EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

T.L. Workman:
From San Diego to Universal Inspiration

Conducted by Guillaume Jean Lefebvre

1. Your father played a pivotal role in shaping your values and vision. If you had to describe one life lesson from him that still resonates in your everyday decisions, what would it be?
One of the greatest lessons my dad gave me was to never stop being curious. He encouraged me to ask questions, dig deeper, and really understand how things work instead of just accepting them at face value. That way of thinking never left me. To this day, whether I’m creating, leading a team, or navigating life, curiosity is my compass. Watching him approach challenges with wonder made me realize that learning isn’t just about collecting facts—it’s about discovering possibilities and carving out your own path.

2. You’ve described curiosity as a driving force since childhood. Looking back, can you recall a specific book, story, or idea that fundamentally shifted the way you see the world?
The way I saw the world shifted dramatically when I started exploring energy dynamics. I approached it with curiosity, treating it like a science—observing, experimenting, and learning through trial and error. That experience showed me that curiosity isn’t just about collecting knowledge; it’s about testing ideas, exploring possibilities, and letting those explorations expand your understanding of yourself and the world.

3. At just twenty-one, you were already running your own entertainment section at a newspaper. What did that early responsibility teach you about leadership and creativity under pressure?

That role really taught me how to make quick, thoughtful decisions because deadlines in a newsroom wait for no one. I had to stay organized, prioritize on the fly, and keep everything moving while still keeping quality high. It also taught me to think creatively under pressure—finding unique angles, adapting when plans changed, and keeping the team on track. I learned that leadership isn’t about controlling everything, it’s about creating the structure so creativity can thrive, even when the pressure’s on.

4. Landing a role at Disney was a lifelong dream fulfilled. Beyond the excitement, what was the most challenging part of working for such a global creative giant, and how did it shape you?

Honestly, the hardest part was rising to the occasion every single day. Expectations were sky-high, deadlines were tight, and the work pushed me to give my absolute best. And as a perfectionist, I pushed myself even further, holding myself to a higher bar than what was asked. It wasn’t always easy, but it taught me how to thrive under pressure, face challenges head-on, and keep raising my own standards. It shaped me into someone who doesn’t just meet expectations but really strives to go beyond them.

Born and raised in San Diego, California, T.L. Workman was profoundly influenced by the guiding presence of her father, whom she describes as a true visionary. More than just a role model, this brilliant man, always ahead of his time, instilled in her essential values: curiosity, ambition, boldness, and a constant drive for growth. These foundations shaped T.L.’s character and continue to guide her personal and professional choices.

From an early age, she developed an insatiable curiosity, diving into books that became gateways to new worlds. Arts, entertainment, philanthropy — each discovery broadened her horizons and fueled her creativity. This thirst for exploration led her toward a creative career, which had already begun in her teenage years when she designed websites for local businesses and discovered her natural talent for writing. At just twenty-one, she landed a position at a newspaper in Northern California, where she ran her own weekly entertainment section. Her talent quickly drew attention and opened the doors to Disney, fulfilling a lifelong dream.

Her professional journey is marked by many achievements, but one stands above the rest: the publication of her book From Student to Teacher in 2024. More than a literary accomplishment, the book represents the culmination of her creativity, experiences, and deep commitment to inspiring others to grow and push beyond their limits.

Her work philosophy rests on three pillars: curiosity, creativity, and purpose. She has the ability to see the bigger picture while giving close attention to the details that make the difference. Yet beyond results, what drives her most is the opportunity to create something meaningful and lasting.

Passionate about her career, T.L. has also learned to balance professional and personal life, recognizing that success is enriched by moments of peace and connection. Walks on the beach, traveling, and time with family allow her to remain grounded and aligned.

Looking ahead, she envisions a future filled with writing and creative projects. Several new books are already in the making, with the goal of continuing to share ideas, stories, and perspectives that touch and inspire a wide audience.

