By Peter de Kuster

Introduction: When Life Forces a Rewrite

Goodrich (2024) is a heartfelt comedy-drama about Andy Goodrich, a successful but emotionally distant art dealer whose world unravels when his wife enters rehab and leaves him to care for their young twins. As Andy fumbles through parenting, confronts his failing business, and faces the fractured relationships in his life, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery and redemption. For creative leaders, Andy’s story is a reminder: you are the storyteller of your own life. Will you let old patterns define you, or will you seize the chance to create your own legend—one brushstroke at a time?

Plot Summary: From Gallery Walls to Family Halls

Andy Goodrich, once consumed by his Los Angeles art gallery, is blindsided when his wife Naomi enters a 90-day rehab program and leaves him to care for their nine-year-old twins, Billie and Mose. Out of his depth as a parent, Andy juggles school runs, fibs about Naomi’s absence, and leans on new friendships—like single dad Terry—for support. Meanwhile, his relationship with his adult daughter Grace, strained by years of neglect, is tested as he asks her for help.

As Andy’s business teeters on the edge, he tries to secure a lifeline by landing the estate of a renowned artist, only for the deal to collapse and force the gallery’s closure. Amidst farewells and regret, Andy begins to reconnect with Grace, who is now pregnant and wary of his late-in-life transformation. When Naomi returns, intent on divorce, Andy’s world is shaken again. Grace unleashes years of pent-up anger, but when her water breaks unexpectedly, Andy is there to support her through the birth of his granddaughter. In the end, Andy is left with a new sense of purpose: embracing fatherhood, grandparenthood, and the art of starting over.

The Hero’s Journey in Goodrich

Reflections for Creative Leaders at Every Stage

Stage	Film Moment	Reflection for Creative Leaders
1. Ordinary World	Andy’s life as a work-obsessed art dealer, disconnected from family	Where are you living on autopilot, missing what matters most?
2. Call to Adventure	Naomi enters rehab, leaving Andy with the twins	What crisis or challenge is forcing you out of your comfort zone?
3. Refusal of the Call	Andy’s initial denial, lying to his kids, resisting change	When have you tried to avoid responsibility or uncomfortable truths?
4. Meeting the Mentor	New friends (Terry), and Grace’s reluctant support	Who helps you see your blind spots and offers guidance, even if it’s tough love?
5. Crossing the Threshold	Andy takes on full-time parenting and tries to save his gallery	What leap into the unknown have you taken, despite feeling unprepared?
6. Tests, Allies, Enemies	Juggling business, parenting, and family tensions	Who are your allies and adversaries as you navigate change?
7. Approach to the Inmost Cave	The gallery deal falls through, Andy faces total loss	What is your greatest fear about failure or letting go?
8. Ordeal	Naomi returns, Grace confronts Andy, her water breaks	When have you been forced to face painful truths and your own shortcomings?
9. Reward	Andy supports Grace through childbirth, bonds with his granddaughter	What unexpected gifts have come from embracing vulnerability?
10. The Road Back	Andy begins to accept his new role as father and grandfather	How do you rebuild after loss, and what new story will you write?
11. Resurrection	Andy is changed—more present, humble, and open to love	How have your struggles transformed your leadership and relationships?
12. Return with the Elixir	Andy, surrounded by family, finds meaning beyond success	What wisdom or legacy will you share from your journey?

Conclusion: The Canvas Is Yours

Goodrich is a story about the messiness of second chances and the courage to rewrite your life’s script. Andy’s journey reminds us: it’s never too late to show up, to repair, and to create meaning from chaos. As creative leaders, the question is not whether you will face setbacks, but whether you will use them to paint a new masterpiece. The next chapter is always yours to write.

Questions to Take Away After Watching Goodrich

• Where in your life are you operating on autopilot, and what is calling you to wake up?
• Who are your mentors and allies, and how do they challenge you to grow?
• What old stories or patterns must you let go of to move forward?
• How do you respond when your plans collapse—do you retreat or reinvent?
• What legacy do you want to leave for those who follow?

Story Coaching Offer: Create Your Hero’s Journey with Peter de Kuster

Are you ready to step into your next chapter and become the author of your own legend? My story coaching is for:

• Creative professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders seeking clarity, purpose, and authentic impact
• Anyone at a crossroads, ready to turn setbacks into growth and meaning
• Individuals inspired by stories and determined to become the storyteller of their own life

Benefits of Story Coaching

• Discover your personal myth and core archetypes
• Reframe limiting beliefs and turn adversity into opportunity
• Gain clarity on your mission, legacy, and next creative chapter
• Develop practical strategies for authentic, impactful leadership
• Strengthen your storytelling skills to inspire and unite your team

Special Price for Readers

• Full Story Coaching Session (2 hours): €195 (excl. VAT)
• Express Session (1 hour): €120 (excl. VAT)

Contact: peter@wearesomeone.nl

You are the hero, the storyteller, and the legend in the making. The next chapter is yours to write.