We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Courtney Hall a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Courtney , thanks for joining us today. What were some of the most unexpected problems you’ve faced in your career and how did you resolve those issues?
Well, there has been a lot of unexpected issues and problems that have occurred during my time of shooting The Courtney Hall Show. The biggest issues were during Covid, while I was shooting The Courtney Hall Show live on Instagram. There were simple, technical issues that made the show hard to continue, but it taught me a lot. One particular interview, my guest lost connection several times. It was horrible, making it very difficult to do the interview. This was one of the first times I did an Instagram live interview and the first time I had so many problems, but it taught me to roll with the punches and it taught me the show must go on. I learned this several years ago while I was on various dance teams, but I was really seeing it as I was doing the interviews not with a big dance group but solo on my own. I knew I had to get through this? During the technical difficulties, I made light of it, I told the truth about it and I let my audience know what was going on, I took time to interact with my audience, which made the interview even more personable because I got to interact with the people that were watching. The interviewee got back on, and we were able to somehow finish the interview. It surprisingly turned out well.
Courtney , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I wanted to create a platform where I could showcase individuals who are doing great things for their communities and/or themselves. The Courtney Hall Show not only does that but is a networking opportunity for guests who film their interviews on the same day. Two of my guests met on set, one is an author and the other a filmmaker.
After hearing each other’s stories and connecting, they decided to move forward on producing a film on the author’s novel. The author went on to use my interview to get on other platforms like Great Day Houston. That’s the “win” for me. L.I.B.I. (Linking Individuals, Becoming Invincible)
Have you ever had to pivot?
I love sharing this story. Let me first start by saying pivoting, in anything whether it’s a career or hobby, does not make you a failure. It makes you smart. Some people will sit in something that is not moving them forward. (That’s jail)
By day, I am in HR as a Talent Acquisition Specialist. My journey into the world of HR began in 2020…Covid-19 *Cue dramatic sound effects*
I was grateful to be able to work from home but, like most people, my world stopped. A lot of my friends were being let go from their jobs. Marketing managers and Directors who gave so much to a company found themselves beginning a scary, yet new journey which made me reflect on my career path. I knew I wanted a career I felt passionate about, a career where I could make a difference. I can’t lie, I also thought “Am I next?”
I started doing research. I took a few days to look up videos on YouTube, articles online and spoke to individuals in the roles I researched. Human Resources and Project Management stood out. I kept coming back to both, specifically Talent Acquisition/Development. I made a “career goals” sheet, prayed over it then laminated it. (Laminated means it’s officially set in stone. lol) I decided to go back to school to get my Master’s. I knew I wanted to take a Talent Acquisition course and choose the program based on that. I looked at Baylor, HBU, UH Main even my alma mater, UHV who gave me a scholarship to return to school. My last stop was the University of Houston Downtown which had a course in…that’s right Talent Acquisition. I applied, got accepted and started the program. I just KNEW it would be a breeze getting into HR. I was mistaken. HaHa It was difficult. I had to set my pride to the side, humble myself and allow myself to ask for help. I went to a career advisor, the GREAT Maxine Todd, who helped me in so many ways. She introduced me to Blaine Hull, MBA. Blaine has been on of the best mentors. Whether it’s texting or a call, she’s always available. Other people like Carlos Gooden, Ph.D. , Dianca Chase, the late Kevin Barksdale and so many others who probably don’t realize the impact they had.
I’ve come across candidates with similar stories as mine. Without writing a novel, I want to be open and transparent about my HR journey. Changing career paths may be scary, but it’s doable. The one thing you must have is your own back. AT ALL TIMES. Believe in yourself when others might hesitate, remember a “no” is not “never” and stay true to your original goal.
Fun fact:
I’m a perfectionist. It’s a gift and a curse. I’ve allowed myself to let up a bit and see the beauty in imperfections which births top tier creativity.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
One thing I keep in the front of my mind is EXCELLENCE. Is producing a show, whether live or taped, easy? No, it’s work, but I enjoy it. I love knowing I am providing a safe space for others to open up and be themselves.
I have a vision of what my show is supposed to look like, feel like and sound like before I step foot in the studio. This allows me to answer questions or face challenges that might arise the day of.
The one thing I’ve learned is “just have a conversation”. Too many people are forcing a conversation or trying to be like their favorite media personalities. I must admit, I wanted to mimic the legendary talk host Oprah Winfrey. I had to stop, take a step back and realize my own power and influence. My best interviews are the ones where I’m simply having a conversation.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @courtneyhalltv
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thecourtneyhall
- Twitter: @courtneyhalltv
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@hallnetwork5270