What Reese Witherspoon Taught Me About Personal Power

On Voice, Presence, and What Happens When Women Stop Waiting To Be Seen

Yesterday felt like Christmas morning.

I woke up at 4:47 a.m.—before my alarm—buzzing with a kind of childlike anticipation I haven’t felt in years. In the shower, steam curled around me like stage smoke before the big spotlight moment, and I mentally rehearsed meeting her. Reese Witherspoon.

I told myself I’d keep it chill, relatable. I’d lead with a story: how my football-obsessed, action-movie-loving fiancé binged all of The Morning Show without me—even though I begged him to wait. (I figured that might make her laugh.)

With that moment imagined, I stepped into the day with my best Elle Woods energy - trading the pink ensemble for a ruby red blazer.

But you know how life goes…

It took me too long to curl my hair just right. The shuttle from my Jersey City condo left without me. I power-walked to the PATH, praying I’d make it to Midtown in time.

When I arrived at the New York Marriott Marquis, the energy was electric. 1,400 people all buzzing with the same frequency—equal parts admiration and ambition. I registered, walked into the ballroom, and—because I believe in claiming space when it matters—I confidently made my way toward the front. (Somehow, this strategy always works out for me.)

Third row. Stage left. Magic.

I felt a rush of fan girl energy as Reese walked onto the stage. She spoke about putting women at the center of the story, about building Hello Sunshine through her voice, her platform, and her presence, and about what happens when we stop waiting for permission and start writing our own narratives—on screen, in boardrooms, and online.

It was a story about visibility. About voice. About vibe.

And honestly? It felt like it was meant for you—those who read Ready to Be Seen. (Thank you, my darling!)

So I’m sharing the audio recording with you below. Let her words stir something in you. Then send it to a friend who needs the reminder, too:

✨ You don’t need permission to be powerful.
✨ You can lead with purpose and let the world catch up. Because they will!
✨ You’re not too late—you’re right on time.

As Reese says, “Women can save themselves.”

We are the women we’ve been waiting for.
Let’s tell our stories!

LISTEN TO THE LIVE RECORDING

PS:

No, I didn’t meet Reese. I didn’t get to share my fiancé’s secret celebrity crush or soak in her reaction. But what I did receive was far more expansive.

By the way, I’d love it if you could share this article with someone who needs to hear it. XO - Nicole

Thanks for reading Ready To Be Seen — the space to reclaim your voice, visibility, and vibe.

I’m Nicole Hernandez — Clinical Hypnotist, Success Coach, and creator of the High-Frequency Success™ method. I work with quietly ambitious creatives who are done rehearsing their brilliance in the shadows and ready to step into resonance, presence, and real visibility.

If you're craving clarity, momentum, and transformation that honors both your nervous system and your soul, here’s how we can work together:

✨ 1:1 Human Design Readings - Understand your energy, your voice, and your unique personal brand blueprint
✨ Hypnosis for Success - Gently rewire visibility fear and self-doubt so you can express yourself fully
✨ Private Coaching - A personalized space for the deeper work: identity shifts, energetic alignment, and stepping into the speaker, creator, or leader you’re becoming