

The Zack Arnold Podcast
Zack Arnold
Hi I'm Zack, and the purpose of my work is to help you find meaning and purpose in yours (without burning out...or selling your creative soul).If you've built your entire career around your creativity like I have, you may be asking the same question I am: Is there a future for us “creatives,” Or is it game over? I can't promise that I know what the future brings, but I do promise few are more dedicated to helping you find the answers than I am.You're in the right place if:You live to create. Your work isn't just a job but an expression of who you are.You create to live. Your livelihood depends on your creativity.You love making cool shit.Whether you identify as introverted or neurodivergent (or both, like me)...No matter if you're a misfit, a rebel, an outlier, or a troublemaker...If you've been called weird, nerdy, dorky, quirky, or awkward...Or if you’re an over-thinker, procrastinator, or perfectionist…You are welcome here. 😊Come join me as I have honest, authentic, and candid conversations with NYT bestselling authors, Oscar and Emmy winners, experts across many different industries, and ordinary humans achieving extraordinary things.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 30, 2021 • 32min
How to Establish a Consistent Fitness Habit | with Joshua Brecht [HSF]
In this episode, I give you an insider’s glimpse into the world of my Optimizer coaching & mentorship program and what we call the ‘Hot Seat.’ What you’ll hear today is a recording of an actual live session with an Optimizer student where on the Hot Seat we tackle various questions about career transitions, productivity, workflows, networking, burnout, habit formation, resumes and websites, and any number of other work or life challenges that students bring to the table as they navigate their own path towards success.In the following hot seat session, community member Joshua Brecht is trying to improve his health and fitness and establish the habit of working out consistently so he can be a more present and energetic father as well as have the energy necessary to keep building his business. Despite his good intentions, he’s having trouble finding motivation on a daily basis. Listen in as I help guide Joshua to some simple yet effective solutions to this very common problem we can all relate to.Want to provide your feedback on this new format? We'd love to hear from you!→ Click here to let us know what you think of this formatWant to learn more about working with me and having your own Hot Seat session?→ Click here to learn more about the Optimizer coaching & mentorship program

Apr 27, 2021 • 1h 2min
“I Was Fired For Requesting a Single Mental Health Day” | with Jim Page
When editor Jim Page recently tweeted about getting fired for requesting a single mental health day, it caught a lot of people's attention. Depression, long work hours, and burnout are all too common in the entertainment industry. The gig economy and being a freelancer instills fear and insecurity in creative professionals leaving us feeling undervalued and pressured to outperform and outlast.Thread. Please RT.I'm scared to say this publically, but I feel I need to. Recently I was fired from a show on a major TV channel because I needed a day off for mental health reasons. I made the mistake of being honest, instead of pretending to have a physical sickness.— Jimstagram (@iamjimpage) March 17, 2021My own experience with burnout is what led me to start the Optimizer coaching & mentorship program so I could start to teach people to take positive steps towards healthier lifestyles and improved working conditions. After seeing Jim's tweet, I knew I had to have him on the show to talk about this important topic.Jim Page has been editing for 15 years in the UK cutting features, shorts, documentaries, and many other types of media. His work includes the feature "The Pugilist" which was nominated for the Michael Powell Award at the Edinburgh Film Festival, while short film "No More Wings" won best film at Tribeca, and "Hair Cut" was long listed for a BAFTA. Like many creatives, Jim is passionate about his work and takes pride in what he does. But the burden of the "The Passion Tax" often becomes too much to bear without sacrificing physical and mental well-being. Jim and I discuss ways in which creatives can take action on their own behalf and embrace the power of saying no.If you have ever felt like the long hours aren't worth the toll on your happiness and health, then this episode will inspire you to take control of your career and bring your life back into balance, not to mention helping you learn how to set boundaries or yourself, even if those boundaries might cost you a gig.