We recently connected with Julie Altemus and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Julie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

In 2021, I found myself in the world of real estate journalism, interviewing top-producing agents for a feature in our local DFW real estate magazine. Time and time again, after wrapping up an interview, I’d get the same curious question:

“So, how did you end up here?”

When I’d explain that I was a former TV anchor and reporter for two Emmy-winning programs, the response was nearly identical every time:

“Oh wow! I’m terrified of the camera. I know I should be doing more video as a realtor, but I just can’t seem to get comfortable on screen.”

I heard this so often that it started sounding like a broken record. And then, one of my favorite movie quotes from Robots popped into my head: “See a need, fill a need.”

So, that’s exactly what I did.

Two years ago, I launched Rise to Shine, a business dedicated to transforming video-shy entrepreneurs into confident, compelling communicators. My goal? To help them not only get comfortable on camera but to own their presence and leverage video to grow their brand and impact.

Since 2020, the surge in video content has been undeniable. Entrepreneurs, business owners, and content creators are leveraging video more than ever, and the numbers don’t lie—online trends point to an even bigger explosion of video-dominated internet traffic in the coming years. Simply put, if you’re in business, video visibility is a non-negotiable.

That’s why I knew when I created Rise to Shine, I was onto something. While there are plenty of creators out there sharing tips on how to be more confident on camera, most of them skip over the most important factor: mindset.

You can practice all the camera tricks in the world, but if you don’t address the root cause of your fear—those sneaky little lies we tell ourselves—then true confidence will always feel out of reach. That’s where I step in.

I work with my clients not just on their on-camera presence but also on the mindset behind it. We tackle those pesky inner “gremlins” that whisper things like “You’re not good enough” or “No one wants to hear from you.” And when we address those fears head-on? That’s when real transformation happens. I’ve seen clients go from camera-shy to camera-confident in just weeks, not months, simply by shifting their mindset and taking intentional action.

Helping people break through their fears isn’t just a career for me—it’s personal.

There was a time in my life when I struggled deeply with confidence. As a teenager, my self-doubt was so intense that it brought real sadness. But over time, I found my voice again. And now? That same confidence I worked so hard to regain is what I help others step into every single day.

Self-doubt and imposter syndrome are normal—especially when you’re stepping into something new. And even when you do gain confidence, challenges will come that try to shake it. But my message to my clients is simple: keep showing up. Take the small steps. Put yourself out there. Watch how quickly camera shyness transforms into camera confidence.

Seeing that transformation in my clients is my big “why.” That’s what fuels my passion. Because at the end of the day, my mission is simple: helping others become the best, boldest version of themselves—both on and off camera.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Back in college, I had a big dream—I wanted my own talk show. I majored in Communications, determined to make it happen, and landed my first job as a TV broadcaster. It was a thrilling ride, and along the way, I had the honor of working on two Emmy-winning programs.

But then, the industry shifted. The internet disrupted traditional media, and the network canceled the shows. It was a tough pivot, but looking back, it was one of the best things that could have happened. It pushed me to explore new opportunities—ones I may never have considered otherwise.

I went on to join the John C. Maxwell organization, becoming a certified speaker, trainer, and coach. My initial focus was helping entrepreneurs “become better connectors”—because strong relationships translate into stronger sales. But something kept coming up in my conversations with clients. They weren’t just struggling with networking and more sales—they were “struggling with visibility.”

They knew they needed to show up on video—on social media, in their marketing, as podcast guests—but the idea of being on camera terrified them. That’s when I knew my calling had evolved.

Today, I help podcasters, course creators, membership owners, online coaches, and entrepreneurs step into their authority and own the camera like a pro. Whether they’re looking to grow their personal brand, attract more clients, or become sought-after media guests, I teach them how to show up with confidence, clarity, and charisma.

What drives me every day? Watching transformations happen.

There’s nothing better than seeing a client go from nervous and camera-shy to confident and magnetic on screen. The shift isn’t just about video—it’s about stepping into their full potential without fear holding them back.

Most of my clients come to me knowing they need to improve their video presence but have no idea how to get there. But once we start working together, it doesn’t take long before they’re showing up boldly, powerfully, and authentically—and that newfound confidence translates directly into stronger marketing, greater visibility, and a more magnetic brand.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the biggest lessons I’ve had to unlearn? Sounding like a broadcaster.

With the rise of AI and the ever-changing landscape of video marketing, audiences today are craving authenticity more than ever. Google even reported that in 2025, people won’t care about professional-looking studios, perfectly crafted messages, or polished appearances. What they want is the real you.

I’ve often been told that I come across as very polished—and while that’s not a bad thing in certain settings, video marketing doesn’t have the same standards it used to. Audiences don’t want perfect. They want relatable. They want to see you—the wins, the struggles, the unfiltered moments.

I’ve noticed a shift in marketing trends where people are filming content from their bathrooms, promoting products from their car, or running Instagram ads from their kitchen table. And guess what? Those videos are performing. Why? Because they feel real.

For nearly 15 years, I read news scripts on camera, trained to deliver every word with precision. That skill made me great at what I did, but in today’s world of social media and email marketing, perfection isn’t the goal—connection is.

So, that’s what I’m unlearning. Letting go of the need to be polished and instead, embracing presence over perfection. People don’t connect with perfect. They connect with people.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Life is a constant pivot. Gone are the days when people stayed in the same career for 50 years. Change is inevitable, and learning to embrace it has been one of my greatest strengths.

When I transitioned out of broadcasting and stepped into the world of speaking, training, and coaching, I found myself primarily working with real estate professionals. The funny thing? I didn’t know much about real estate at all. But what I did know—what I had always known—was that success in any sales industry comes down to one thing: connection.

Connection has always been my superpower. It’s what allowed me to become a top-rated saleswoman for the past decade, consistently shattering sales expectations. I wasn’t the best closer, but I was the best at building relationships. And relationships? They drive everything.

That same truth carries over into my business today. Whether it’s working with a new client, stepping into a new challenge, or shifting into an entirely new industry, one thing remains the same: it’s always about connection. People don’t just buy products or services—they buy trust, relationships, and the feeling of being understood. And that’s something that will never change, no matter how many times life calls for a pivot.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.julesaltemus.com
• Instagram: @juliealtemustv
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jules.Altemus/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliealtemus/
• Youtube: @JulesAltemusTV

Image Credits

Alec Mack attributed to the photo of me sitting in the white chair in the TV studio, and Madeline Potter took some of the professional branding shots.