When I was invited to be a FENIX TV Red Carpet Insider with She Rises Studios at the 2026 iHeart Media Awards in Los Angeles, my first thought was, “This should be interesting.” I’ve spent years speaking at conferences and presenting in professional settings, so being in front of people is nothing new to me, but a red carpet has a very different kind of energy.
As I was getting ready, I found myself thinking about something I talk about often, how we show up as we age. Not just physically, but in how we carry ourselves. There is a noticeable difference between trying to keep up with everyone around you and simply being comfortable in your own skin. That mindset stayed with me as I stepped onto the carpet.
There were cameras, bright lights, and plenty of very polished faces, and yes, I noticed all of it. But what stood out more to me was how at ease I felt. I was not focused on whether I looked perfect or how I might appear on camera. I was focused on the conversations I was about to have and the people I was there to meet. That shift in focus makes a bigger difference than most people realize.
Throughout the evening, I connected with a wide range of individuals, and what struck me was how refreshing it is when someone is simply present and genuine. No overthinking and no trying too hard, just real interaction. It reinforced something I have learned over the years. Healthy, vibrant aging is not about chasing youth. It is about maintaining your energy, your confidence, and your sense of self.
By the end of the night, I realized the setting almost did not matter. Whether it is a stage, a meeting room, or a red carpet in Los Angeles, the goal is the same. Show up as yourself and feel good doing it. And I can honestly say, I enjoyed every minute of it.
