Podcast Summary
Friendship and career success: Perseverance and taking risks, even with initial hesitation, can lead to career success and meaningful friendships.
Perseverance and taking risks are key to achieving success. This was exemplified in the interview with Carly, a friend of the host who moved countries, changed careers multiple times, and is now thriving as a manager in Los Angeles. Their friendship began through acting together, and when the host started managing, she approached Carly to represent her. Despite initial hesitation from Carly, the host's determination paid off, and they have remained close friends. Throughout her journey, Carly faced numerous challenges but never gave up, eventually obtaining a green card and becoming a US citizen. Her story serves as an inspiration for those looking to make significant changes in their lives.
Winning the green card lottery leads to unexpected opportunities: Staying positive and persistent can lead to success despite challenges in the entertainment industry and the uncertainty of visa applications
Serendipitous events, such as winning the US green card lottery, can lead to significant opportunities and life-changing experiences. This was the case for two friends, one from Queensland, Australia, and the other from the US, who met in LA and formed a strong bond. The Australian had applied for a 01 visa for management, which was rejected, but soon after, she won the green card lottery and moved to the US to pursue her acting career. The industry can be challenging, with questionable characters and ethical dilemmas, but the determination and faith in oneself can lead to success. The green card lottery is a free opportunity for individuals from certain countries to apply for permanent residency in the US, and it's important to be aware of scams and the limitations of the program. Overall, the story highlights the importance of staying positive and persistent in the face of adversity and taking advantage of unexpected opportunities.
From acting to management: following one's passion: Staying committed to one's goals, being open to new opportunities, and trusting hard work can lead to unexpected successes
Determination and resilience, along with a bit of serendipity, can lead to unexpected opportunities. The speaker shared their journey from acting in various locations, including Perth and the US, to eventually moving to LA and transitioning into management. They described their 20s as a time when every dollar earned was spent on travel, and they met their future roommate and collaborator through a fortunate series of events. Their passion for acting eventually led them to realize they could be a great manager, and they made the leap despite having no prior experience. This experience highlights the importance of staying committed to one's goals, being open to new opportunities, and trusting that hard work and dedication can lead to unexpected successes.
Recognizing hidden passions and opportunities: Even when fully committed to a goal, it's essential to stay open to new opportunities and consider hidden passions. Oprah Winfrey's analogy of taking off blinkers can help us recognize alternative paths to success.
Sometimes, even when we are putting in maximum effort towards a goal, we may be missing other opportunities or signs that could lead us to greater success. The speaker shares a personal experience of being so focused on becoming an actor that she failed to recognize her natural inclination towards management. Oprah Winfrey's analogy of taking off blinkers resonated with her, and she realized she wanted to be the manager or the Ari Gold in her industry instead. Stephanie, the speaker's sister, adds to this conversation by sharing her own experience of loving competition rather than the specific sport. This insight can be applied to various aspects of life, including careers, and encourages us to consider our motivations and passions beyond our current focus. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of recognizing and seizing opportunities for growth and success.
Starting a business takes resilience and dedication: Believe in your abilities, stay dedicated to your vision, and persevere through challenges to build a successful business. Networking and building relationships can also play a crucial role in achieving success.
Starting a business requires resilience and a strong work ethic, even when the financial rewards may not be immediate. The speaker shares her experience of starting her own talent management company and earning no income during the first year, despite making impressive strides in securing visas for her clients. She emphasizes the importance of staying dedicated to her vision and continuing to work multiple jobs to support herself while building her business. This story highlights the importance of perseverance and believing in one's abilities, even when faced with challenges and setbacks. Additionally, the speaker discusses the importance of networking and building relationships in her industry, which ultimately helped her succeed.
Persisting through challenges and self-belief: Stay focused on long-term goals, trust your instincts, and do daily tasks to grow your business despite initial struggles. Don't compare yourself to others and trust your abilities to succeed, even if starting later in life.
