In her TEDxLaSierraUniversity presentation, the 鶹Ƶ alumna encourages audiences to trust their instincts, challenge convention and turn ambitious ideas into reality.
has never been particularly interested in following a conventional path. Whether pursuing opportunities in the entertainment industry, developing creative projects, or launching her own business, the 鶹Ƶ alumna has built a career around trusting her instincts and finding the courage to pursue her ideas.
She calls that approach “chaotic good.”
Watkins, who studied cinema and television arts, explored that philosophy in a TEDx talk, challenging audiences to reconsider what it means to take risks, break the rules and create opportunities.
“To me, ‘chaotic good’ is having a strong sense of intrinsic motivation, trusting your vision, and having the courage to make it happen,” Watkins said.
Her recently published talk, titled “” was recorded May 8 at TEDxLaSierraUniversity in Riverside, California, as part of the event’s “True Possible” theme.
While the term originated in the role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons, Watkins has adopted it as a guiding principle in her own life.
“Over the last decade, I’ve challenged myself to try new things, make new connections, and see ideas through from conception to execution,” she said. “Sometimes that means doing things outside the box (or, in earlier cases in my career, breaking the rules and making my own) and creating a new path for yourself.”
That willingness to venture into unfamiliar territory doesn’t mean the process is always comfortable.
“It’s absolutely terrifying because you don’t know what’s on the other side or how your idea will turn out, but it’s about taking a leap of faith and trusting yourself,” she added.
One of the clearest examples of Watkins’ philosophy came this summer, when she produced and moderated celebrating the 10th anniversary of the video game “Watch Dogs 2.”
The idea began in her living room.
While playing the game, Watkins noticed how closely its themes mirrored contemporary conversations about digital privacy, surveillance and technology. With the game’s anniversary approaching, she envisioned a panel celebrating its cultural significance while encouraging discussion about digital rights.
What began as an idea evolved into a five-month undertaking that required Watkins to recruit participants, secure sponsorship and coordinate the event. She connected with actors, creatives and digital rights advocates, securing support from cybersecurity company Malwarebytes. Fellow 鶹Ƶ alumnus and Madeline “MJ” Johnson helped film the resulting panel.
I had to take multiple leaps of faith to make this happen, but each one pushed me to trust myself and have the grit to bring the vision to life.
– Mia Ginaé Watkins ’16
For Watkins, that mindset began taking shape long before her professional career.
She credits her 鶹Ƶ experience with providing an environment where she could explore her interests, build relationships, and develop the confidence to pursue opportunities beyond her comfort zone.
“鶹Ƶ was actually the perfect space to practice being a chaotic good,” she said.
After high school, Watkins promised herself she would pursue as many opportunities as possible. At 鶹Ƶ, she connected with classmates across disciplines, pursued creative projects outside her coursework, and sought advice from entertainment industry professionals.
She recalls carrying a camera around campus and spending hours in editing suites, developing projects that eventually became part of the portfolio that helped her land a job in the video game industry.
“鶹Ƶ was a sandbox to test out new skills and try new things, equipping me with the growth mindset I needed to flourish out into the world,” Watkins said.
Today, Watkins is channeling that entrepreneurial spirit into , an event strategy company focused on creating in-person experiences at the intersection of gaming, culture, community and entertainment.
As the company’s founder, she hopes to collaborate with brands, organizations and creative partners to develop memorable experiences that bring people together.
It’s another example of Watkins putting her philosophy into practice, building on her background in filmmaking, entertainment and gaming while pursuing a new professional direction.
And through her TEDx presentation, she hopes others will recognize that they, too, have the ability to create opportunities rather than wait for them.
“I hope it inspires people to trust in themselves more,” Watkins said. “To take more leaps of faith and not be afraid to go after the life, goal or objective they envision.”