Jyutsu practitioner, and founder of Deborah Myers Wellness. She is a 3x bestselling author, speaker, and wellness coach, helping people (including kids!) get and stay healthy.