The Optimist Project with Yara Shahidi
Featured as a guest speaker and producer for the episode “Using Storytelling and Service in ‘Realistic’ Optimism”
The challenge
The Optimist Project, hosted by Yara Shahidi, seeks to spark cultural conversations on optimism and purpose.
My intention as a guest was to broaden the way we look at how optimism shows up in our life.
Role: Featured Speaker + Guest Producer
Client Type: Media & Podcast Platform
Approach
● Delivered insightful commentary on creative leadership, purpose, and cultural responsibility as a guest.
● Co-produced Tara Roberts’ viral episode, curating narrative flow and audience engagement strategy.
● Prioritized authentic storytelling to resonate deeply with listeners.
Value added
● Both episodes went viral, each exceeding 3 million views across platforms—the only episodes in the series to reach this milestone.
● Positioned me as both a thought leader and creative producer in conversations that matter.
● Expanded cultural dialogue around purpose-driven work and global storytelling
“Mir has a way of seeing you. Not just the surface, but the substance. From our first conversation, I felt understood as a whole person with a message that mattered. She helps you process your way into clarity, until your truth is undeniable.”
Cicely Gay ✱ BLM