Today we’d like to introduce you to Derek Haley
Derek, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Derek Haley, I’m 29 years old and I was born and raised in a small town in rural Maine. I grew up as an only child with two loving parents, and my family was always an important part of my life. At 18, after I graduated from high school, I moved to “the big city” two hours away: Portland, Maine, population 70,000. I attended culinary school and spent the next 10 years working various bakery, restaurant and retail jobs. Never fully satisfied with any of it, always wanting to be in the entertainment business, and knowing I was destined for Hollywood, I knew I’d be moving to LA one day. In 2022 I was cast to be a contestant on the CBS game show, Superfan, where I met my childhood hero Shania Twain on national television, and unknowingly met my future boss. The show aired in 2023, and later that year I drove myself across country to make the move to LA, with a small amount of money to my name and no job lined up! I got to California on December 4, and by the end of January I landed a job working as a personal assistant for Keltie Knight, host of E! News, creator and co-host of The LadyGang podcast, 3x Emmy Award Winner, New York Times Bestselling Author, and Creator and Host of Superfan. It was kismet. Keltie not only made my dreams come true once, but twice. Since working for her I have met some of the most incredible people in Hollywood, attended awards show red carpets, and experienced things I once only dreamed about. For the first time in my life I truly love my job (which doesn’t feel like work) and I feel like I am finally in a place where I belong. I have big aspirations for myself and my own career in this business, goals I want to meet, things I want to see, people I want to connect with, and for me there’s no way but up from here!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Oh, it’s never a smooth road for any human! I’ve faced a lot of personal loss in my life, so for me grief has been very present throughout most of my life. Quite literally the day before I left Maine, I attended my Nana’s funeral who died unexpectedly from complications of a stroke she had 3 weeks prior. She and I were very close. I questioned whether or not to even stay on track with my moving plans, if I would even be able to do it logistically, but it worked out. I had the entire next week, alone in the car, driving almost 3,000 miles, to process. That was a gift. Being a gay man in Maine also came with its own set of obstacles, as there is such a lack of diversity and culture where I’m from. That drew me to move to a big city – to be immersed in more diversity. My favorite way to cope with life is to live in the present moment with as much gratitude as I can.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m the personal assistant to Keltie Knight and I really love the work, and Keltie. She is terrific in business and a great leader and boss. She treats people well and has an incredible work ethic. We have a strong mutual respect for each other which makes our work together so rewarding. I specialize in staying organized, thinking ahead, and reading the room. I read people well and use that to inform my work. I also see people. I really see them. When people feel seen and heard, worlds can change. I’m known for my high kicks, my smile, and bright personality. I really like to bring joy to people and be a light wherever I can be. I am most proud of my own work ethic and my ability to jump into anything head first, even if I don’t know what I’m doing. I’ll figure it out. My personality sets me apart from others. I’m intentional, sincere, and loyal. I also make terrific chocolate chip cookies that will knock your socks off!
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Remember to follow your curiosity, and call your people.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/derekhaley/
Image Credits
Creator: Sonja Flemming | Credit: CBS
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