Nicole Avant in conversation with Rashida Jones discussing her memoir,
"Think You’ll Be Happy: Moving Through Grief with Grit, Grace, and Gratitude." The event took place on October 24, 2023.
A spirit-lifting memoir on how to turn pain into purpose, how to live always in gratitude, and how to face down tragedy and turn it into love.
Nicole Avant is a philanthropist and filmmaker, as well as a former diplomat. After a career in entertainment and political fundraising, she served as the United States Ambassador to the Bahamas under President Obama. In 2019, she produced the critically acclaimed and award-winning documentary The Black Godfather, and in 2022, she produced Trees of Peace, a film about the Rwandan genocide.
Avant grew up surrounded by some of the most extraordinary artists of our time: Bill Withers, Oprah Winfrey, Quincy Jones, Sidney Poitier. Her parents-entertainment mogul, Clarence Avant, and legendary philanthropist, Jacqueline Avant-turned their home into a place of refuge and inspiration for a generation of geniuses. Nicole drew on that magical upbringing to create a stellar career in the music business, become the U.S. ambassador to the Bahamas, and produce critically acclaimed award-winning films and documentaries. Then, an unthinkable tragedy struck: her mother was fatally shot in December 2021.
In this searing and inspiring memoir, Nicole turns the pain of her family’s loss into the fuel that pushes her forward into an even more committed life of love and activism: “We can’t banish evil,” she writes. “We have to learn to swim through trauma and live for all of those who can’t.” Turning tragedy into inspiration, Think You’ll Be Happy-her mom’s last words to Nicole-provides a roadmap for anyone working to remain positive and anchored in hope.
“At some point in every life, we are faced with a challenge that we think we can’t overcome. This book should be required reading for anyone wanting to understand how to trust in the light even at the darkest times. Drawing on her own grit, grace and gratitude - not to mention a deep and abiding faith - Nicole Avant has gifted us a roadmap out of the darkness of her own profound loss and into a life filled with meaning, purpose and service.” - Jay Shetty, #1 New York Times Bestselling author of Think Like A Monk.
Rashida  Jones  is an actor, writer, producer, director and podcaster. Her Film & TV credits include: Sunny, Silo, On the Rocks, #blackAF, Duncanville, Klaus, Spies in Disguise, The Social Network, Celeste and Jesse Forever, The Muppets and I Love You, Man. Additional credits include Angie Tribeca, Parks and Recreation, The Office, Boston Public, Freaks and Geeks, Chappelle Show and Portlandia.She  recently launched a podcast with Bill Gates, Bill Gates and Rashida Jones Ask Big Questions with their premiere episode featuring Dr. Anthony Fauci. Directing credits include Quincy, and the music video for Sara Bareilles’ Brave and episodic work on #blackAF, Angie Tribeca and Hot Girls Wanted: Turned On.