You Can’t Make this Shit Up (Part II)
The continuation of Part I of my based on a true story script attempt shining a light on the curious circumstances led me, for the first time, to the City of Angels.
I kept in touch with Jeff who became a mentor and a friend since Waterloo. One day I got a very excited call from him saying he had big news: he just found out he was nominated for a Grammy! I was dumstruck. I didn’t even know he’d produced a Jazz album — what doesn’t this man do?
As I congratulated him he reminded me that we were overdue for hanging out again so… why don’t I just join him in LA after the Grammys? Sure, why not? It may seem crazy, but all I knew was that this was one of those opportunities I just couldn’t pass up. Little did I know just how much saying yes to this trip would impact the course of my future.
Jeff won the Grammy. That night we celebrated in LA — over take-out pizza. The next morning we left on a little road trip to San Francisco where he was scheduled to give a talk the next day at Startup Grind Global.
Before leaving we stopped to see Santa Monica Pier and at Marina del Rey to grab breakfast. The city was incredible and despite being February it was 30C and sunny. In less than 24 hours I’d fallen in love with LA. But it was time to hit the 101 up to Silicon Valley.
The entire drive we chatted candidly about things only another entrepreneur can truly comprehend. I was in awe of how much we related to one another — something extremely rare for me up until then. He empathized with how I struggled with most people, including my then husband, who couldn’t understand my obsession with creating something that makes an impact.
One comment he made really stuck with me. He explained that there are two types of people: those who see problems and those who see opportunities — complainers vs problem solvers. I recalled the many times my husband would get annoyed and say “You don’t have to fix everything you know.” But I do! He didn’t get it. Jeff reassured me that I was not alone and that there was nothing wrong with me (as my husband might suggest). In fact, this was exactly why I stood out to him. He gave me hope that there were people out there, like him, that would get me.
We made it to SF late that evening, scarfed down some Mexican food, and woke early the next morning to head to the event. Then I remembered I’d forgotten to buy a ticket. Embarrassed I told Jeff who laughed: “You don’t need a ticket.” Oh? At the gate he says “She’s with me” and they hand me a VIP armband with backstage access. So I follow Jeff backstage to prep for his talk.
I met many interesting people backstage however one in particular caught my attention. He said he was a movie producer from LA. Ya sure. What would a Hollywood guy be doing at a startup event? So I asked him. “I’m here to support my little brother, Derek [founder of Startup Grind]”. Ok I guess that makes sense.
Still I was skeptical. So I asked what movies he’d supposedly produced. He mentioned Lone Survivor among others. Still I had to confirm: “You mean the Mark Whalberg Lone Survivor?” He laughed and said yes. I told him I loved that movie. He says thanks. Well this is pretty awesome.
When it was Jeff’s turn to hit the stage he walked by and gave me a high five. Brandt was a little surprised and asked how I knew Jeff — and what was I doing backstage anyway? I told him the story and I think he was quite amused, maybe even a little impressed.
We headed into the theatre to watch Jeff’s talk but I have to admit we chatted the whole time (to be fair I’d heard Jeff’s talk twice by now). Shortly after Jeff found me and said we had to leave for his next talk at Stanford. We said bye and Brandt suggested we hang out later. I gave him my number and ran off.
Jeff’s talk at Stanford was incredible. It was much more intimate then the big events I’d seen him at previously. In this case the room was filled with investors all suited up — and me in torn jeans and a leather jacket… Why didn’t Jeff didn’t warn me? Jeff was cool about it saying “Who cares?”. I’m sure they wondered what I was doing there. At least until, for the second time now, Jeff decided to call me out in his talk. He told everyone my story. Before the suits ignored me. After they all wanted to talk to me. Ya, that’s what I thought.
After the talk Jeff admitted he was exhausted and had to catch an early flight so he was off to bed. I’d just gotten a text from Brandt asking if I wanted to grab drinks at the Four Seasons so I asked Jeff if he didn’t mind. He said sure “Take the car.”
Which leads up to the next scene — Part III.
