Meet Autumn Griffin

We had the good fortune of connecting with Autumn Griffin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Autumn, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Growing up with an entrepreneur as a father, I learned early on the power of multiple income streams, especially those that work for you even while you sleep. But for me, starting a business wasn’t just about making money, it had to align with purpose. I used to chase corporate success, thinking it would bring fulfillment, but I quickly realized that true satisfaction for me comes from inspiring others and creating spaces where people feel seen and empowered. That’s why I launched The Light Shine Podcast, a platform for raw testimonies, transformative conversations, and authentic community. Beyond the mission, it’s also the foundation of my strategy to build generational wealth through brand partnerships, premium content, live events, and more. For me, impact and income aren’t mutually exclusive, they’re the blueprint for a legacy.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What differentiates me is my strategic, future-oriented mindset. I don’t just execute tasks, I architect my career with intentionality. Early on, while working in TV Research at CNN in Atlanta, analyzing data in Excel spreadsheets, I recognized this was merely a stepping stone. I leveraged that position to conduct informational interviews across departments, proactively building relationships that ultimately led to my transition into PR roles at HBO and BET and my relocation to Los Angeles. This journey taught me that success isn’t linear; it requires both grinding in the present while strategically planning for the future. I maintain a dual focus: excelling in my current responsibilities while consistently investing in my long-term vision, whether that’s building generational wealth, expanding my professional influence, or developing ventures that create lasting impact. The glamorous moments, red carpets and industry events, are wonderful, but what truly drives me is the bigger picture: creating a legacy as a multifaceted leader and entrepreneur. Every decision I make, from skill development to networking, is part of a deliberate plan to turn that vision into reality.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When my best friend visits LA, I curate the perfect mix of coastal serenity and city energy. We’d start with a sunrise hike at Malibu’s Point Dume, those cliffside ocean views never get old, or spend a lazy afternoon in Laguna Beach, where the coves feel like hidden gems. Of course, no LA experience is complete without indulging in the food scene. We’d do dinner at Ka’Teen for that lush, jungle-chic ambiance and their incredible Yucatan flavors or hit Lavo for their legendary truffle pasta and a taste of the see-and-be-seen energy. But we’d balance the trendy spots with essential LA classics like a late-night run to Roscoe’s for chicken and waffles. Capping one of our nights at the rooftop of the The West Hollywood EDITION for mocktails under the stars is a must because in LA, every day should end with palm trees and skyline views.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to dedicate my shout-out to three people: my mom, my dad, and my bonus mom. Each has contributed uniquely to my growth and success. My mother, who always shows up for me, instilled in me unwavering resilience showing the strength of perseverance. My father demonstrated the power of discipline and vision, teaching me to approach life with focus and determination. My bonus mom has been an example of love and grace, teaching me to be rooted and grounded in my faith. Together, they didn’t just cheer from the sidelines; they equipped me with the values, tools, and courage to build a life of purpose. The integrity I bring to my work, the passion behind my pursuits, and the compassion I strive to lead with are all reflections of their collective investment in me.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actuallyautumn_/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/autumn-griffin-aa91a9b9/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ActuallyAutumn