The speaker describes herself as a “professional troublemaker” whose purpose is to critique flawed systems and inspire change by being the first “domino” that falls, prompting others to follow. She shares how fear once held her back—abandoning a pre‑med dream, hesitating to call herself a writer, and avoiding risky pursuits—but eventually chose to act despite fear, exemplified by solo travel, skydiving, and publishing a book. Through personal stories—such as confronting pay inequity at a conference and speaking out about a powerful figure’s memoir—she shows how speaking truth, even when uncomfortable, can spark broader conversations and movements (e.g., #MeToo). She urges others to embrace discomfort, uphold integrity and justice, and use their voices to support those less powerful, emphasizing that collective courage can disrupt the status quo and create a better world.
1. I am a professional troublemaker.
2. I received the first and last D of my academic career in Chemistry 101.
3. I started blogging in 2003.
4. I lost my marketing job in 2010.
5. It took me two more years after losing my job to say I am a writer.
6. Nine years after I began writing, I said I am a writer.
7. I turned 30 in 2015.
8. I decided to take my first‑ever solo vacation to the Dominican Republic.
9. I went ziplining through the forests of Punta Cana.
10. I went to Mexico and swam with dolphins underwater.
11. I wrote the book *I'm Judging You: The Do‑Better Manual*.
12. I went skydiving.
13. At a conference, white men and women speakers received paid travel, while black women speakers were expected to pay to speak.
14. I spoke up publicly about this pay inequality despite fearing financial loss.
15. Other women came forward to say they also faced pay inequality.
16. This sparked a conversation about discriminatory pay practices at the conference.
17. I read a disturbing memoir by a public figure and wrote a piece about it.
18. The piece went viral and many people said they were glad somebody finally said this.
19. Many people have shared experiences of assault by powerful men, contributing to the Me Too movement.
20. Tarana Burke is credited with igniting the Me Too movement.
21. I have been a shady person since I was three years old.
22. This is me on my third birthday.
23. Before speaking hard truths, I ask myself: Did you mean it? Can you defend it? Did you say it with love?
24. If the answer is yes to all three, I say it and let the chips fall.