We had the good fortune of connecting with Maddie McGuire and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Maddie, what do you think makes you most happy? Why?
I really try to be open to discovering joy and happiness in many moments throughout my day. Some things that without fail make me happy – 1.) I love to cook. I love putting music or a TV show on and spending hours in the kitchen trying to perfect a new recipe and then getting to share it with my loved ones. 2.) When I put on jazz, or French cafe music, and write. Nothing is better than arriving to write and potentially finding a state of flow. 3.) My boyfriend and I have a standing weekly date on Friday nights. Whatever we end up doing, it’s something I look forward to throughout my. week. It brings me so much happiness to put our phones away and just share conversation together. He’s an insanely cool person, so I always look forward to spending that time with him. 4.) Vulnerable conversations with my parents. I admire them both more and more as I continue getting the opportunity to learn more about who they are. 5.) I’m almost through getting my life coaching certificate through JRNI. I feel beyond blessed to have gotten put into the cohort I was. They are all such lovely, inspiring humans and it’s been wonderful to be immersed in a new community. 6.) Pre-covid – backyard happy hour hangs with my friends. The second a cheese plate is placed in front of me, my glass is filled with boxed wine and my best friends arrive, I’m in my happy place. 7.) When the Chicago Bears win football games, I’m quite happy. I love football, and I think sports bring people together in a really unique way.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I believe in the power of the pivot, and I have pivoted quite a lot in my life and career. I have learned to pivot my dreams or goals, without abandoning my vision. I have lived, and continue to live, many lives and wear many hats. I’m a lover of learning. I’m not afraid of rejection. I’m not afraid to ask questions. I also actively try to confront my perfectionism, people-pleasing tendencies and imposter syndrome. Knowing that they don’t serve me, they keep me rooted in a place I’ve outgrown and ready to move on from. I’ve worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade as a voice over artist, writer and actor. I just recently made the leap into life coaching, which I’m stoked about. I’ve recently challenged myself to see how I could show up in my career in a more transformational way, and not just show up for transactional reasons (money, validation, etc;). Life coaching and writing give me the opportunity to help wonderful individuals transform in positive ways, and I also get to transform personally alongside of them. I use what I already have and where I’m at to move forward. I take small actions forward, always. Even if I don’t know exactly what I’m doing. I eventually gain more information through action. It’s always uncomfortable and never easy. I try to embrace it, even though sometimes it leads to tear-filled walks around the neighborhood with my boyfriend. I feel I overcome challenges by taking risks, knowing that no matter what the outcome is, I’ll learn more. I have continually tried to deepen my self-awareness so I can evaluate where I am, where I want to go, what could potentially get in my way and what small action I can take to move forward. I believe we are all the greatest assets in our lives, and our time here is limited. I strive to use my time wisely and show up for myself, so I can show up for others. I’m determined to have my work reflect this and will pivot when necessary, while always holding on to my vision.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’ve been fortunate enough to live all over Los Angeles, most recently in Marina Del Rey. So biking down by the beach is a must. It’s one of my favorite things to do, and some great people watching. There’s a cute little burger place that popped up in Venice called The Window. It’s out of this world and insanely affordable. Also, Venice is just really cool. I feel like a day biking around and getting lost there would have to happen. There’s so much interesting art, people, shops and restaurants. I would just stumble around and explore. Clutch is a great calimex place in Venice too! Their food is bomb and if you’re with friends get a pitcher of margs. On a super random side note, if you happen to be there on a Sunday, hit up a service at Venice church. Honestly, whatever you believe, the people there are next level inspiring and Pastor Mark will keep you laughing while also giving you amazing food for thought. Part of their tagline is “no weird stuff,” and they make good on that promise. If you were to bike towards Playa Vista, Bacari PDR is always a good time. Go for happy hour. Great shareable plates and drinks! I’d have to swing by my old stomping grounds on the Eastside. Griffith is magical. Anytime of day you go, there’s something about being up by the observatory and looking around at the entire city that just hits my heart. Silver Lake Reservoir would need to happen. I would grab some wine and a cheese plate and head over there for golden hour. It’s ultra relaxing. While on the Eastside check out Fiagro Bistrot, insanely good authentic French restaurant, and if we’re staying on theme… their happy hour is killer. Hit up El Condor for Mexican food and and Red Lion Tavern for some German food, beer and a cool mix of people. The Broad is my favorite art museum, and The Getty is just a wonder. Malibu would also need to happen. Honestly, there are a million more places to explore. LA is a city filled with anything your heart could desire, food or entertainment wise…. I could write a book at this point. 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?
It’s hard for me to pinpoint where to begin, because there are so many people who have aided me on my journey. The easy and undeniable answer is my parents. They have consistently offered unconditional love and support to me. They’ve always showed up and done whatever they could to give me opportunities to flourish and grow, and that continues even today. Also, everyone should look up the word ‘Ubuntu.’ It’s a word I’ve had the pleasure of learning about and now I’m living it. Ubuntu means – I am because you are. I am a person because you are a person. I am a person through other people. I can’t be all I can be if you’re not all that you are. I can never be threatened by you, because the better you are, the better I am. Discovering the meaning of this word has changed how I’m trying to show up for myself and those around me, and I’ve already seen such a positive impact that it’s had on my life.
Website: www.yougotyou.co
Instagram: @maddiemcguire4
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maddie-mcguire-48a8b981/
Image Credits
Katie McGhie Derek Schiller