Issa Rae is opening up about the guidance that has helped shape her personal and professional journey, pointing to a lesson from Maya Angelou that continues to influence her decisions years later.
While speaking at a creative industry event in Los Angeles, Rae reflected on the advice she considers most impactful, describing it as a principle she returns to when navigating relationships and business choices.
Lesson that continues to guide her choices
During a panel conversation, Rae was asked to share a piece of advice she wishes she had embraced earlier in life. Her response centered on a well known message from Angelou about trusting one’s instincts when evaluating people.
Rae emphasized the importance of believing what someone shows you from the start, she described intuition as a reliable internal signal that should not be ignored. The lesson has become a consistent guide in how she approaches both work and personal interactions.
Over time, Rae has found that ignoring early warning signs often leads to unnecessary complications, reinforcing the value of trusting initial impressions.
Learning to trust instincts over doubt
Rae acknowledged that, like many people, she has sometimes questioned her own instincts, especially in situations where she wanted to give others the benefit of the doubt. She recalled moments where subtle discomfort signaled that something was not right.
Despite recognizing those feelings, she occasionally chose to overlook them, those experiences ultimately highlighted the importance of self trust.
The actress noted that these lessons have been particularly relevant in business settings, where decisions can carry significant consequences, balancing optimism with self awareness. A recurring theme in Rae’s reflection is the tension between maintaining faith in others and protecting one’s own well being.
She values optimism and the desire to see the best in people, at the same time, she has learned to recognize when that optimism may lead to overlooking important signs. Finding that balance has become a key part of her personal growth.
Rae’s perspective underscores how experience can refine judgment, especially in industries where collaboration is essential, a career shaped by creative impact. Beyond personal lessons, Rae also discussed the broader impact of her work, particularly through the hit series Insecure. The show ran from 2016 to 2021 and became a defining project in her career.
It created opportunities for a new generation of writers, producers and creatives. Rae received multiple award nominations tied to her leading role, she views the series as one of her proudest accomplishments, not only for its success but for the doors it helped open within the entertainment industry.
Expanding opportunities in film
Rae’s influence continues to grow as she takes on new challenges in film production. She recently worked on the movie One of Them Days, the project featured talents like Keke Palmer and SZA. Its success demonstrated audience demand for diverse storytelling in comedy.
The film’s performance has helped create additional opportunities for Rae to develop future projects, particularly at a time when studio comedies face increasing challenges.
Remembering Maya Angelou’s lasting influence
Angelou, who died in 2014 at age 86, remains a powerful cultural figure whose words continue to resonate across generations.
For Rae, the advice she shared is more than a memorable quote. It is a practical tool that informs how she navigates trust, relationships and decision-making in an evolving career, a lesson that stands the test of time.
As Rae continues to expand her influence in Hollywood, the guidance she credits to Angelou remains central to her approach. Trusting instincts helps her make clearer decisions, recognizing patterns in people can prevent unnecessary setbacks. Applying these lessons allows her to move forward with greater confidence. In an industry defined by constant change, Rae’s reflection highlights how a single piece of advice can provide lasting clarity.
