Persistence and confidence really are everything. I’ve learned that you don’t have to know everything, but you do have to show up prepared, trust your instincts, and keep going. Sometimes it’s “fake it till you make it,” but more often it’s believing in your work until other people do too. I’m really proud of the Crain’s Chicago Business piece for Buona. It came from months of consistent pitching and following up. It wasn’t an overnight win; it was the result of staying steady, believing in the story, and not letting it drop. That moment reinforced for me that persistence really does pay off.