We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Alisha Gaddis. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Alisha below.

Alisha , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

The most meaningful project I’ve ever worked on wasn’t flashy or well-funded—it was my very first solo show, Off-Off Broadway, fresh out of NYU. I was living on slices of dollar pizza, student loan fumes, and the belief that art could change lives—starting with mine. I had no money, but I had a vision. And I did what I’ve continued to do ever since: I rallied the most brilliant people I knew—people who were smarter, more experienced, wildly talented—and somehow got them to believe in my project, my passion, my voice.

That scrappy, radiant little production—held together by hope, heart, and probably a staple gun—was where it all began. I had to be the engine. The spark. The one who said, “Let’s make this together.” And we did. That was the true birth of the creative life I live now.

Since then, I’ve gone on to co-create television shows, write nearly a dozen published anthologies, build theatre projects across the world, and always—always—do it in collaboration with people I love and admire. That Off-Off Broadway show taught me that leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about having a dream so contagious that others want in. That’s been my magic ever since.

Alisha , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hi! I’m Alisha Gaddis—Emmy winner, multi–Grammy winner, actor, author, performer, producer, proud mom, and full-time Joy Mogul™. I live at the intersection of art, impact, and sequins. I’ve co-created Emmy Award-winning children’s television, Grammy–winning family albums, toured the world with my husband Lucky Diaz as part of The Lucky Band, and written nearly a dozen published books (yes, that includes poetry, comedy, AND business strategy for creatives—because why not?). I’ve been on Times Square billboards, hosted TV shows, and once had a third grader scream “YOU’RE FAMOUS!” at me in a grocery store. I have, indeed, peaked.

I got my start in the trenches of New York City theatre—pizza in one hand, a stapled script in the other—making weird, wonderful art with my friends and convincing the world (and sometimes myself) that I could win. What sets me apart is that I don’t just dream—I do. I bring big visions into reality, whether that’s a one-woman show, a TV pilot, a bestselling anthology, or a deeply moving creative coaching session. I’m a multi-hyphenate who knows how to finish.

These days, I work across multiple creative lanes:
– Performing in and writing award-winning TV, music, and live shows
– Coaching creatives to get unstuck and boldly own their brilliance
– Speaking at schools, conferences, and festivals to help others tap into their voice
– Building books, scripts, and brands that matter
– And creating content that makes people feel less alone and more alive

I help people—especially women and creative professionals—get out of their own way and into aligned, exciting action. If you’ve got a dream, I’ll help you name it, build it, and yes—bedazzle it.

What I’m most proud of? That I’ve created a life and career rooted in joy, truth, and relentless reinvention. And that I’ve done it while still making school lunches and doing so-much-laundry-it-won’t-stop-help!. (Glamour!)

What I want people to know about me and my brand: I’m proof that you can be all the things. That success doesn’t have to look like burnout. That silliness is sacred. And that winning isn’t about ego—it’s about showing up fully, creating bravely, and helping others shine too.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Yes. Always. My goal is to make people feel alive—to remind them that they matter, that they’re not alone, and that even in the hardest, darkest moments… there’s still beauty, absurdity, and glitter to be found.

I want my work—whether it’s a song, a show, a book, a joke, or a late-night voice note to a client—to make people feel seen, connected, and uplifted. That’s not fluff. That’s fuel. Especially now.

Because let’s be honest: the world is on fire. I KNOW. I feel it every day. I’m not numb to it—I’m fighting it with everything I’ve got. And I believe one of the fiercest forms of resistance is choosing to create light. To seek out joy. To keep showing up in love, in art, and in wild, full-hearted hope.

So yes—my goal is to make things that wake people up inside. That remind them who they are. That hand them the mic, the brush, the megaphone. I’m not here to preach from a pedestal—I’m in the arena with everyone else. Covered in dirt and dreams. But if I can remind someone to keep going, to laugh through the tears, to take up space with their art or their truth—then that’s the win.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Freedom.

That’s the word that rises up every time I try to explain it. Being a creative—truly living a creative life—means I get to be exactly who I am. All the way. No dimming, no reshaping, no squeezing into boxes that were never made for someone like me. I get to take all the messy, brilliant, chaotic, aching, hilarious parts of myself and turn them into something real. Something that might touch someone else. That’s magic.

Creating is where I am most myself. It’s where I feel powerful and tender and electric and honest. It’s not about applause. It’s about alignment. When I’m in my art—whether I’m onstage, writing a book, recording music, or coaching someone to unlock their voice—I’m free. I’m not performing. I’m revealing.

And I think that’s what we all want, isn’t it? To be seen for who we really are. To be loved there. Not just for the shiny moments, but for the truth under it all.

So yes, the most rewarding part of being a creative is that I get to keep choosing freedom. Over fear. Over perfection. Over silence. Every day, I get to say: This is me. And this is what I made. And somehow, that keeps making room for others to do the same.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.alishagaddis.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alishagaddishere

Image Credits

Headshots: Joanna DeGeneres
All others with permission