Confidence Classic: From Fifth Harmony to Finding Her Harmony with Ally Brooke
In this episode of Creating Confidence, former Fifth Harmony member Ally Brooke discusses her journey through the music industry with host Heather Monahan. From facing rejection from multiple record labels to dealing with a challenging environment within Fifth Harmony, Brooke shares how she navigated various professional setbacks and rebuilt her confidence after the group's disbandment.
The conversation explores how Brooke's family support system and faith helped her persevere through difficult times, including online bullying and creative suppression. She describes her experience on "Dancing with the Stars" as a pivotal moment in her development, and explains how therapy and a new support team helped her transition from group member to solo artist while reclaiming her voice in the industry.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Jun 25, 2025 episode of the Creating Confidence with Heather Monahan
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1-Page Summary
Overcoming Adversity and Not Giving Up
Ally Brooke's career journey demonstrates the power of perseverance through adversity. Despite facing numerous challenges, including online bullying and a toxic work environment, Ally chose to trust in her faith rather than give up. After facing rejection from four record labels, she maintained her resilience, eventually becoming her own boss and launching a successful solo tour.
Heather Monahan notes that Ally's ability to pull back from the brink of giving up is remarkable, especially after Fifth Harmony's disbandment left her feeling like a rookie again. Despite these setbacks, Ally's perseverance led to her signing with Latvian/Atlantic Records and achieving success as a solo artist.
Faith and Family In Achieving Goals
Ally credits her success to the unwavering support of her family and her strong faith in God. She identifies her parents as her guiding lights, with her mother's advice being particularly crucial throughout her career. During her darkest moments, including her experiences on "X Factor" and various career challenges, Ally's faith provided the strength to continue. Her story has resonated with many individuals facing similar challenges, inspiring them through her message of persistence and resilience.
Building Confidence and Finding One's Voice
During her time in Fifth Harmony, Ally struggled with her confidence and self-worth. She received minimal singing parts and faced constant rejection of her creative input, while online mockery about her dancing abilities further diminished her confidence. Through therapy, support from a new team, and conversations with friends and family, Ally began to rebuild her self-assurance.
Her participation in "Dancing with the Stars" marked a turning point in her journey. Despite initial fears, Ally transformed from what she describes as a "little cub" to a "fierce lion" during the competition. This experience, along with launching her solo career and publishing her book, helped her establish a stronger sense of identity as a performer and reclaim her voice in the industry.
1-Page Summary
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Actionables
- You can create a personal resilience journal to document your journey through challenges, noting down moments of adversity and the strategies you used to overcome them. This can serve as a reminder of your strength and growth, much like Ally Brooke's reflection on her career journey. For example, after a tough day at work or a personal setback, write down the event, how it made you feel, and what actions you took to move forward. Over time, this journal can become a testament to your perseverance.
- Start a small support group with friends or colleagues where you can share experiences and encourage each other in times of difficulty, similar to how Ally Brooke leaned on conversations with friends and family. This could be as simple as a monthly coffee meet-up or a group chat where you celebrate small victories and offer advice during tough times. The key is to create a safe space where everyone feels comfortable sharing and supporting one another.
- Engage in a new hobby or activity that challenges you, akin to Ally Brooke's participation in "Dancing with the Stars," to help build confidence and self-worth. Choose something that is outside of your comfort zone but excites you, such as a dance class, public speaking group, or a creative writing workshop. The goal is to find joy in the learning process and to celebrate the small improvements as you develop new skills, which can translate into a stronger sense of self in other areas of your life.
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Overcoming Adversity and Not Giving Up
Ally Brooke's remarkable journey through the struggles of her career is shaped by her unwavering faith and her determination to never lose hope.
Ally Brooke Overcame Career Challenges Through Faith and Determination
Ally Brooke's life is a testament to the power of faith and the strength of the human spirit. She faced numerous personal challenges and professional setbacks but continued to place her trust in God and push forward.
