Not Being Sorry with Chelsea Handler

Last week, I had the oh-so-Hollywood opportunity to represent the Board of Directors of BAWIFM at a Power Breakfast sponsored by The Wrap and featuring Chelsea Handler.

Chelsea Handler was the keynote speaker. I have to admit, I didn’t follow her previously. I’m more of a Tina Fey and Amy Schumer-fan. But after meeting her, I’m devoted to her unflinching honesty and woman-balls. I loved the way she made no excuses, not because she couldn’t, but because she didn’t think anything she thought, did, or said needed any excuses. Think about that. Think about doing and saying exactly what you want to do and say and not being sorry for any of it. Think about just making it a day without apologizing. Not that you’ve got to film yourself half-naked with Israeli flags over your nipples. But if you did, try not making any excuses for it. You’ve got to admire — even aspire — to that.

Speaking of making no excuses, the room was packed with no-excuses women, execs and board members and creators from SanFrancisco and Silicon Valley. While everyone looked very professional, there was a gritty, almost aggressive, girls-keeping-it-real vibe. Lot’s of F-bombs flying around and tough talk for anyone who tried to be sorry. It’s what I would imagine the smoke-filled board room of a Good-Old-Gals Corporation would look like — if such a thing existed.

When I raised my hand to ask the panel the first question and was told to stand and introduce myself, I forgot that I was NOT in mixed company and I tried to pull an oh-so-embarassing-excuse-me-for-calling-attention-to-myself-totally-girly-moment. I was quickly abashed for such nonsense and (fortunately) pivoted quickly, finishing my question/comment with more self-assurance. (See the pic below where they caught me doing my swirly hand-gesture thing and sticking my chin into my neck. Note to self: learn to talk without trying to impersonate a muppet.)

I learned a good number of lessons that morning, but that we-won’t-tolerate-you-being-sorry-for-asking-a-question-moment was the greatest. We should all represent ourselves as if we are not sorry. Try it. ~~You know, if it’s okay with you, not to insist or anything, maybe just for a day or something…~~

PS Just in case you don’t think you know what I am talking about with all the sorry business, check out Amy Schumer’s skit:

PPS The event was held at The Battery in downtown SF — can someone tell me how I get to be a member there? Uh, can I say outta my league? Not that a friend and I didn’t take advantage and after the event find a spot under the moroccan tent in the club’s swanky courtyard bar and hang there until the staff started looking at us suspiciously.