Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Tara LaFon Gooch of Thomasville, NC

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Tara LaFon Gooch. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Tara, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
I think one of the biggest unspoken struggles people carry—especially high-achievers—is the feeling of not being enough even while they’re outwardly succeeding. Many leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals quietly battle self-doubt, burnout, and comparison, but don’t voice it because vulnerability feels risky in their roles. They fear it will be seen as weakness, so they keep pushing through, wearing a confident face while feeling exhausted or isolated inside.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Tara LaFon Gooch, CEO of Best Branding Solutions, international TEDx speaker, bestselling author, and host of the GRASP Confidence Podcast. My work sits at the intersection of confidence-driven leadership, personal branding, and faith. I help authors, speakers, and entrepreneurs secure TEDx talks, land media features, and grow their platforms so their message reaches the world. What makes my brand unique is how I blend proven strategy with storytelling, gratitude, and faith—helping leaders not only build influence but also lead with authenticity and purpose. Right now, I’m working on my next book From Calling to Confidence and preparing for my Christian Women’s Retreat in Cabo, which is designed to help women deepen their faith, expand their businesses, and align with their divine calling.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
For most of my childhood, I truly believed confidence was for other people. I was often overlooked, and even my teachers didn’t think much of me. I internalized that and assumed I was stupid, wondering why I couldn’t just be ‘normal’ like everyone else. Today, I know none of that was true. Those early experiences shaped my mission—to show others that confidence isn’t reserved for a chosen few; it’s something we can build, embody, and lead with no matter where we start.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Success can make you comfortable, but suffering makes you grow. In my lowest seasons—when I felt overlooked, doubted, and even failed publicly—I learned lessons success could never teach: resilience, empathy, humility, and the ability to build confidence from the inside out. Those experiences stripped away the illusion that achievement equals worth and taught me to anchor my identity in something deeper than outcomes. Today, every success I have is built on the wisdom forged in those hard places.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
In personal development, I separate fads from true growth by looking at depth, sustainability, and evidence. Fads promise quick fixes or instant transformation. Foundational shifts may feel slower, but they build skills, habits, and mindset changes that hold up under pressure and time. I ask myself: Does this practice still feel valuable after the excitement fades? Does it align with my core values and long-term goals? And can I measure real change in my life from it? If the answer is yes, it’s not a fad, it’s a shift worth embracing.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I knew I only had 10 years left, I’d stop doing anything that feels like obligation without purpose. I’d stop over-committing, second-guessing my worth, and saying yes to opportunities that don’t align with my calling. I’d free up that time and energy to pour into my family, my faith, and the work that truly changes lives.

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Image Credits
Josh M. Gooch

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