A behind-the-scenes look at “The Vision Behind the Villain” for PhotoBook Magazine.
At 21 years old, I went to Milan for a few months to model.
I was young, ambitious, creative, and completely unsure of where life would take me.
I remember walking to “go-sees” in the pouring rain because trains were on strike and I didn’t want to miss an opportunity.
I’d trek across Milan in soaked black Reebok high-tops (it was the ’90s), carrying heels in my bag so I could change in the bathroom before auditions. I’d slick my hair back in what I thought was a very chic Robert Palmer-inspired look… trying to make arriving dripping wet look intentional.
One rainy day, as I stood outside a Ferragamo runway go-see, a Mercedes pulled up, completely splashed me from head to toe, while I watched top models wearing tiny Chanel backpacks get out of the sedan and be escorted inside.
Meanwhile, I was spending most nights eating jelly out of a jar, calling my mom crying, and watching The Real World.
But through it all, that less-than-glamorous experience led me to Los Angeles… and eventually to acting.
What I never could have imagined back then was that decades later, after building an acting career, raising a family, creating a global coaching company, and navigating every twist, reinvention, and unexpected turn in between, I would land my very first magazine cover at 56.
And somehow… it means even more now.
This week, I’m honored to be featured on the cover of PhotoBook Magazine in an editorial spread photographed by the incredibly talented Mike Ruiz alongside a beautiful interview about my starring role on Jury Duty Presents: Company Retreat, creativity, reinvention, confidence, and stepping into a bigger season of visibility.
But what this moment really reminded me of is something I talk about often:
Life doesn’t stop expanding just because time passes.
Sometimes the things meant for us arrive
after we’ve become the version of ourselves
ready to fully receive them.
You can read the full PhotoBook Magazine feature, The Vision Behind the Villain, here.
The Power of Staying in the Game
One of the things I’ve learned after decades in this industry is that creative success rarely happens in a straight line.
There are seasons where everything feels expansive.
Seasons where you question yourself.
Seasons where you reinvent yourself entirely.
And then there are moments that unexpectedly remind you:
“Oh… I’m still evolving.”
This cover felt like one of those moments.
Not because of the title.
Not because of the photos.
But because it represented a brand new chapter I’m unapologetically stepping into.
As artists, creatives, entrepreneurs, and dreamers, we’re allowed to keep growing into new versions of ourselves.
What This Shoot Taught Me About Visibility
This editorial also reminded me how important it is to document your creative life.
Too often, people wait until they feel “successful enough” before allowing themselves to be seen.
But visibility isn’t something that magically arrives one day.
It’s something we practice.
One thing I’ve become much more intentional about is capturing behind-the-scenes moments whenever I’m working on something meaningful…whether that’s a TV show, a speaking event, a photoshoot, or even my everyday creative process.
Because over time, those moments become your story.
And in today’s world, storytelling matters.
In fact, sometimes the behind-the-scenes moments become just as meaningful as the final result itself.
The editor of PhotoBook Magazine loved my BTS footage so much, she asked to share it with her audience as well.
These behind-the-scenes moments from New York ended up becoming some of my favorite memories from the experience. Click the video to watch.
The Interview
One of my favorite parts of The Vision Behind the Villain interview was getting to talk about playing Elizabeth Prescott in Jury Duty Presents: Company Retreat, a woman who is powerful, strategic, commanding… and completely convinced she’s right.
One quote that really resonated with people was this:
“The villain rarely thinks they’re the villain.
Elizabeth just has a very different perspective.”
What I loved about Elizabeth was that she wasn’t interested in being liked. She was certain. Focused. Fully committed to her vision.
And honestly, there’s something incredibly freeing about playing women who command the room (especially in a high pressure show like this).
Another moment from the interview that felt especially meaningful to me was this:
“Confidence doesn’t come from controlling the moment.
It comes from knowing you can handle whatever is thrown your way.”
I think that applies far beyond acting.
Creativity.
Entrepreneurship.
Visibility.
Reinvention.
Life.
So many meaningful chapters begin before we feel fully ready.
And so often confidence is built by stepping forward anyway.
You can read the complete interview here.
I’m deeply grateful to the entire PhotoBook Magazine team, Mike Ruiz, Alison Hernon, and everyone who helped bring this vision to life.
Read the full PhotoBook Magazine cover story here
And maybe my favorite moment of the entire trip happened after the shoot was already over.
My hotel in New York happened to be right next door to Chicago on Broadway.
I just got back from the shoot, it was around 7:45 p.m., and I was flying home the next morning.
On a whim, I walked over to the box office to see if there were any tickets left.
The man behind the counter recognized me from Jury Duty Presents: Company Retreat and asked, “Would you want a $377 seat for $129?”
I said, “Absolutely.”
That night, I sat in the audience watching the actress playing Velma Kelly, a role I’ve always adored, and I remember thinking:
“Maybe one day, I’ll come back here and play this role.”
Not as the same version of me who once cried her way through Milan…
But as the woman who told herself at every age to dream big, defy doubt and #KeepGoingSunshine.
If you’re stepping into a new chapter of your own, let this be your reminder:
You’re not too old.
It’s not too late.
And your dreams still matter.
You are allowed to evolve.
You are allowed to expand.
You are allowed to become visible in new ways.
Declare it with me in the comments:
✨ “I’m ready for my next level.” ✨
Because often the feeling comes first…
and the experience follows.
Love + Gratitude,
Wendy
P.S. And if you’re in a season of expanding creatively, rebuilding confidence, or stepping into bigger visibility yourself…
I’m hosting a free live training this week on peak performance, mindset, and creating momentum as a creative.