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:Why Jim calls himself an Award Losing EditorThe Twitter post that went viral and got my attention.Jim's history of mental health problems since he was 14 years old.The division between above the line and below the line workers makes change for mental health issues impossible.Jim’s struggle with depression and how he got started in editing.The fear that comes from being a freelancer knowing you can easily be replaced.How to take responsibility of your own mental health.What happened when Jim learned to say no to jobs he didn’t feel passionate about.KEY TAKEAWAY: There’s no shame in saying no to a paycheck job but saying yes out of fear often leads to burnout and unhappiness.The lifestyle changes that Jim has made to improve his mental health.Ways that you can set yourself up for success in your career while balancing your mental health and lifestyle.How to clearly communicate your needs to potential employers so that expectations are set properly from the beginning.What's next for Jim. Useful Resources Mentioned:Jim's Twitter Post About Getting FiredI Was Tired of Putting My Kids to Bed via FaceTime Every Night. Here’s What I Did About It.Ep141: Michelle Tesoro (ACE) On Playing Chess With Your Career (Instead of Checkers) - pt1Ep142: Michelle Tesoro (ACE) On Playing Chess With Your Health & Well-Being (Pt2)Jim's Facebook PageJim's Instagram PageContinue to Listen & LearnThe Importance of Setting Boundaries, Advocating For Yourself, and Asking For Help | with Janace TashjianDear Hollywood...We Create Entertainment For a Living. We’re Not Curing Cancer.Dear Hollywood: We Don’t Want to “Go Back to Normal." Normal Wasn’t Working.How to Have a Successful Career Without Sacrificing Family | with Farrel LevyPromoting Mindfulness, Well-Being, and Sanity In the Edit Bay | with Kevin Tent, ACETired of Holding it Together All the Time? Here are Five Basic Needs to Get You Back On TrackHow Total Burnout Led to the Most Productive Year of My LifeHow to Overcome Post-Production BurnoutA Classic Case of Post-Production BurnoutStruggling to “Do” It All? Try “Being” First. (Three Strategies to Reclaim Your Time and Sanity When Working From Home)[CASE STUDY] Why I Said No to a Job (A Great One)…During a PandemicOur Generous Sponsors:Struggling With Real-Time Remote Collaboration? Meet EvercastAs work begins to slowly trickle in again, perhaps the most pressing challenge we as creative professionals face in our post-pandemic reality is real-time collaboration. Zoom is great for meetings, but it sure doesn't work for streaming video. Luckily this problem has now been solved for all of us. If you haven't heard of Evercast, it's time to become acquainted. Because Evercast's real-time remote collaboration technology is CHANGING. THE. GAME.→ Click here to see a free demo of Evercast in action!This episode was brought to you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat (my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation) and now their latest product. New Standard Whole Protein is a blend of both whey and collagen, sourced from the highest quality ingredients without any of the unnecessary filler or garbage. Not only will you get more energy and focus from this protein powder, you will notice improvements in your skin, hair, nails, joints and muscles. And because they don’t spend a lot on excessive marketing and advertising expenses, the savings gets passed on to you.Guest Bio: Named a Berlinale Talent in 2021, and a BAFTA Crew Talent for 7 years running, Jim Page has 15 years of experience cutting features, shorts, documentaries. His work includes feature "The Pugilist" which was nominated for the Michael Powell Award at the Edinburgh Film Festival, whilst short "No More Wings" won best film at Tribeca, and"Hair Cut" was longlisted for a BAFTA. His work has drawn praise from David Fincher, Mark Romanek and David Yates amongst others. In addition to his cinematic work, he is also a respected editor of documentaries.Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel.The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).

