Hey guys! I’m starting a recurring column called “Outtakes,” where I highlight a snippet from an interview I’ve given that’s really resonated with me. All too often, there are awesome anecdotes an expert or celeb says that just don’t fit the story I’m working on. Rather than be the only one who hears those words, I figured I’d share them.

Just after HGTV’s renovation competition series, Rock the Block, debuted, one of its stars went viral for a single phrase from the show’s digital series: “I’m not bossy. I’m the boss.” It was a simple comment Leanne Ford made, explaining how women with an opinion are often called “bossy” before they’re called “assertive.” Within hours, it seemed to be quoted in people’s Instagram Stories everywhere.

So, when I had the chance to interview Leanne for this month’s House Beautiful cover story (on newsstands now!), I had to ask her about the phrase ‘grammed everywhere.

“I really believe in it,” Leanne told me over the phone. “It’s so interesting how people get surprised when you have an opinion. As a creative director—which is really what my role is—it’s my job to have a strong opinion, and that’s how we get the job done.”

All too often, I’ve shied away from expressing my opinion as vocally as others, or publicly disagreeing, just because I didn’t want to be difficult, bossy, and—probably to some degree—wrong. Rather than valuing and trusting my own voice, I quieted myself. That’s why Leanne’s words resonate so much for me, especially as she elaborated on her “boss” stance:

“Let them think what they think, and it’s not my problem. Someone’s got to steer this ship, so it might as well be me.”

How to Take Risks, No Matter How Terrifying:

And, to that end of not speaking up out of fear of failure, well, Leanne has insights there too: “All of this is all a risk,” she said. “Any time you put yourself out there in any form you need to be ready for it to backfire or for people to chime in. Living a full and creative life is always risky.”

She’s right. No matter what you do, someone’s going to have an opinion. Why not listen to your own? And if you fail, fail spectacularly. Learn from it. Grow.

Photos by Reid Rolls for House Beautiful

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