Meet Lora Bridges

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

Hi Lora, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

I first began my path to teaching back in 1987 as a new graduate, stepping into a university classroom in Shenyang, People’s Republic of China. I was completely unaware of just how deeply this journey would shape my life and perspective. The experience of teaching in a country so different from my own not only awakened my passion for education, but also forged my sense of purpose as a communicator and guide for young people. Although I have stepped away from the classroom from time to time over 38 years, the core of who I am has always remained tied to teaching; I have never fully let go of that calling, no matter where my life has taken me.

My career is a myriad of educational levels in four different states. I experienced the joys and struggles of teaching in rural schools, suburban districts, and bustling urban centers. My primary focus became At-Risk students, who have been both an inspiration and my challenge. At the end of my formal career in education, I found myself teaching in one of the toughest schools in the city: a place so demanding that substitute teachers would often refuse to show up. It was in these demanding environments, working with students who faced real adversity, that I developed both resilience and creativity as an educator. Each day required flexibility, compassion, and the willingness to think on my feet.

Parallel to my classroom life, I spent a significant stretch working in the film business. This new world drew me in, but it wasn’t long before my teaching instincts resurfaced. I became a set tutor, responsible for ensuring young actors met both their academic and production commitments. In this unique setting, I had to bridge two very different worlds: education and show business, while supporting children who themselves were juggling extraordinary pressures. Not to mention to the set moms and producers! My time teaching in the film business honed my ability to adapt, improvise, and advocate for learners in unconventional spaces.

Eventually, I found a way to combine multiple passions by opening my own business as a music teacher. In this venture, I merged my love for teaching with my deep-rooted appreciation for music, offering lessons that go beyond just notes and rhythms. Teaching music allows me to watch students grow not only in skill but in confidence, self-expression, and appreciation for different genres of music. This business doesn’t just provide me with a livelihood; it has become a means to create community, inspire creativity, and pass forward a joy that transcends the boundaries of a traditional classroom.

One of the greatest gifts of building this music business is the sense of vitality and ongoing purpose it provides me. I’ve created a space where I can pour my energy and love for teaching into each student, every day. I’ve been able to blend my expertise from decades in education with my passion for the arts, freeing myself from the notion that teaching must have a fixed retirement date. Instead, I see teaching as a lifelong journey: one in which I am still, every day, both a mentor and a learner.

The course I have chosen as an educator has been anything but linear, but each chapter has reinforced my belief in the importance of meeting students where they are and helping them reach for what’s possible. Whether in a bustling university in China, a high-need urban classroom in America, a hectic film set, or a sunlit music studio, my commitment to teaching remains the unifying thread. I am grateful for every detour and every challenge along the way, because each experience has added new color and depth to my life’s work as an educator. And as I continue forward, I will keep evolving, growing, and sharing what I love.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Over the past two years, I have been become a keynote speaker specializing in Digital Addiction and Mental Wellness. I care deeply about empowering people to reclaim focus, creativity, and clarity in an increasingly digital world. This passion is the heart of my upcoming book, which offers practical strategies to overcome technology dependency and rediscover what truly matters.

I help colleges, universities, K–12 leaders, non-profit organizations, and associations create healthier digital habits and workplace cultures by blending my firsthand journey through digital addiction with advanced expertise in education technology. My talks empower communities to reduce screen time and social media dependence, boost interpersonal communication, and adopt practical, lasting strategies for thriving in a hyper-connected world.

My work is always evolving, but it is rooted in a desire to help people thrive: whether it’s through education, music, or thought-provoking talks. My brand stands for creativity, connection, and resilience, and I welcome anyone who seeks a fresh perspective or wants to revitalize their relationship with technology and learning.

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?

I believe that kindness, presence, and organization are timeless habits that can shape one’s personal and professional life in powerful ways. Being kind takes little effort and reaps maximum rewards. A small act of kindness can lift someone’s spirit, open doors to unexpected opportunities, and strengthen relationships in ways that last far beyond the moment. As Maya Angelou once said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

In addition to kindness, learning to be present is equally essential. “Be where your feet are” is a reminder that our best contributions come when our minds are fully engaged in the moment. Many still cling to the myth of multitasking, but research consistently shows that fragmented attention reduces creativity, clarity, and connection. Being truly present allows us to focus, build authentic relationships, and experience life more deeply.

Organization is not about rigid control, but about creating a structure that allows your abilities to shine. I have seen some of the brightest students earn average grades simply because they couldn’t locate the assignments they had already completed. “Plan the work; work the plan” is more than a saying: it is a strategy that prevents chaos and procrastination, since distractions and emergencies will always pop up when least expected.

To young people facing the challenges of modern life: don’t be overwhelmed by the big picture! Incremental changes, whether through gentle gestures, focused attention, or small tasks, create steady progress over time. The little actions you take each day accumulate, building toward the life you envision surrounded by people who support you, one manageable step at a time.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

Overcoming the obstacle of becoming a public speaker while struggling with imposter syndrome has required ongoing courage and intentional effort. I have developed speaking skills and stage presence through my Toastmasters club, which has provided a structured, supportive environment to practice and refine my speaking abilities.

With each speech or presentation, I remind myself that preparation and practice foster confidence, not perfection. I celebrate small progress, such as positive feedback, mastering a new technique, or simply not running away from the microphone. Doing this with continuity strengthens my resilience and belief in my capabilities. Reaching out to mentors and sharing my experience with peers also reminds me that these feelings are common and do not define my worth as a speaker.

I am fortunate to have both a personal coach and counselor. Their personalized feedback helps me reframe negative self-talk and recognize areas where I am genuinely improving. Additionally, they offer a safe space to explore the root causes of my imposter feelings and teach healthy coping mechanisms when anxiety arises. Friends and confidantes can only help us so much, because they may not have the tools a professional does. Plus, it makes the relationships less complicated and so much more enjoyable.

Over time, these combined strategies are helping me shift from self-doubt to self-trust, moving me closer to my goals in public speaking. Step by wobbly step, my thoughts of “I hope to get a spot at the podium,” are replaced by, “I AM the podium!”

Contact Info:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lora-lynn-bridges-5a328364/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuR33JquRi8