Apr 23, 2021 • 29min
I’ve achieved my goals, Now What?| with David Feinberg [HSF]
In this episode, I give you an insider’s glimpse into the world of my Optimizer coaching & mentorship program and what we call the ‘Hot Seat.’ What you’ll hear today is a recording of an actual live session with an Optimizer student where on the Hot Seat we tackle various questions about career transitions, productivity, workflows, networking, burnout, habit formation, resumes and websites, and any number of other work or life challenges that students bring to the table as they navigate their own path towards success.In the following hot seat session, community member David Feinberg has had some huge wins and achieved some long-standing goals that he set when he began the Optimizer program over a year ago. Now he’s come up against the obvious question: What’s next? Does he use his momentum to keep striving towards even bigger and better goals, or does he take some time to adapt and enjoy the accomplishments he’s achieved? There’s no right answer to this question as it’s unique to each individual’s journey, but listen in to learn the questions that David must ask himself to determine the right next steps for him.Want to provide your feedback on this new format? We'd love to hear from you!→ Click here to let us know what you think of this formatWant to learn more about working with me and having your own Hot Seat session?→ Click here to learn more about the Optimizer coaching & mentorship program

Apr 20, 2021 • 1h 2min
[CASE STUDY] From Total Burnout to Shooting for the Moon (Literally) | with David J. Turner
You would think that being nominated for an Eddie Award for your first feature documentary credit would be a dream right? For David J. Turner, the editor of Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound it absolutely was...but making it the finish line of a grueling project that took years to complete came at a pretty steep price, not the least of which was ending up in the emergency room just weeks before picture lock.Which begs the question...what price are you ultimately willing to pay to hold whatever your version of a gold statue is?And more importantly, do you have to make that choice at all, or is there a better way to pursue your professional goals while maintaining some semblance of work-life balance?As a filmmaker and storyteller who wears multiple hats beyond editing such as composing, cinematic sound editing, sound design, and documentary filmmaking and shooting, David found himself under an immense amount of self-induced pressure to deliver on his very first big project. When he found my article, Dear Hollywood: We Don’t Want to “Go Back to Normal." Normal Wasn’t Working he felt relieved that many others out there were feeling like he was - burned out, exhausted, and fed up with having to make the choice between health and success. At this point he was questioning whether he still wanted to be in the business at all anymore. Desperate to find a better way David decided to join my Optimizer coaching & mentorship program.In today’s candid discussion David I talk about the steps he took to slowly rebuild his health one “easy win” at a time, and then we dive into the deeper limiting beliefs that were holding David back from pursuing his next big project (not the least of which were perfectionism and imposter syndrome). And then we talk about the seismic mindset shift that David made that allowed him to go from thinking he wasn’t in a place to pursue difficult projects to literally applying for the opportunity to travel to the moon (no really...literally applying to fly to the moon). Learn how you too can apply the simple steps that David did to start building habits & routines that will set you up for success in both work and life.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:How David landed his dream gig on Making Waves.David's self-induced pressure on the job led to unhealthy work habits.Suffering from burnout, he came to me asking the question, "Do I really want to do this job anymore?"The story of how he ended up in the hospital at the end of the project with typhus.The paradox of unshakable focus: Is it a superpower or kryptonite?Managing the costs of trying to sprint a marathon.The first easy win that David tackled to recover from months of burnout.KEY TAKEAWAY: Small steps lead to big changes.How David has dealt with losing momentum on healthy habits and getting back on track.The lifestyle habits that boosted David's career and creativity.How a paint can project became a metaphor for David's perfectionism and limiting beliefs.Discovering the deeper psychological