Meet Autumn Griffin

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Autumn Griffin a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Autumn, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

For me, overcoming imposter syndrome came down to faith and learning to see myself differently. For years, I questioned whether I truly belonged in certain rooms, especially as I was working my way up as a publicist behind the scenes in Hollywood. That uncertainty traced back to childhood. I was the quiet kid who avoided speaking up in class out of fear of sounding dumb. And that same fear followed me into adulthood, into meetings where I’d hesitate to share ideas, unsure if I really knew enough to contribute.

Everything shifted earlier this year. Around that time, I felt called to launch my podcast and start showing up as a communicator on camera, something that was extra scary to me. At the same time, I was stepping into a new season at work—leading PR for two major projects at once: a TV series and a weekend-long live event featuring celebrity panels and concerts. It was a lot, but it pushed me out of hiding. I simply didn’t have the time to overthink anymore. I had to quickly strategize, make decisions, and communicate clearly to both internal and external clients. It was sink or swim—and sinking wasn’t an option.

So I leaned on God for help. Every morning, I prayed for wisdom, peace, and confidence as I navigated new spaces that required me to lead boldly. The more I prayed, the more clarity I gained. God would quietly drop ideas into my spirit—what to say in meetings, how to organize my team, which questions to ask, and what steps to take next. At the same time, I stayed curious, learning, observing, and deepening my understanding of the entertainment industry and the power of storytelling through content. As I grew in my corporate role and learned what it takes to build and sustain a brand on a large scale, I began to see how those same principles could also shape how I show up in my own purpose. That’s when it clicked: I was never out of place—I was called to be there, both to serve well in the work in front of me and to be prepared for what’s ahead. And when you’re called to be somewhere, it’s impossible to be an imposter.

How you see yourself shapes everything. Proverbs 23:7 says, “As a man thinketh, so is he.” And once I started seeing myself as someone who belonged, I began to move like it.

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’m a San Antonio native and a proud University of Texas at Austin alum with a degree in corporate communication. Professionally, I serve as the Senior Manager of Publicity and Communications for a brand that’s the leading home for Black premium content. In that role, I’m behind the scenes strategizing PR campaigns, pitching clients for national interviews, and planning red-carpet events. I love the strategy, creativity, and collaboration that go into telling powerful stories that reach audiences in meaningful ways. While many might assume the most exciting part of my job is the celebrity access—the red carpets, exclusive events, and behind-the-scenes moments—for me, the real thrill is in the storytelling and execution. It’s in the brainstorming sessions, the preparation, and the moments where an idea turns into something tangible that truly connects with people.

At the same time, I’m the executive producer and host of The Light Shine Podcast, a show that spotlights individuals who are making an impact and “letting their light shine” in their respective fields, communities, and personal lives. Over the years, I’ve met so many people doing incredible work, and I wanted to create a platform to share their journeys, not just to celebrate them, but to inspire others who may feel their dreams are out of reach.

What excites me most about wearing both hats, a publicist and a podcast host, is how seamlessly the two worlds connect. My experience crafting narratives for others has strengthened my voice as a communicator and storyteller in my own right. I get to apply what I’ve learned about branding, media, and strategy to build something authentic and purpose-driven for myself. I’m also finding joy in the process, learning more about business, creative development, and what it really takes to scale while staying true to the mission.

What makes my journey especially meaningful is that I get to experience both perspectives: the architect and the artist, the planner and the performer. Later this year, I’ll be expanding my brand with the launch of a digital lifestyle series that gives viewers an inside look at my day-to-day life and creative process. It feels like a natural extension of everything I do by connecting purpose, creativity, and storytelling in one space.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, I’d say three qualities have been most impactful in my journey: professionalism, organization, and big-picture thinking.

Professionalism to me means showing up with both excellence and kindness. It’s about doing great work while also being someone people enjoy working with. When others know they can count on you not just to deliver, but to do so with grace and reliability, it builds lasting relationships and trust.

Organization has also been a cornerstone of my success. Whether it’s note-taking, keeping an agenda, or maintaining a running to-do list, staying organized helps me stay on track and keep a clear record of what’s happening ​​, which is so essential in a fast-paced industry.

Lastly, big-picture thinking has been key. The more you can anticipate what’s ahead, the more effectively you can plan for the next steps. If you work with a team, this also helps you delegate with clarity and purpose. Always take a moment to zoom out before zooming in. Understanding how today’s choices align with tomorrow’s goals makes all the difference.

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

The biggest challenge I’m currently facing is figuring out how and when to start building my team. I know I can’t build this empire on my own, but transitioning from working solo to leading others requires both strategy and wisdom. I’m at the point where I simply don’t have the time to do everything myself, so I’m assessing what kind of support will make my business run most efficiently.

Do I need an editor to take some of the production load off my podcast? A strategist to help plan and align my overall content? Or an assistant who can help manage the moving parts day to day? These are the kinds of questions I’m asking as I map out the next phase of growth.

Another layer of the challenge is pacing. Since I’m also balancing a full-time job, I’m learning that growth doesn’t have to mean rushing. It’s about building wisely and sustainably. I think many of us with big visions can get eager to execute right away, but I’m learning that sometimes the most productive thing you can do is pause, plan, and prepare to scale, rather than go all in and risk burnout.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/thelightshinepodcast?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaexF6MG6XUtpEZpeX4e7Q3473TJWjYZqXwPkIoihBq9AXfjUq0IEGVq1gg2bw_aem_knVDIzXpfggPaPSYkk8SXw
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actuallyautumn_
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/autumn-griffin-aa91a9b9/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ActuallyAutumn
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@actuallyautumn_

Image Credits

Phillip Cornejo