Ly Smith:
Drawing a Line in Sand
On a picture-perfect Hawaiian holiday, Ly realized she was surrounded by beauty but unable to feel it. That moment sparked a journey of rediscovery, identity, and choice that transformed her life.
Bio
Ly is a motivational speaker, best-selling author, and creator of The CANDY Method™. She helps women entrepreneurs shift from REACTORS to CREATORS by teaching mindset, self-talk, and purpose-driven action. After overcoming a three-year depression and rebuilding her life in eight months, Ly now empowers women to quiet their inner critic, amplify their self-belief, and take clear and confident action to lead boldly and live fully.
Topics
- Recognizing depression when you don’t “look depressed”
- The moment of awakening: why self-awareness matters
- Identity shifts and reclaiming your true self
- Choosing to respond vs. react in life’s challenges
- The “Reactor vs. Creator” framework explained
- Inner child wisdom and rediscovering joy
- How names shape identity and belonging
- The ripple effect of personal transformation
- Using public speaking as a tool for healing and impact
- Seeing the best in others—and reflecting it back
Guiding Questions
- Can you take us back to that Hawaiian sunset moment when everything shifted?
- What made you realize you were experiencing depression?
- How did your identity journey—from Nancy to Ly—play into your rediscovery?
- What role did your inner child play in helping you find joy again?
- Can you explain the “Reactor vs. Creator” framework and how it came to you?
- Why do you believe choice is at the center of transformation?
- What was it like to step into public speaking again after reclaiming yourself?
- How has your personal growth impacted your family relationships?
- How do you balance authenticity with positivity, especially when you’re struggling?
- What message do you most hope audiences take away from your story?