polished? What skills have to be learned to keep moving forward? What strategies worked, and what strategies need to be changed?
5. The Warrior: Here, our commitment to the dream is put to the test. In the apprentice stage, we improved our skills and adjusted the plan of action. Now is the time to strengthen our tenacity and resilience. We have the skills we need to achieve our goals, but the opportunity we dreamt of has not arrived yet. The frustration and the feelings of injustice for not having achieved it remain close by. The temptation to abandon our dreams is great. It’s the time for the brave, the bold, and those who keep going when others throw in the towel. We have reached the last mile of the dream, but we still don’t know it — and we constantly wonder if it’s worth so much effort. At this stage, we will learn that sustaining a dream over time requires a true warrior.
6. The Champion: The preparation and all of the work of the previous stages finally meet the opportunity we so longed for. It is time for laurels, achievements, and recognition. However, beware of success, because “not all that glitters is gold.” After achieving the dream, champions can lose their way, succumb to new temptations, and become a magnet for bad company.
7. The Leader: One who has become a champion and, at the same time, inspires us. The champion achieves their goal. The leader not only achieves it but goes one step further by making it something bigger than themselves. The leader not only obtains triumphs, but they also lead by example. Not all champions are leaders, but all leaders are champions.
And it is called The Virtuous Circle because with your next idea you go back to the first archetype “The Dreamer” and the process starts all over again. The Virtuous Circle is all about embracing life as an opportunity for constant learning and evolution.
FLM: As a Latina female within the entertainment industry, you undoubtedly faced many roadblocks that could have threatened or stalled your career. Describe a pivotal time during your journey that was the most challenging and how you overcome those obstacles.
GN: One pivotal moment for me was when I decided to quit my job as TV talent and start producing and hosting independently. I did it out of feeling uncomfortable with how Latinas were portrayed in media. I didn’t want to be reduced to a stereotype. I wanted to create content that would feature Latinas with the dignity and respect I believe we deserve.
Years later that bet paid off with 3 national Emmys and the chance to work, create content and express myself in an authentic way through multiple platforms. I believe that every time we pioneer, we move the world forward. In fact, that was the topic of my recent TED talk. I am thrilled that I am doing so much public speaking (and even narrating my audiobook!) as an immigrant Latina with an accent. We need to ditch accent-ism. Every accent is beautiful, and part of embracing diversity is knowing that there is beauty in sounding different. I am convinced that our uniqueness is our gift to this world.
FLM: Describe the type of person that could most benefit from reading the Virtuous Circle.
GN: This book has tools that can be used for everyone. My experience is that people who connect the most with the message of The Virtuous Circle are usually dreamers, non-conformists, creatives and entrepreneurial types. It is a wonderful book for everyone who suspect that something wonderful is waiting for them but have not yet dared to take that first step toward their new destination.
FLM: You are a talk show host, speaker, and an author. Which one of the three was the most difficult to attain success and which one is your favorite to do?
GN: Having my first on-camera opportunity was the hardest. When I started working in the media, social media was not a factor, so you really needed someone else to give you an opportunity to see something special in you and give you the chance to be on camera.