Authentic & Unafraid

Sydnee Falkner on her journey to Netflix’s Million Dollar Secret and being unapologetically herself

By Kaylor Jones / Photos by Claudia Johnstone / Location: Cala Scottsdale / Hair and Makeup by Diana Quintero / Wardrobe: VICI Collection

Viewers who walked away from Netflix’s hit show Million Dollar Secret intrigued by Scottsdale’s own Sydnee Falkner are in good company.

Falkner proved a breakout star on the first season of the reality show, which pits 12 contestants against each other – one of them trying to conceal that they possess the million-dollar prize, all of them trying to take it home for themselves.

“Joining Million Dollar Secret was a wild ride,” says Falkner, who’d been approached to join unscripted shows in the past, but found none of the others were a perfect fit. “I’m a competitor at heart, and I loved the idea of playing a game where I could use my brain and charm to flip the script.”

After a rigorous casting process – from interviews to psych evaluations – Falkner finally made her on-screen debut. She planned to lean into the assumptions her fellow competitors would make about her from the moment they saw her.

“I showed up in bubblegum pink and 8-inch heels, playing into the ‘Scottsdale blonde’ stereotype. But underneath the glam was a competitor ready to outthink and outmaneuver.”

A Powerhouse Competitor

There’s no doubt that Falkner is tough. Raised in Northern Alaska, she worked as a waitress from age 13 before taking up an unorthodox job shortly after graduating from high school.

“My dad worked in the oil fields and I joined him at 18, hauling equipment through subzero temperatures to save money for college. When it hit negative 80, I knew it was time to thaw out and head down south to the desert.”

Falkner went from working 12-plus hour days for weeks in a row to studying hard in the classroom. She majored in kinesiology at Arizona State University, graduating summa cum laude. The subject, as well as her subsequent jobs in physical therapy and medical sales, tapped into her passion for fitness – Falkner has participated in bodybuilding competitions and owns her own business, Cake Co. Fitness, helping women build confidence in their own strength.

All of this to say that Falkner was not a competitor to be underestimated. “Everything I’ve done – from Alaska to Arizona, oil fields to TV – has taught me adaptability, drive and how to own every space I walk into.”

But one thing that surprised her about the experience was the public’s perception of her as one of the show’s “villains.”

“While I played a strategic game, it was never my intention to be seen as the antagonist. It’s hard to judge people on TV from a weekly 50-minute edit, but through my social media and press, I hope people are getting to know me a little better.”

Falkner adds that navigating the aftermath of the portrayal and addressing viewers’ misconceptions about her has been a big learning experience. “It’s taught me the importance of authenticity and staying true to oneself, regardless of external opinions. If being a villain means being beautiful, smart and strong, I’ll take the title.”

When it comes down to it, Falkner says, there’s still so much people don’t know about her. Case in point – she’s a huge bookworm.

“Growing up in Alaska, I spent so many nights curled up with novels – everything from every Harry Potter book to Gone Girl to The Mountain Is You. I have over 200 books on my shelves today. For all the glitz people see on Instagram, there’s also a quiet, introspective side of me that loves getting lost in a good story.”

Looking Forward

While the public first met Falkner on Million Dollar Secret – which was recently renewed for a second season – this is only the beginning of a promising new career.

“I’m excited to announce that I have inked a deal with The McCord List’s Rachel McCord to launch my own podcast-meets-talk show on McCord’s media network,” she says. “The show is called Spoiler Alert, where I’ll interview headline-making pop culture figures, reality stars and industry tastemakers.”

The cast of Million Dollar Secret are all still close according to Falkner, and on the subject of a reunion, she says, “Spoiler Alert! It’s very likely you’ll be seeing us all together soon…”

In addition to her podcast, slated to debut late summer/fall, Falkner looks forward to growing Cake Co. Fitness, including her EmpowerFit training programs and customized online training and life coaching offerings. With even more exciting collaborations still to come, Falkner is just getting started on growing her personal brand. At every stage, she looks to other fearless women for motivation.

“I draw inspiration from women who own their space with confidence and authenticity – like Brené Brown, Rihanna, Alix Earle and Coco Chanel. They each carved a lane by being unapologetically themselves. Honestly, the incredible women in my life, whether it’s my best friend or my amazing manager, all inspire me to be better.”

But there’s one woman in particular Falkner would like to share some words of encouragement with – her younger self.

“You don’t have to dim your light to make others comfortable. You can be smart, pretty, strong and kind all at the same time,” she says. “Don’t shrink. Don’t settle. The things that make you different are your superpowers. Take up space, trust your instincts, and know that every challenge is preparing you for something greater.”