Persistence and self-belief are key to achieving success, even when facing challenges and setbacks. The speaker shares her experience of driving Uber while pursuing her acting career, dealing with people's concerns for her safety, and her parents' doubts about her choices. Despite the initial struggles, she trusted her instincts and continued to work hard, leading to significant growth in her business. She emphasizes the importance of staying focused on long-term goals and doing the necessary daily tasks, even when progress seems slow. The speaker also highlights the stigma surrounding starting a business later in life and encourages individuals to trust their abilities and not compare themselves to others. As Denzel Washington famously said, "You've got to do what you've got to do to do what you want to do."
It's never too late to pursue your goals: Focus on your own journey, progress, and unique talents. Don't compare yourself to others or let fear hold you back.
It's never too late to pursue your goals and make changes in your life, even if you feel like you've missed your chance. Comparing yourself to others and feeling pressure to conform can be detrimental, and it's important to focus on your own journey and progress. Honesty and collaboration with others can lead to valuable insights and opportunities. In the entertainment industry, where risks are common, the ability to take chances and work collaboratively with others is essential. Don't let fear of judgment hold you back from pursuing your dreams and making the most of your unique talents and experiences.
Feeling indebted can limit growth and happiness: Address and clear debts for new opportunities, remember employment is an exchange, consider new opportunities, and embrace change
Feeling indebted to a boss or employer can limit personal growth and happiness in your career. Debts, whether financial or emotional, should be addressed and cleared as soon as possible to allow for new opportunities. It's important to remember that an employment relationship is an exchange of skills for compensation, and neither party should feel undeserving or indebted. Keeping an open mind and considering new opportunities can lead to greater fulfillment and pivots in life. Don't let yourself become too focused on one path or feel trapped in a situation that doesn't bring you joy. Embrace change and be open to new experiences.
Unexpected windfalls can lead to unexpected rewards: Even when finances are tight, unexpected money can bring joy and opportunities. Stay positive and open to new possibilities as setbacks can lead to unexpected rewards.
Even when things seem tight financially, unexpected windfalls can bring about significant joy and opportunities. In this case, a friend was thrilled to find himself in a position to break even, only to discover that the extra money he thought he had earned was actually meant for someone else's visa fees. Despite the initial disappointment, the experience led to a successful business venture and the discovery of a promising new acting talent, Cooper Van Grootel, who went on to star in the hit series "One of Us Is Lying." This unexpected turn of events served as a reminder that setbacks can often lead to unexpected rewards, and that staying positive and open to new opportunities is essential for personal and professional growth. Additionally, the success of the series was a significant milestone for the speaker, marking the beginning of a successful career in talent representation.
Creating a work environment for professional and personal growth: Investing in team members' personal development leads to lasting impacts on both them and the boss
Being a good boss goes beyond just professional growth. It's about forming meaningful connections with your team members and investing in their personal development. The speaker shared stories of her experiences as a boss, from buying Pilates memberships for her interns to emotionally supporting them. She also recalled the purchase of her second car in LA, which turned out to be a shady deal, but despite its issues, she remained emotionally attached to it. Through these stories, she emphasized the importance of creating a work environment that fosters both professional and personal growth. Whether it's through mentoring, emotional support, or even sharing a car, the speaker believes that these efforts can lead to lasting impacts on her team and herself.
Creating a positive and supportive environment: Creating a relaxed and confident atmosphere is key to effective teaching and learning, and seeking professional help when needed can lead to valuable insights.
Creating a welcoming and relaxed environment is crucial when teaching or sharing resources with others. The speaker shared an experience of not wanting to learn to drive in a friend's car due to the owner's anxiety and fear. This situation could have been improved if the friend had been more relaxed and confident. The speaker also shared a story about seeking therapy during her first relationship, which turned out to be unnecessary as the relationship continued. The experience of being labeled "deeply disturbed" by the therapist was shocking but ultimately led her to reflect on the importance of seeking professional help when needed. Overall, the importance of creating a positive and supportive environment, whether it be in teaching someone to drive or seeking therapy, cannot be overstated.
The importance of a good therapeutic relationship: Finding the right therapist is crucial for effective therapy, as the connection between therapist and client can significantly impact the therapeutic process. Honesty and self-awareness are key in finding a good fit.