Ally Felt Despair and Wanted to Give Up but Chose to Trust God and Persevere
There were times when Ally Brooke was consumed by despair, struggling to find the will to carry on with her singing career. Amid experiences of being bullied online, not feeling valued in the group, and dealing with inappropriate executives in a toxic environment, she was tempted to escape reality. Instead, she decided to live each day as best as she could, despite the darkness enveloping her. In her words, "someone who felt like me can choose to not give up."
Despite Setbacks, Ally Found Success Through Resilience
Ally's career has been marked by a series of rejections and moments when hope seemed lost. One particularly devastating setback occurred after she faced rejection from four record labels. Yet, even in the throes of anger and agony, she chose to surrender control to God by singing "Jesus Take the Wheel." Her relentless faith and resilience paved the way for her to become her own boss, launch her solo tour, and face each challenge with the heart of a fighter.
Ally's Story: Overcoming Obstacles to Pursue Goals
Despite feeling defeated at various points—be it through the tears shed during quarantine, the emotional toll of writing her book, or the pressure of kickstarting her career after Fifth Harmony—Ally persevered. Her narrative of rising against the odds is reflected in her book's theme, which underscores the importance of not giving up in the face of adversity and finding fulfillment through faith.
Ally Brooke speaks candidly about the broad spectrum of challenges she has faced, from personal losses such as the death or illness of a loved one, to professional hurdles, including rejection, heartbreak, and identity issues. Each of these stories is a piece of her journey, curated in her book to inspire and demonstr ...
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Overcoming Adversity and Not Giving Up
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- While faith and determination are powerful, attributing success solely to these factors may overlook the role of external support, luck, and opportunity in Ally Brooke's journey.
- The narrative emphasizes personal choice and resilience, but it's important to acknowledge that systemic issues in the music industry can significantly impact an artist's career trajectory.
- The story presents a linear progression of overcoming adversity, but real-life challenges and successes are often non-linear and may involve repeated setbacks.
- The idea of not giving up is inspiring, but it's also important to recognize when a change in direction or strategy is necessary for personal growth or mental health.
- The emphasis on individual perseverance might inadvertently downplay the importance of seeking help or relying on a support network during tough times.
- The message of hope and resilience is powerful, but it's also essential to validate the feelings and experiences of those who may not have the resources or circumst ...
Actionables
- Create a resilience journal to document your daily challenges and the specific actions you take to overcome them. This practice will help you recognize patterns in your coping strategies and improve them over time. For example, if you face a rejection at work, write down how you processed the emotion and the steps you took to move forward, such as seeking feedback or applying for new opportunities.
- Develop a 'perseverance playlist' with songs that inspire resilience and hope. Listen to this playlist whenever you feel discouraged. The act of curating and listening to music that resonates with your struggles can provide an emotional boost and remind you of your inner strength, similar to how a motivational speech might work.
- Engage in a weekly 'resilience reflection' where you set aside time to think about a recent ...
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Faith and Family In Achiezing Goals
Ally Brooke's story is a testament to the influence of faith and family on the path to success.
Faith and Family Fueled Ally's Growth and Triumphs
Ally Brooke’s journey to success is deeply intertwined with her family’s support and her strong faith, both of which have been central to her achievements and personal growth. She hopes that sharing her story will inspire others’ faith and confidence.
Parents Supported and Encouraged Ally Throughout Her Journey
Ally acknowledges her parents as the biggest part of her life and her guiding lights. They played a pivotal role in her decisions and in reaching success, always providing wisdom without being overbearing. Ally needed her parents' advice throughout her career, especially her mother's, who she says brought her to where she is today.
Faith in God Guided Ally Through Darkest Times
Ally attributes her ability to get through the hardest times and overcome despair to her faith in God. Her faith has been transformative in her life and is a crucial factor in both her personal and professional development. Ally relied on her faith critically during her experiences on "X Factor," turning points in her adulthood, and during a particularly dark moment when a tour manager provided encouragement that renewed her hope.
