Katie Couric interviews creator Issa Rae

In her memoirs I am going there, Katy gives a behind-the-scenes look at her iconic career – but she also reflects on the ups and downs of her personal life. She goes into detail explaining how she climbed the media ladder, and how family, friendship and romance contributed to her success.

If you’ve been grateful for Katie’s musings on making serious professional progress (and, since we’re all human, the occasional setback) while dealing with love and loss, we’ve got more where that came from. For those of you who enjoy reading about how the best and brightest in their fields got to where they are today, Katie has started her video series To get there. In each video, Katie spends the day with a successful woman to learn how she got to where she is and the advice she has for others. Each interview is a mix of solid career advice and a candid look at the silly, funny, sometimes upsetting parts of life they go through as they pursue their dreams.

KCM originally created them because we love learning about how successful women overcome challenges to become their best selves. And since we all need a little extra inspiration these days, we wanted to remind you that overcoming adversity can be its own reward. Of course, Issa Rae was the natural choice for this series: from the start of her groundbreaking career, Rae has thoughtfully and hilariously explored her own vulnerabilities. Ray talks to Katie about how her web series began after analyzing her own social discomfort. Her hit TV show, Uncertain, built on this desire to depict appropriately, slice of life, silliness, awkwardness, occasional pain and joy. Read on to learn more about Rae’s early life and process, and watch the video below.

Katie Couric: Do you have a morning routine? do you meditate

Well, when I’m not shooting, I like to walk, I don’t like to play sports — I’m a stereotypical black woman. But I like being able to collect my thoughts, that’s where I feel most creative.

What is your typical day like?

In LA when I shoot the show, I don’t have much of a life. It’s really getting up, going over my lines in the hair and makeup trailer and making sure the set is properly decorated.

You moved around a lot in your childhood. How has this affected the way you feel about your identity?

You’re always reinventing it. You are always trying to adapt to your surroundings. You’re just trying to fit in. I hated being the standout. You feel alone, you think, “Am I the only one going through this?” Then you realize you’re not. I think what I love about these moments is that they bring us together.

Where did you get the idea from? Awkward black girl?

I was writing in my journal and thinking, Why am I so antisocial? Why do I get embarrassed easily? I came up with two incomplete sentences: I’m awkward and I’m black. This was the genesis of Awkward black girl.

The show has been called revolutionary, which is kind of shocking in this day and age.

It’s a compliment, but it’s also like, “Why is this revolutionary?” It’s sad.

You are partially responsible for redefining what Blackness is. Was that your goal going in?

I I did they want to have a new archetype. One I identified with – because there were a bunch of stereotypes. For me, it was about putting something into the world that I could relate to.

Was it hard to stick to your guns?

It would be difficult if I didn’t have the internet validation. That was so valuable to me…I didn’t want to sell out.

Do you feel things are changing?

yes We can’t let this be an isolated moment, we have to make sure this continues. That’s what feels so powerful and different at this point in time.

A lot of the focus on the show was based on your relationship with Lawrence. Were you surprised that people went crazy over this relationship?

Beyond surprised. It made me realize how much we miss seeing a regular black relationship on TV.

What is your advice to women who want I’m getting there?

Work with other women who want to get there, who are on paths that complement your own. That was central to me — finding female druggies who are good at what they do, who are committed, and who want to grow with you.

I hope there are many young African-American women who watch this and are inspired by you. What would you tell them?

I expect you to carry the torch. I hope to make you proud. But I hope you open the doors to people too. If you don’t pay it forward, that’s just selfish. If it’s just for you, what’s the point?