The quality of the therapeutic relationship is crucial for effective therapy. A single bad experience with a therapist does not mean all therapists are the same. It's essential to find a good fit, as the connection between therapist and client can significantly impact the therapeutic process. Personal experiences, such as long-term relationships, can influence our perceptions and expectations of new connections. Sometimes, we may form attachments due to convenience or positive initial interactions, only to realize later that the connection is not sustainable or healthy. Ultimately, it's important to be honest with ourselves about our needs and feelings and to take the time to find the right therapist or partner.
Embracing Lessons from All Relationships: Fully committing to relationships, even the challenging ones, can lead to valuable lessons and personal growth. Find a partner motivated and a good match for your energy.
Committing fully to relationships, even those that may not be ideal, can lead to valuable lessons and growth. The speaker shares her experiences with various partners, each unique in their own way, and expresses gratitude for every relationship she's been in. She acknowledges that it's essential to be thoughtful and considerate in our actions, especially when entering into relationships. Even in toxic relationships, she's learned valuable lessons. The speaker emphasizes the importance of finding a partner who is motivated and a good match for our energy, as she believes she's found in her current partner, Brie. Ultimately, she's learned that the key to a successful relationship is finding someone with whom we can work and grow together.
Humorous and embarrassing experiences during virtual events: Clear communication and adaptability are crucial in unexpected situations to avoid embarrassment and ensure success.
Unexpected situations and miscommunications can lead to humorous and embarrassing experiences. During a house party over Zoom in quarantine, a friend accidentally knocked over a full wine glass while trying to balance it on her head during a performance. Meanwhile, the speaker was determined to attend an audition despite struggling in the industry and receiving conflicting advice from a successful friend. Despite wearing stripper boots for the self-tape audition, which was unnecessary, the speaker persevered but ultimately did not get the role. The experience served as a reminder of the importance of clear communication and adapting to unexpected circumstances.
Navigating unexpected twists and turns in life: Embrace the unexpected twists and turns in life, as they often lead to cherished memories and personal growth
Life's journey is never what you expect and it's never a straight line. As shared in the conversation between Josephine and her friend, their experiences have been filled with highs and lows, and at times, they turned to angel cards for guidance during difficult decisions. One such decision was whether Josephine should open a Pilates studio or pursue a neuroscience degree. The angel cards pointed her towards the degree, and now, many years later, she is graduating and hosting an amazing podcast. Throughout their journey, they've faced financial struggles, lived frugally, and learned to let go of expectations. The stories from their 20s, filled with 99 cent store adventures and Jesus candles, are now cherished memories. Josephine has learned that when you don't have expectations, the most beautiful moments come out of it, and you have more fun. Life is always bending and changing, and it's important to embrace the unexpected twists and turns.
Age brings self-assurance and less concern for others' opinions: In our 30s, we prioritize our own needs and desires, caring less about others' opinions, shaped by lessons learned in our 20s, and embracing each year for new growth
As we age, we become more self-assured and less concerned about what others think. This was a recurring theme in the conversation, with the idea being that our 30s are a time of clarity and understanding, when we start to care less about what others think and more about what truly matters to us. This doesn't mean we don't care at all, but rather that we prioritize our own needs and desires. The speaker also mentioned the importance of experiencing our 20s, as the challenges and lessons we face during that decade help shape us into the people we become later in life. Another key point was the idea that 30 is a new 40, and that each year brings new growth and strength. The conversation also touched on the topic of immigration and the challenges of maintaining residency status while studying abroad.
Unexpected delays in returning to the US: The pandemic and border closures disrupted travel plans and caused uncertainty for those with incomplete residency statuses.
The pandemic and border closures disrupted the speaker's plans to return to the United States with her green card. She had to stay in Australia for an unexpected year due to the closure of borders and her incomplete master's degree. Now that the borders are open, she's unsure if she'll be able to re-enter the US with her current green card because of her extended absence. She plans to visit the States more frequently but may need to apply for a different visa. It's a disappointing turn of events, but she remains optimistic and plans to work around the situation. Overall, the pandemic and border closures have presented unexpected challenges for those trying to navigate international travel and residency statuses.