reasons that were getting David stuck.KNOWING YOURSELF BETTER QUESTION → What would you pursue if you could get rid of all expectations?David's skepticism about creating an ideal calendar turned into finding his own way to make time blocking work for him.How Trello became the one stop organizer for all David's to-do lists and tasks.Why it's necessary to go through Focus Yourself before pursuing networking.The confidence that David gained during the Optimizer program led to him reaching for the moon, LITERALLY.How shooting for the moon has shifted his perspective and made him excited to live his life again.David's advice to others who might be where he was before he started the program. Useful Resources Mentioned:Legendary Editor Walter Murch On Optimizing Creativity, Productivity, and Well-Being In Hollywood For 50+ YearsDear Hollywood: We Don’t Want to “Go Back to Normal." Normal Wasn’t WorkingFOCUS: The Superpower of the 21st Century | with Cal NewportThe Zen-like Art of 'Getting Things Done' | with David AllenJapanese billionaire seeks eight people to fly to Moon - BBC NewsContinue to Listen & LearnHow Tiny Changes Can Create Remarkable Results | with James ClearHow to Pursue Fulfilling Work and Find Your ‘Calling’ | with Dr. Tal Ben-ShaharThe Four Tendencies’ (aka ‘The Matrix’ For Understanding Yourself & Others) | with Gretchen Rubin[CASE STUDY] Overcoming Burnout and Imposter Syndrome | with Chryss TerryThe Ugly Side of Depression, Burnout, and Imposter Syndrome | with Gen MaloneCarol Littleton, ACE on The Secret to Surviving 40+ Years Working In HollywoodThe Science Behind Success and Creative Burnout (And Why You’re Approaching Both Mostly Wrong) | with Eric BarkerMichelle Tesoro (ACE) On Playing Chess With Your Health & Well-Being (Pt2)I Was Tired of Putting My Kids to Bed via FaceTime Every Night. Here’s What I Did About It.The Importance of Setting Boundaries, Advocating For Yourself, and Asking For Help | with Janace TashjianDear Hollywood...We Create Entertainment For a Living. We’re Not Curing Cancer.Our Generous Sponsors:Struggling With Real-Time Remote Collaboration? Meet EvercastAs work begins to slowly trickle in again, perhaps the most pressing challenge we as creative professionals face in our post-pandemic reality is real-time collaboration. Zoom is great for meetings, but it sure doesn't work for streaming video. Luckily this problem has now been solved for all of us. If you haven't heard of Evercast, it's time to become acquainted. Because Evercast's real-time remote collaboration technology is CHANGING. THE. GAME.→ Click here to see a free demo of Evercast in action!This episode was brought to you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat (my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation) and now their latest product. New Standard Whole Protein is a blend of both whey and collagen, sourced from the highest quality ingredients without any of the unnecessary filler or garbage. Not only will you get more energy and focus from this protein powder, you will notice improvements in your skin, hair, nails, joints and muscles. And because they don’t spend a lot on excessive marketing and advertising expenses, the savings gets passed on to you.Guest Bio: David J. Turner is an ACE Eddie-nominated film editor, a Cinema Audio Society-winning sound mixer, and a 23 Telly Award-winning documentary director. From 2004 to 2008, he traveled around the world as a videographer based out of Minneapolis, MN - helping raise over $3 million for crisis response domestically and internationally, and garnering 23 Telly Awards for his documentaries. He went on to earn an MFA in Film & Television Production from the USC School of Cinematic Arts in 2011, and discovered a passion for film editing and sound design that led him to teach sound re-recording mixing at the USC School of Cinematic Arts and picture editing at the Los Angeles Film Studies Center. In 2013, he worked as a sound editor and Foley mixer on Fruitvale Station - the directorial debut of Black Panther director Ryan Coogler. He then embarked on a years-long journey as a film editor and production sound mixer on the documentary Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound. The film premiered in 2019 at the Cannes Film Festival, and David was nominated for an ACE Eddie award and won a Cinema Audio Society award for his sound mixing work. Currently, David is pursuing his lifelong passion for music composition, which he is building into a second career alongside his filmmaking.Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel.The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).

