Famous actress and entrepreneur Tracee Ellis Ross has shared three powerful strategies that can help anyone take charge of their destiny and become what she calls 'the CEO of your own life'. The 53-year-old star, best known for her roles in popular TV series like Girlfriends and Black-ish, brings credibility to this advice as the successful co-CEO of Pattern Beauty, the haircare company she established in 2019.
From Actress to Business Leader
Tracee Ellis Ross recently appeared as a guest on Emma Grede's Aspire podcast in an episode significantly titled 'Become the CEO of Your Own Life: Tracee Ellis Ross on Scaling with Soul'. During their conversation, Tracee opened up about her entrepreneurial journey with Grede, who co-founded and leads Good American. She detailed how she launched her business and the specific tools she used to discover her true purpose in life, according to CNBC reports.
Three Transformative Life Tools
Tracee emphasized that instead of focusing solely on 'how to get what you want,' people should prioritize learning 'how to be who you are'. She then revealed three practical tools that profoundly impacted her personal and professional growth.
1. Assess the Scope of Your Dreams
Tracee explained that she learned about balancing ambition with reality from watching her legendary mother, Diana Ross, manage both career and family. She recalled how Diana never missed breakfast with her children, typically recording music at night after they went to sleep. This childhood observation taught her that while people should dream big, they must also recognize that they're the ones who will do the work to achieve those dreams. She advises dreaming at a pace and in a manner that allows you to maintain the energy and commitment required for the journey.
2. Find Your Purpose Through Self-Reflection
The second tool involves dedicated self-reflection to understand what genuinely brings joy into your life. Tracee suggests regularly asking yourself questions about your day, how you honor yourself, what went well, and what didn't. The crucial next step is writing these reflections on paper and circling the words that stand out as most important. This simple yet powerful exercise helps clarify your values and direction.
3. Learn to Accept 'No' and Grow From It
Tracee shared that it took nearly a decade for her brand's products to move from initial concept to store shelves, emphasizing that people must prepare to hear 'no' repeatedly. 'I learned a process around no's that has been instrumental in my entire life, but particularly as a business builder,' she stated. After receiving a rejection, she recommends asking yourself thoughtful questions about your plan. This reflective process helps you gain clarity and refine your approach with each setback.
Proven Success Beyond Hollywood
Tracee Ellis Ross brings unique credibility to this advice, having successfully transitioned from acclaimed actress to business leader with Pattern Beauty. Her tools represent practical wisdom gained through real-world experience in both creative industries and business entrepreneurship. These strategies offer valuable guidance for anyone looking to take greater control of their personal and professional development.