Faith and Family Instilled Perseverance, Resilience, and Positivity in Ally
Ally indicates that her family and faith have shaped her identity and contributed to who she is today, implying that they have instilled her with perseverance, resilience, and positivity. Her faith and family have b ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Faith and Family In Achiezing Goals
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- While faith and family can be sources of strength, success is also influenced by individual effort, talent, and sometimes luck or opportunity.
- Not everyone has a supportive family or a religious faith, yet they still find ways to achieve success and overcome adversity.
- Relying on faith and family might not be a universally applicable strategy, as people have diverse beliefs and family dynamics.
- The role of professional mentors, educators, and peers in one's success is not highlighted, which can be equally important as family support.
- The narrative may unintentionally undermine the achievements of those who succeed without a strong familial support system or religious faith.
- The emphasis on faith and family might not resonate with those who value self-reliance or have had negative experiences with ...
Actionables
- Create a gratitude journal dedicated to family and faith, noting daily how these elements have supported you. This practice can help you recognize the role of family and faith in your life, similar to how Ally Brooke attributes her success to these factors. For example, write about a family member's encouraging words or a moment of prayer that brought you peace.
- Start a "Resilience Reflection" routine where you spend a few minutes each evening reflecting on a challenge you faced that day and how you overcame it. This can help build a mindset of perseverance and resilience. You might reflect on a work problem you solved or a personal fear you confronted, drawing strength from your faith or family values.
- Volunteer for a mentorship program, offering guid ...
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Building Confidence and Finding One's Voice
Ally Brooke's journey from being part of Fifth Harmony to establishing her solo career reflects her struggle with insecurity and her determination to find her own voice and confidence.
Overcoming Insecurity: Ally Embraces Her Unique Talents
Ally's Experiences Of Being Undervalued In Fifth Harmony Shook Her Confidence and Self-Worth As a Performer
Ally Brooke's journey in Fifth Harmony began with moments that shook her confidence. On "X Factor," she received very few singing parts, which continued into her first single with Fifth Harmony, where she was given just one line. The public and fans, noticing how she was undervalued, further affected her self-identity as an artist. Feeling controlled by the label, managers, and other team members, Ally experienced a loss of power and sense of self. Even when addressing smaller matters such as hair, makeup, and outfit choices, Ally found herself constantly rebuffed, with diminishing remarks telling her to stay in her place. These rejections, coupled with being told she should simply be grateful to be there, left her feeling small, humiliated, and guilty.
The mockery she faced online for being the weakest dancer in Fifth Harmony contributed to her developing insecurities and a complex about herself. Additionally, Ally recalls behind-the-scenes negativity from people in the business, which further dimmed her voice and light.
Therapy, Reflection, and Support Helped Ally Gain Confidence to Assert Her Art Vision
The challenges Ally Brooke faced during her time in Fifth Harmony impacted her confidence and self-worth, but it was through therapy, the support of a new team, and conversations with friends and family that she began to work through the negativity. These support systems allowed her to stand tall and reclaim her voice. Participation in "Dancing with the Stars" was a major step forward in this process. Despite her fear of confirming her lack of dance ability on a national stage, Ally prayed and, with support from her mother and friends, bravely stepped into the competition. The experience turned out to be transformative, from feeling like a "little cub" at the start to leaving like a "fierce lion." This positive transformation was a confidence booster and taught her invaluable lessons about ignoring negativity and seizing opportunities.
Ally's Decision to Pursue a Solo ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Building Confidence and Finding One's Voice
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can start a personal growth journal to track your progress and reflect on your experiences, similar to how writing a book helped Ally. Use this journal to document your daily challenges, victories, and the emotions associated with them. This practice can help you recognize patterns, celebrate growth, and identify areas where you need more support or change.
- Consider joining a local community class or group that focuses on a skill you're insecure about, akin to Ally's experience on "Dancing with the Stars." This could be anything from public speaking to cooking. The key is to choose an environment that is supportive and where progress is celebrated, which can help you build confidence in that area over time.
- Create a "confidence playlist" of songs, speeches, or ...
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