More than just an author or creative professional, T.L. Workman hopes to be seen as someone genuine — someone who approaches others without an agenda and with sincerity. Her greatest wish is to help people break free from limiting beliefs and embrace their limitless potential. For her, changing even one life would mean her purpose has been fulfilled.

INTERVIEW

5. Your book From Student to Teacher represents a culmination of your journey. In the process of writing it, what was the most transformative insight you gained about yourself?

Writing From Student to Teacher really showed me that my purpose is to inspire people to be their best selves. I’m not someone who just takes ideas at face value—I need to know the why, the science, the proof behind things. That’s why this book isn’t just filled with spiritual ideas or concepts—it’s all backed by research and examples from history’s visionaries. The biggest insight was realizing that I’m not just a student of these ideas anymore. I’ve lived them, tested them, and now I feel this responsibility to share them in a way that helps others step into their highest potential.

6. Creativity, curiosity, and purpose guide your professional philosophy. When those three elements come into conflict, how do you decide which one takes the lead?

When those three clash, I let purpose lead. Curiosity drives me to explore, and creativity shows me how to express it, but purpose keeps me aligned. I ask myself, does this choice actually serve my mission to inspire and empower others? If yes, I figure out a way to bring curiosity and creativity into it. If not, even the most exciting idea takes a back seat. Purpose keeps me focused and ensures that what I’m doing isn’t just interesting—it actually matters.

7. Balancing personal life with an ambitious career is never easy. Was there ever a moment when you felt close to losing that balance, and how did you realign yourself?

Absolutely. I’m definitely not perfect, and there have been plenty of times when I’ve completely lost my balance or hit burnout. When I lock onto a goal, it’s hard to pull me away—I’ll just keep going. There were times I’d write for 16–20 hours straight, to the point where I literally felt like part of the chair and keyboard. It got me results, sure, but it also drained me. Over time, I realized I can’t run myself into the ground and expect to keep showing up at my best. Now I pay way more attention to balance. My go-to reset is simple but powerful: long walks in the surf at the beach, meditation, the gym, and long baths. Those things keep me grounded and give me the energy to show up fully—not just in my work, but in life overall.

8. You’ve spoken about wanting to inspire people to break free from limiting beliefs. What’s one limiting belief you personally struggled with in the past, and how did you overcome it?

I’m glad you asked that, because I actually talk about it in my book. One of the biggest limiting beliefs I carried from childhood was feeling like I wasn’t good enough. It was always in the background, shaping how I approached challenges and opportunities. Over time, I started questioning it—looking for real evidence of what I was capable of, and surrounding myself with mentors and experiences that reminded me of my worth. I also dove into studying how some of the world’s high achievers deal with self-doubt, and that gave me practical tools to shift my mindset. Working through that belief showed me that growth comes from a mix of self-awareness and consistent action. And that’s exactly why I’m so passionate about helping others break free from their own limiting beliefs.

9. Looking ahead, your future projects include more books and creative ventures. If you could only choose one message or legacy to leave behind, what would it be?

If I could leave one message, it would be this: you are enough—always have been, from the moment you came into this world. You are limitless, and the only thing truly holding you back is yourself. Every single one of us has untapped potential, and the power to create the life we want comes from within. What I want most is for people to recognize their own strength, trust that inner voice, and have the courage to take bold action toward their dreams.

10. Many see you as a source of inspiration. But who inspires you today, and how do they push you to grow beyond your own boundaries?

Honestly, the person who inspires me most is the version of myself I see in the future. That vision pushes me to keep growing, to take risks, and to step beyond where I am now. I want to leave something behind that will be remembered, not out of ego, but simply because I cared—because I poured myself into making a difference. I’m inspired by people who live with courage and creativity, but at the heart of it, it’s that inner image of my best self that keeps me evolving.

Photographer: Greg Yde - Easy On The Eyes Photography - @ez.onthe.eyes
Model: T.L. Workman - @tlworkmanofficial
Wardrobes by Korinna Leanyvari - @KorinnArt