A guide to believing in yourself (but for real this time) | Catherine Reitman | TEDxToronto
Feeling Empowered to Make Choices
In this section, Catherine Reitman talks about her journey from feeling powerless and unqualified to becoming a showrunner of her own series. She encourages the audience to grow outside of their comfort zone and make choices that empower them.
Taking Control of Her Career
- Catherine Reitman felt powerless and unqualified for most of her adult life.
- As an actor, she lived in a constant state of rejection.
- She was sick of feeling like she didn't have a say in her own career.
- She started writing, even though it felt like writing was meant for someone smarter or more special than her.
Making Bold Choices
- Catherine had an idea for a medical dramedy that took place in a children's hospital.
- Despite feeling underqualified, she pitched the idea to an industry veteran.
- Her father, Ivan Reitman, told her to leave medical dramedies to Aaron Sorkin.
Embracing Growth Outside Your Comfort Zone
- Catherine encourages the audience not to feel entitled but instead grow outside their comfort zone.
- She asks if anyone has ever felt called to something outside their prescribed life but didn't feel entitled to it.
- She wants people to know they have a choice when it comes to growing outside their comfort zone.
Conclusion
Catherine Reitman's talk encourages people to make choices that empower them and grow outside their comfort zone. She shares her journey from feeling powerless and unqualified to becoming a showrunner of her own series.
- Catherine Reitman felt fortunate to be in the position she is in today.
- She concludes by thanking the audience for listening and encouraging them to make bold choices.
Being a Working Mother
In this section, Catherine Reitman talks about her experience as a working mother and how it inspired her to create the TV series "Workin' Moms".
The Choice to Say Yes
- Catherine shares an emotional moment when she was away from her six-week-old son on Mother's Day and surrounded by male comedians who teased her about sending a card to her son on her behalf.
- Her husband encouraged her to write down the experience, which led to the creation of "Workin' Moms".
- Catherine emphasizes that saying yes to pursuing your passion is a lot of work but must be specific to you.
Trusting Your Voice
- Catherine talks about how she had to make a choice between sticking to her guns or trusting another showrunner's experience when selling "Workin' Moms" to a US network.
- She turned in the pilot without some scenes that weren't obviously funny, but the network passed.
- Catherine learned that there was another working mother show in development produced by Louis C.K., which was very specific and good.
Conclusion
Catherine Reitman shares how being a working mother inspired her TV series "Workin' Moms". She encourages others considering pursuing their passion to say yes but emphasizes that it requires hard work and must be specific. Additionally, she highlights the importance of trusting your voice when creating content.