Podcast Summary
Embracing Challenges and Disrupting the Status Quo: Maisie Williams shares her experiences of dealing with fame and pressure at a young age, and how she continued to push boundaries and take risks in her acting and business career, emphasizing the importance of staying true to oneself and using talent and passion to innovate.
Learning from this episode of the Disruptors podcast is the importance of embracing challenges and disrupting the status quo, as exemplified by Maisie Williams' journey from a young actress on Game of Thrones to a successful and critically acclaimed actress and business owner. Williams shares her experiences dealing with the pressure, expectations, and fame that came with acting at a young age, and how she continued to push boundaries and take risks in her career. The interview covers not only her acting career but also her dance background, her future plans, and her new company, Daisy. Throughout the conversation, there is a focus on the importance of staying true to oneself and using talent and passion to disrupt and innovate. The podcast also highlights the value of connections and networking, as evidenced by Rob Moore's ability to secure the interview with Williams' team. Overall, this diverse and engaging interview provides insights and inspiration for anyone looking to disrupt their own industry or pursue their passions.
Reflecting on the importance of savoring life's moments: Slowing down and enjoying each moment can make time feel more abundant. Find balance between ambition and relaxation, and appreciate the journey rather than just the destination.
Life doesn't have to be rushed. Hearing about a mother's accomplishments at an older age made one speaker reflect on their own approaching milestone of turning 40. They used to believe that life was short and needed to be crammed with experiences, but now they realize that slowing down and enjoying each moment can make time feel more abundant. This was exemplified through their walking to work and listening to podcasts instead of watching TV or reading a book when tired. Another speaker shared their fascination with the journey of Jason Calacanis, who discovered six billion-dollar companies in his investment career. This conversation also touched on the unexpected terrors of fame, as one speaker recalled their experience of being recognized at a Game of Thrones premiere when they were only 15 years old. Overall, the conversation emphasized the importance of finding balance between ambition and relaxation, and appreciating the journey rather than just the destination.
Navigating fame's responsibilities: Success brings pressure to make a difference while maintaining a normal life. Balance self, family, friends, and career for fulfillment and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Gaining fame and opportunities comes with great responsibility. Mae, a successful actress, shares her feelings of being lucky yet pressured to make the most of her platform and voice. She emphasizes the importance of finding a balance between enjoying her success and maintaining a normal life. The constant management and attention can be exciting but also suffocating if not kept in moderation. Mae highlights the importance of grounding herself with family, friends, and self-care to avoid feeling overwhelmed by the industry's demands. Overall, she recognizes the need to stay true to herself and use her newfound platform to make a positive impact.
Balancing work and happiness: Successful people prioritize personal happiness over constant work and public image. Happiness and fulfillment are essential components of true success.
Successful people, including those in the limelight, value their happiness and well-being above constant work and public image. The interviewee shared their personal experience of prioritizing a balanced life over an overworked schedule, which led to greater happiness. They emphasized that success should not be measured solely by career achievements or public recognition, but by personal contentment. The interviewee also acknowledged that everyone's definition of success may differ, and it's essential to find what brings happiness and fulfillment in one's life. They encouraged listeners to reflect on their own paths and consider what would make them truly successful.
Money doesn't buy happiness directly: Experiences, connections, and the creative process bring more happiness than material wealth
While financial security and the ability to provide for loved ones can bring a sense of satisfaction, it does not directly equate to increased happiness. The speaker's fulfillment comes from the creative process itself and the ability to bring joy to others through performance. Money and material possessions are not the primary sources of happiness, but rather the experiences and shared moments that come with them. The speaker's happiness stems from their love of performing and creating, and the ability to make a difference in people's lives through their work. Ultimately, the speaker values the experiences and connections they have made throughout their career more than any material wealth.
A platform for artists and creatives to collaborate and be discovered: Daisy is an online community connecting artists and creatives across various industries, providing opportunities for collaboration and career growth.
Daisy is an online platform created to help artists and creatives in various industries such as film, fashion, music, photography, art, and literature, collaborate and be discovered. The founders identified the issue of a lack of clear route into the industry and wanted to create a "LinkedIn for creative people." While some may argue that artists shouldn't have to market themselves, the founders believe that the work an artist creates can speak for them. Daisy aims to provide a simpler level of collaboration and opportunity creation for artists at the beginning of their careers, allowing them to try different things and potentially discover new passions. Additionally, Maisie, one of the founders, shared her personal experience of starting as a dancer and transitioning into acting, and emphasized the importance of having a place where artists can figure it out together. Maisie also introduced Broadwalk, her trusted watch dealer, and invited listeners to check out their partnership for watch investment opportunities.
