Meet Tara Polley

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tara Polley. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Tara , so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

I used to believe confidence was something you earned – after enough achievements, enough praise, enough milestones. But I’ve learned it doesn’t actually work that way. My confidence doesn’t come from a single source or experience. It comes from a decision I make repeatedly: to show up before I feel ready.

That’s the heart of my keynote speech, The Confidence Conspiracy – this belief we’ve all absorbed that confidence should come first. It’s a silent illusion that keeps brilliant people playing small. My own confidence was built by realizing that certainty is a byproduct of action. Every time I stepped into something uncomfortable, whether it was national television, speaking publicly, or sharing parts of my story I once kept private—I collected evidence. Evidence that I could do hard things. Evidence that I could survive being seen. Evidence that my voice had value even when it wasn’t perfect.

So my confidence doesn’t come from being fearless or polished. It comes from proving to myself, over and over, that courage works better than waiting. My self-esteem comes from alignment, showing up as the same person on camera, on stage, and in my real life. That congruence builds a deeper kind of confidence, one that isn’t dependent on external validation.

And I want people to know: if they don’t feel confident yet, nothing is wrong with them. They’re not missing anything. They’ve just been taught the same lie I was, that confidence leads. When in truth, it follows. And once you understand that, the entire way you show up in your life begins to change.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I work at the intersection of media, storytelling, and real estate, and what excites me most is using those worlds together to elevate the people, places, and ideas that make communities thrive. I’m a Telly Award–winning television host and on-air personality with The American Dream TV, an Emmy-nominated lifestyle show syndicated on HGTV, the Travel Channel, and major streaming platforms. I specialize in creating story-driven segments that spotlight luxury lifestyle, local culture, and the people shaping Wine Country and beyond.

My background as a long-time Realtor and real estate broker gives me a unique advantage on screen and on stage, I understand markets, I understand people, and I understand how to translate complex information into something engaging, human, and meaningful. That lens has led me into keynote speaking, podcast guesting, and now executive producing original content.

This year marks an exciting expansion of my media work. I’m launching Inside The A List, a new 30-minute lifestyle series that blends luxury living, curated experiences, and conversations with innovators, creators, and cultural leaders. The first season is rooted in the Bay Area and Wine Country, with national distribution on streaming platforms. It’s an elevated, cinematic look at the way people design their lives with intention.

Alongside that, I’m on the North Bay Cancer Alliance Board of Directors, where we’re growing direct-impact support services – including new pediatric cancer initiatives – for families in the region. Community impact has always been central to my brand, and it informs everything from my real estate work to the stories I choose to tell on camera.

At its core, my work is about authenticity, connection, and visibility. Whether I’m hosting a show, speaking on stage, consulting with a real estate client, or sitting down for a podcast conversation, my mission is always the same: help people feel seen, help communities feel connected, and bring positive stories forward that genuinely make a difference.

If readers take one thing away, I hope it’s this: the best opportunities come from sharing the truth of who you are and the work that lights you up. That’s the through-line of my entire brand – and everything new I’m building this year.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

When I look back at my journey in real estate, media, and speaking, the three qualities that have had the greatest impact are adaptability, strategic storytelling, and integrity-driven decision making.

Adaptability was shaped by my childhood. Moving often taught me how to read a room, understand people quickly, and stay grounded in unfamiliar environments. That skill has become essential in my work as a television host and keynote speaker, especially in industries that evolve quickly. For anyone early in their journey, embrace the pivots. Don’t resist change. Learn to move with it.

Strategic storytelling is another foundation of my career. Whether you are hosting a segment, speaking on stage, or building a brand, your story is the differentiator. I didn’t begin in television. I built my path there by learning how to tell stories that feel real, resonant, and memorable. My advice is to practice sharing your story out loud, notice where people lean in, and pay attention to what parts feel the most alive for you. Storytelling gets stronger with use.

Integrity has been the guiding principle in every chapter of my work. It influences the projects I choose, the partnerships I pursue, and the way I show up for clients and audiences. Integrity builds trust, and trust builds longevity. If you are just starting out, focus less on being impressive and more on being consistent. Your reputation becomes one of your most valuable assets.

Adaptability, storytelling, and integrity shaped everything I’ve built. The best part is that none of these require a perfect plan. They only require intention and the courage to keep showing up.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Collaboration is at the center of everything I do. Whether I am hosting Inside the A List, speaking on stage, or creating content that highlights the best of Wine Country and beyond, my goal is never competition. It is collective elevation. I genuinely believe that a rising tide lifts all boats, and the most meaningful projects come from working alongside people who share that mindset.

My ideal collaborators are creators, entrepreneurs, thought leaders, brands, and community organizations that value authenticity and impact. I am especially drawn to partners who understand the power of storytelling and want to use media in a way that elevates the people and places around them. This includes lifestyle brands, luxury experiences, philanthropic organizations, and innovators who are building something that matters.

I also love collaborating with fellow speakers, podcast hosts, and media platforms that want conversations rooted in honesty, leadership, and lived experience. The work feels richer when ideas are exchanged rather than guarded, and when success is shared rather than siloed.

If someone reading this feels aligned with that mission and wants to explore a collaboration, they are welcome to reach out. I can be contacted through my website, on social media at @polleysproperties, or directly by email at [email protected]
. I always look forward to connecting with people who are creating with intention and want to build something meaningful together.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Will Bucquoy Photography Barry Bierman, Lockstone Media

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Leadership Development
Where does your self-discipline come from?

One of the most essential skills for unlocking our potential is self-discipline. We asked some

Productivity
Working hard in 2024: Keeping Work Ethic Alive

While the media might often make it seem like hard work is dead and that

Resilience
The Power of Persistence: Overcoming Haters and Doubters

Having hates is an inevitable part of any bold journey – everyone who has made