I have been watching the current season of Celebrity Apprentice and I especially enjoyed the episode where the teams were asked to do a music makeover for an up and coming country music artist.  Each team was asked to create an image/brand for the artist and get them media ready. It was really fun to see what the teams chose for their artist.  Team Rock Solid consisted of Brett Michaels (Rocker), Curtis Stone (Celebrity Chef) and Bill Goldberg (Actor/Wrestler).  Team Tenacity consisted of Sharon Osborne (Music Manager/TV Star) Holly Robinson-Peete (Actress), Cyndi Lauper (Grammy Winning Singer) and Maria Kanellis (Former WWE Diva).

The task required the teams to create a new image for their performer.  This included new clothes for their photo shoot, hair and makeup, media training (for interviews with magazine/TV people), and a media kit (for marketing). Then each artist would perform sporting their new look.

I was enjoying every minute of the show, but was really quite surprised at the outcome — the all male team won this challenge!  They really paid attention to the details.  One of the things I loved most was when the guys were discussing their artist’s “look” as they tried various shirts on him. The goal was to make him a bit “edgier.” At one point they were trying to choose a shirt and Bill Goldberg (the hulking wrestler) asked the singer what color his eyes were!  I couldn’t believe my ears!  Do guys really get that wearing your body colors (hair, skin and eyes) is a great way to make you shine?  I wonder …

While Curtis and Bill went out to shop for more clothes, Brett Michaels sat with the artist and coached him on speaking to the media while writing his one-sheet to be included in his media kit.  Brett gave him some great tips for speaking to media people from magazines or TV. He told him to be positive and remember that these people are really glad to meet you — so make eye contact and show them that you’re glad to meet them as well.

When Bill and Curtis returned, it was time for the photo shoot.  They didn’t have much luck shopping so they picked up some of Curtis’ clothes at the hotel and did the best they could with what they had.  Brett took off the chain he wears around his neck and asked Luke (the artist) to put it on. At first he was very apprehensive and even said it was a bit out of his comfort zone. But the guys encouraged him to go with it for a couple of photos and he agreed to give it a try. The biggest thing I noticed was how hard it seemed for Luke to make the changes the team was asking of him. It reminded me of what I often tell my own clients – It’s important to feel comfortable with any change and to make sure you are reflecting your essence and how you wish to be perceived. But, it is also a really good idea to be open to at least trying something new and different to see if it might resonate with who you are today. Who knows — you might even like it!

While in Atlanta meeting with my talented coach Laura West, we took time to visit the exhibit Diana: A Celebration chronicling the life of the late princess.  It was a lovely exhibit honoring her life from birth to her untimely death, far too young.  It was especially moving for me — I really believed she was an extraordinary woman.

Diana was an icon for women around the globe. It was just beautiful to see her journey via images from a very young age through adulthood.  She started out very shy and quiet and grew into a confident, gorgeous woman who impacted other women and style around the world.  At the end of the exhibit there was a case with hundreds of books people had signed with their condolences when she died.  It was amazing to see that and know she touched the lives of so many people who never even met her.  She connected with people on a deep level through her warmth and compassion. The experience reminded me that we never know how we will touch someone else’s life.

I received an e-mail from a woman I met a while back in a mastermind group.  Several months ago we met in person at a retreat and during a conversation we had I mentioned a few things about color I thought might be helpful to her.  Here is an excerpt of the message she sent me:

“Meeting you was one of the best things I experienced through the AMMMP program. I have changed my wardrobe completely! I LOVE playing with color and paying attention to what looks good with my skin tone instead of just focusing on my hair and eyes. Anyway, just wanted you to know how much I appreciate all that you shared with the group. For the first time ever, I feel more confident in almost everything I wear.”

What a wonderful and validating message! I makes me feel so great knowing that I help other women feel more confident about themselves and how they look … and that they are having fun with the journey!