Revolutionizing collaboration for creatives: Daisy is an innovative platform that empowers creatives to collaborate, build projects, and potentially discover new opportunities, with plans to function like a 'GitHub for creatives' in the future.
Daisy is an innovative platform designed to help creatives collaborate and showcase their work to the world. Currently, the app serves as a community for users to connect and build projects together. However, future plans include a more advanced version of Daisy, which will function like a "GitHub for creatives." This will allow artists from various fields to work together on projects, build upon each other's ideas, and potentially discover new opportunities. The goal is to empower creatives and give them the tools they need to propel their careers forward, rather than relying on traditional gatekeepers in the industry. This is especially important in today's digital age, where the power to discover new talent lies in the hands of the community. By fostering collaboration and empowering creatives, Daisy aims to revolutionize the way people connect and create within the arts.
Founders of Daisy discovered unexpected value in investors: Gaining valuable connections and expertise from investors can be more beneficial than just financial resources for startups
Starting a business, particularly in the tech industry, can be surprising and uncertain, but making connections and building a network can be invaluable. The founders of Daisy, a platform connecting artists, didn't initially plan for it to be a commercial venture or to seek external investment. However, they found that having investors not only provided financial resources but also introduced them to valuable contacts and expertise. The founders chose to give away equity in exchange for this support, recognizing that the advice and connections were more valuable than the money itself. The journey to Silicon Valley was driven by the understanding that investors in this region would be more open to the idea of an unmonetized startup. Ultimately, the founders believe that the value of the network and advice they have gained far outweighs the financial investment.
Learning from setbacks in entrepreneurship: Passion, hard work, a strong team, and balance lead to business success. Setbacks are inevitable, but learning from them and staying focused can result in significant rewards.
Starting a business involves facing numerous challenges and learning from setbacks, even with celebrity endorsements or seemingly advantageous circumstances. The actor in this discussion learned that passion, hard work, and a strong team can lead to success, despite initial doubts and obstacles. Additionally, maintaining a healthy work-life balance and surrounding oneself with supportive colleagues are crucial elements of building a thriving business. Despite the potential for freedom and autonomy, having a team and accountability can provide motivation and a sense of purpose. The actor's experience demonstrates that the journey of entrepreneurship is filled with ups and downs, but the rewards can be significant.
Balancing Opportunities and Strategic Career Choices: Successful individuals in the entertainment industry need to balance seizing opportunities with being strategic, while also adapting to the unpredictable nature of their careers.
Successful individuals, including those in the entertainment industry, face the dilemma of taking every opportunity presented to them or being more strategic and selective with their careers. The guest shared her personal experience of going through periods of intense work and then taking a break, acknowledging that there's no one-size-fits-all approach to handling a career. She also mentioned that the entertainment industry can be unpredictable, with dry spells and busy periods, requiring good timing and adaptability. The guest, who had signed a six-year contract for "Game of Thrones" starting at a young age, shared that she wouldn't sign such a long-term contract again but would instead take things as they come. In summary, the key takeaway is that individuals in the entertainment industry, or any career path, need to find a balance between seizing opportunities and being strategic, while also being adaptable to the unpredictable nature of their industry.
Appreciating the present moment: Slowing down and enjoying the present can lead to new perspectives and appreciation for experiences. Don't rush through life and miss out on valuable moments with loved ones.
Taking time to live in the moment and not rushing through life can bring about a new perspective and appreciation for experiences. The speaker, who spent eight years working on a project and is now 21, reflects on how much she has grown and how she doesn't want to miss out on future moments with her family. She shares how she used to be in a constant rush but has since tried to slow down and enjoy the present. The concept of waiting for projects or creations to be released, such as movies or books, is foreign to her as she is always eager to move on to the next thing. However, she acknowledges the value in taking time to reflect on past work and the importance of not rushing through life.
Focus on enjoying the process and creating with passion: In the creative industry, it's essential to maintain a positive perspective, not let external factors define worth, and cherish experiences, even if not every project is a commercial success. Trust instincts and create with passion.
In the creative industry, especially in filmmaking, it's important to focus on enjoying the process and making decisions based on personal enjoyment rather than just the potential success or trend. The industry moves quickly, and it's inevitable that similar ideas may emerge. However, it's essential to maintain a positive perspective and not let external factors define one's worth or creativity. Career success should not be the sole motivation, and it's crucial to remember that not every project will be a commercial hit. Instead, it's essential to cherish the experiences and learn from them. Additionally, timing and trends are unpredictable, so it's essential to trust one's instincts and create with passion.
Overcoming financial constraints to follow a passion for dance: Passion, perseverance, and a support system can help overcome challenges and lead to great opportunities.
