In today’s episode of Professional Troublemaker, we’re focusing on a Rising Troublemaker. Rising Troublemakers are teens and young adults who are absolute game changers and are out there living their audacious lives and dreams right now.  

Today, Luvvie is talking to Zaila Avant-garde. Zaila is a multi-talented powerhouse, with success springing from all her endeavors - and all before the ninth grade. We got to know Zaila’s name when she won the Scripps National Spelling Bee - the first African American to win. But along with her triumph there, she holds three Guinness World Records for her basketball prowess and was named SportsKid of the year in 2021 by Sports Illustrated Kids

Zaila is curious and driven and works hard. She knows what she wants to do and has the discipline and focus on going after it. Zaila and Luvvie talk about how she uses visualization to reach her goals, how she was able to harness the discipline she needs to reach those goals, and how she has developed confidence through doing. 

Connect with our Guest

• Follow Zaila on Instagram - @zailaavantgarde

Connect with Luvvie

• Follow Luvvie on Instagram - @Luvvie
• Go to TEXTLUVVIE.com on your phone, and text PODCAST to join our Text Squad. Let Luvvie know who you’d like her to be in conversation with, or what topics you want her to do a deep dive on in a solo episode.

Order Luvvie’s Books 

• Pre-order RISING TROUBLEMAKER: A Fear-Fighter Manual for Teens
• Order PROFESSIONAL TROUBLEMAKER: The Fear-Fighter Manual (NYTimes bestseller) at ProfessionalTroublemakerBook.com

Connect with Luvvie Ajayi Jones

• Instagram & Threads (@Luvvie)
• LinkedIn
• Official Website (Luvvie.org)

Engage

• Share your thoughts about the episode using the hashtag #ProfessionalTroublemaker.
• For episode transcripts, check out Luvvie.org/podcast

If you're an aspiring writer, explore The Book Academy, Luvvie's masterclass for aspiring authors! 📚✨