#211: From Rock Bottom to TEDx, a Book Deal & a Promotion: Nia Luckey's 2-Year Transformation Working With Me as Her Coach and Mentor

20,000+ Views, a Book Deal, and a New Job: Inside Nia Luckey's Breakthrough Year ↳ Connect with the host, Tara LaFon Gooch on all platforms   This episode is a big one for me. Nia Luckey is back for her third time on the show, and honestly, every time she comes on I get a little emotional, because I've watched this woman go from rock bottom — burnt out, finishing her second degree, not even sure what was next — to giving a TEDx talk that hit over 20,000 views, landing a book deal with a major publisher, getting promoted, and now she's stepping into a TV appearance too. We sat down and just talked through the whole two-year journey. Not the highlight reel version — the real one. The four to six months she and her husband spent vetting coaches before they found me. The moment she said yes to "the scariest option possible" even though there was no guarantee it would work. The anxiety before rehearsals. The start-stop-start of writing a book while also starting a brand new job. What got me the most in this conversation was when Nia said working together gave her "borrowed confidence" — that she could lean on someone who believed in the goal until she believed in it herself. That's exactly what this work is supposed to do. It's never about me having all the answers. It's about walking a path with someone until they can see it clearly enough to walk it on their own. She also said something I haven't stopped thinking about — that there's a "trust recession" happening in the coaching industry right now. Too many people taking on clients they were never equipped to actually help. So she shares the three questions she now tells everyone to ask before they hire a coach, and honestly, I think every person considering coaching needs to hear that part. This isn't just a success story. It's a real look at what it costs, what it takes, and what's possible when you find the right person in your corner. If you're sitting on a goal you haven't said out loud yet, this episode is for you.   In this episode, you'll learn: How a TEDx talk on trust in technology outperformed niche-topic averages by 10x The behind-the-scenes journey from TEDx talk to landing a publishing deal Why "you can't want something for someone more than they want it for themselves" A three-question framework for vetting any coach or mentor What it means to regain your sense of self while chasing a big career goal   If you're ready to become the next version of yourself; in your career, your confidence, or your calling you know where to find me.     🎧 Loved this episode? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts and share your biggest takeaway, it means the world!   What does GRASP stand for? Gratitude. Responsibility. Action. Sight. Purpose. These five pillars are the foundation of authentic, confident leadership and every episode is designed to help you embody them more fully in your life, business, and calling.   🎙️ Not subscribed yet? Join thousands of high-performing leaders who tune in weekly for powerful conversations with world-class guests; real stories, mindset shifts, and actionable insights you can use immediately. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ If today's episode moved you, a quick review helps us reach more leaders like you. Thank you!   🎧 Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon/Audible | iHeartRadio   Follow Tara: LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook   🚀 Ready to elevate your brand? Tara's agency, Best Branding Solutions, helps leaders and businesses build a brand presence that's as powerful as their vision. Let's grow together.   💛 Share the love — send this episode to someone who needs it, or post it on your favorite platform. We rise by lifting others.