Meet Monica Ortega | Emcee, Speaker, Author, & Travel Show Host

We had the good fortune of connecting with Monica Ortega and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Monica, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Being in the entertainment industry for over 20 years, everything is about risk. You’re constantly putting yourself out there hoping eventually you’ll hear a yes. But I’ve always loved it so much that it was worth the risk of rejection.

Then when I started my travel show back in 2014 I didn’t do it to create a show based on fears. I just quickly realized that I’m afraid of everything! But what I also realized was that on the other side of fear was a feeling a resilience and confidence.

I never really questioned whether or not these risks in my career were worth it because I loved what I was doing and knew eventually I would find what works. When I wrote my book The Power of Pivoting, I didn’t feel like it was a risky move, I just knew I wanted to put it out there because if it could help one person, it was all worth it.

Now, in my 40’s, with a family in tow, it does feel slightly more risky to pivot again into becoming a full-time emcee and speaker but I’ve always trusted my gut and learned to enjoy the journey along the way!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve always lived for the spotlight and making people laugh. I spent 20 years in the entertainment industry chasing that feeling. From singing and songwriting in Nashville, to becoming a successful commercial actress in Los Angeles, to starting my own travel show Monica Goes in 2014, I’ve loved being in front of people and connecting with audiences.

It definitely hasn’t been easy and living the life of a creative there were many years of living off of ramen noodles with $100 to my name hoping for the best! My travel show was beginning to take off in 2019 and had a couple close calls with major networks and then 2020 happened. As we know, that shifted a lot of industries and travel was a big one. But that time and space inspired me to write my first book “The Power of Pivoting – How to Embrace Change and Create a Life You Love”. The book has turned into women’s retreats, coaching, and speaking all over the country about embracing change. I officially started my company Pivoting Productions LLC. in 2021 to encompass everything I was building.

As all of that was happening, I broke my foot and found out I was pregnant. One of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do was accept that it was time to pause the travel show for a bit. After 10 years, it had become my first child. So I went back to the drawing board (and re-read You Are a Badass) and began doing a lot of inner work to figure out what’s next.

My big aha moment was when I realized that I originally started my travel show because my happy place was on stage and the show, while incredible, was behind a camera! For over 20 years, I’ve been getting hired to emcee events from Stagecoach Music Festival, to Brett Michaels concerts, to talent competitions, and always just thought it was a fun side job. But THIS! This was it! On stage, connecting to people, and helping people have an amazing time!

So throughout all of the wild twists and turns, I feel like I’ve finally come home to the stage. I’m excited to put all of my years in the entertainment industry into my story as a speaker, and into my energy as an emcee. I definitely love a good pivot and comeback story and I’m excited to step into this new(ish) chapter.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There is so much in Denver and in Colorado to do! I would definitely start out with some fun downtown and take them to Stk or Tupelo Honey for dinner and then Urban Putt! I love the Colorado-themed putt putt and craft cocktails!

Breakfast at Snooze is a must and then take them for a local hike. I love Lookout Mountain and Mount Falcon. We’d definitely grab bbq at Burnt End BBQ and then probably take in a Rockies game or a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheater.

Then a must, is taking the trip to Estes Park. It’s my favorite place in Colorado and where I got engaged and married! We’d hike in Rocky Mountain National Park and grab dinner at The Stanley Hotel.

If we’re not heading to another mountain town like Breckenridge or Vail, we’d stay in town and paddlboard at Bear Lake or Chatfield Reservoir. We’d walk around downtown Littleton and be sure to check out Breckenridge Brewery and Denver Beer Co. I also love taking people to Carboy Winery in Littleton with the views of the mountains.

That’s just a taste because there is so much more!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have to shoutout my family. From my parents being supportive of all of my wild career choices, to my husband supporting a new journey of finding my purpose. I could not do this without their love and encouragement.

I also have to shoutout the book You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero. Whenever I’ve felt lost on what my purpose is or where to pivot next, this book has helped guide me to the next big thing.

Website: https://www.monicajortega.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monicagoesshow

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicajortega

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Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/monicagoesshow