Passion and determination, even in the face of challenges, can lead to great opportunities. The speaker shared her experience of growing up with a love for dance and how she pursued it despite financial constraints. She attended a talent show in France with the help of her grandparents and excelled in various areas, ultimately landing a role in acting. The speaker also emphasized the importance of having a buddy or support system in pursuing hobbies and activities. Additionally, she reflected on the importance of not letting perfectionism hold her back from enjoying dance for the sake of it. Overall, her story highlights the power of perseverance and the value of following one's passions.
Courage and Opportunity: Unexpected Success Stories: Believing in your dreams, taking action, and having a supportive network can lead to unexpected success. Don't let fear or doubt hold you back, as opportunities and unexpected turns can lead to limitless possibilities.
Having the courage to pursue your dreams and seizing opportunities can lead to unexpected success. The speaker's experience of starting in acting after initially wanting to be a dancer, and eventually landing a role on Game of Thrones, is a testament to this. The support of her mother in pursuing her dreams was also crucial to her ambition and success. It's important to remember that while luck may play a role, taking action and having a supportive network can make all the difference. Additionally, it's essential to believe in the limitless possibilities of one's dreams and not let fear or doubt hold us back. The human story is filled with instances of unexpected turns and opportunities, and it's up to us to be open to them.
From dropping out of school to business success, it's not always about the plan: Success can come from taking risks, embracing the unknown, and being adaptable, even without formal qualifications or a clear plan.
Success is not always about being more talented or having a clear plan; it can also be about taking risks and embracing the unknown. The speaker shares her personal experience of leaving school at a young age and starting a business without any qualifications, which seemed like a risk at the time but ultimately paid off. She also emphasizes the importance of being adaptable and open to new experiences, as these can provide valuable lessons that cannot be learned in a classroom. The speaker encourages everyone to put themselves out there and seize opportunities when they arise, even if they don't fit neatly into a preconceived plan. Overall, her message is that success often involves a combination of hard work, risk-taking, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected.
Accepting Missed Experiences: Embrace the present, be smart with money, surround yourself with the right team, and stay true to yourself.
Missing out on certain experiences doesn't necessarily make life worse. The speaker shares how she used to experience FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) but has come to accept that the things she was doing instead have shaped her into who she is today. She acknowledges the grass is always greener syndrome but doesn't harbor resentment for the experiences she missed out on. Instead, she encourages enjoying the present and being smart about money, drawing a parallel from her acting career. In the business world, she emphasizes the importance of having the right team and not being afraid to say no to those who work for you. The best advice she's ever received is to be comfortable with herself and not let others dictate her choices.
Differentiate between respectful and disrespectful opinions online: Avoid internalizing negative comments from unimportant sources and consider future feelings before sharing.
Managing online interactions requires respect and self-awareness. According to the speaker, it's essential to differentiate between opinions of respected individuals and those who lack respect. By doing so, one can avoid internalizing negative comments from unimportant sources. Furthermore, considering how one will feel about a statement in the future can help determine whether it's worth sharing. Regarding the worst advice, the speaker shared an amusing yet unhelpful example. However, when it comes to the state of the world, the speaker expressed concern about the lack of effective communication and collaboration to address pressing issues like climate change.
Considering the impact of influential individuals: Use influence for good, communicate for change, prioritize mental health, and support young entrepreneurs.
Individuals with influence or a strong brand can use it for good or bad causes. It's essential to consider the bigger picture and take action instead of feeling helpless. Communication and understanding are crucial for change, rather than just arguing. Additionally, mental health and support from loved ones are vital, especially for young people facing pressure to succeed. The term "The Disruptive Entrepreneur" signifies innovation, pushing boundaries, and making a significant impact. The speaker's tattoo, "rascal 79," is a reminder of resilience and adaptability, symbolizing the spirit of being a disruptive entrepreneur.
Eurystheus' Connection to the Number 79 and His Playful Nature: Eurystheus, a podcast host, finds inspiration in the number 79 and embraces creativity, self-expression, and disruptive ideas in life and business.
Eurystheus, the podcast host, has a deep connection to the number 79, which he got inspired by during the process of buying a house with his flatmate. He sees himself as a "little rascal" in his life and finds the concept of being disruptive exciting, especially in the entrepreneurial world. Eurystheus encourages creativity and self-expression, as seen in his various social media platforms where he shares pictures of his dog, talks about nonsense on Twitter, and plans to become 1% Yorkshire Pudding in a YouTube video. His podcast, "The Little Rascal," reflects his playful and disruptive nature. Overall, Eurystheus encourages embracing individuality, creativity, and disruptive ideas, whether in personal life or in business. Follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to join his unique journey.