Apr 16, 2021 • 31min
How to Leverage Your Skills to Get Hired (When You Don’t Have the Experience) | with Marcella Garcia [HSF]
In this episode, I give you an insider’s glimpse into the world of my Optimizer coaching & mentorship program and what we call the ‘Hot Seat.’ What you’ll hear today is a recording of an actual live session with an Optimizer student where on the Hot Seat we tackle various questions about career transitions, productivity, workflows, networking, burnout, habit formation, resumes and websites, and any number of other work or life challenges that students bring to the table as they navigate their own path towards success.In the following hot seat session, community member Marcella Garcia is hoping to make some action plans for the obstacles she’s encountering with her goal of becoming a scripted television editor. Many of her obstacles are limiting beliefs that many of us encounter when making a career transition such as believing no one will hire us without experience even though we already have the necessary skills. Listen in as we uncover how Marcella can reframe her doubts and insecurities and leverage the skills she already has to build her confidence so she can convince the right people she’s the best fit for the job.Want to provide your feedback on this new format? We'd love to hear from you!→ Click here to let us know what you think of this formatWant to learn more about working with me and having your own Hot Seat session?→ Click here to learn more about the Optimizer coaching & mentorship program

Apr 13, 2021 • 1h 3min
[CASE STUDY] From “Out of Ideas” to Becoming an Idea Machine | with Paul Del Vecchio
When filmmaker Paul Del Vecchio reached out to me six months ago, he had a successful career as a high-end commercial editor, director of photography, and colorist. He had climbed to the top of the ladder in his corner of the world - the trouble was that he was at the top of the wrong ladder and didn’t want to be there anymore. How did he end up there like so many others do? Simple - Paul said yes to practically every opportunity that came his way his entire career, an answer driven largely out of fear. He found that every time he tried to pursue his true calling of writing and directing, he had nothing left to give his own projects because he gave all his mental, physical, and creative energy to other people’s projects. In fact, Paul struggled so much to get into the rhythm of writing again that he convinced himself he had run out of ideas.Here’s a Slack message that Paul sent me recently after working through his many fears and obstacles in my Optimizer coaching & mentorship program:Not bad for a guy who was burned out and “out of ideas.”So how did Paul become an absolute productivity ninja? We talk all about the strategies he implemented in todays episode including:Alleviating his financial fears of not being able to afford saying no to the wrong jobs (which was total BS he was making up in his head)Implementing a system of external accountability and financial management to have confidence he could turn down the wrong projects and focus on the right onesBuilding in new daily habits to help reignite his creativity that would inspire him to go back to writing again (a habit he had all but given up on).Paul’s ideas are now abundant and he's no longer "busy" doing everyone else's work, but rather he's productive and focused on his own work. Paul is here today to candidly and honestly share his story and tell you in his own words the steps he took to turn his career around and rediscover his own creative flow so if you’re stuck in a similar place you too can get back on track.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:How Paul's obliger tendency led to him climbing to the top of the wrong ladder.The key mindsets Paul implemented to begin making changes in his life.The film contest that Paul won but didn't bring the opportunities he hoped for.How Paul began to create his own opportunities.Paul’s reaction to his own words played back to him about how stuck he was 6 months ago.Paul admits to skepticism in the beginning of the program but decided to trust the process and see what happens.KEY TAKEAWAY: The smallest of steps lead to big changes.How Paul uses accountability to keep himself writing and working towards his goals.The finance system that allowed him to let go of his fear and feel confident about saying no to jobs he didn't want to do.KEY TAKEAWAY: Saying yes to something means saying no to many other things such as time, freedom and creativity.Paul was terrified of beginning the outreach process in the Advanced Networking program.Paul shares the secret to not feeling like you are bothering people when you reach out to them.Paul describes his experience of writing, sending, and getting a response to his first outreach email.KEY TAKEAWAY: Make your outreach emails easy to respond to by asking if you can ask a question.What Paul learned from a connecting with a director via cold outreach.Why asking for advice is not the best way to get the most valuable information from people.Paul reflects on the changes and progress he's made over the last 6 months of being in the Optimizer community.Paul's advice for anyone wanting to make a change in their life. Useful Resources Mentioned:Myspace - WikipediaTrelloThe Four Tendencies' (aka 'The Matrix' For Understanding Yourself & Others) | with Gretchen RubinContinue to Listen & LearnRedefining What It Means to Be “Productive” (and Aligning Your Values With Your Time) | with Tamara TorresHow Tiny Changes Can Create Remarkable Results | with James ClearHow to Pursue Fulfilling Work and Find Your ‘Calling’ | with Dr. Tal Ben-ShaharRamit Sethi on Forging The Path Towards Your Own ‘Rich Life’How to Become ‘Indistractable’ | with Nir Eyal[CASE STUDY] Why I Said No to a Job (A Great One)…During a Pandemic[Case Study] Overcoming Imposter Syndrome, Better Managing Your Time, And Making the Most of This Pandemic | with Ariel Fujita, Kristi Shimek, and Maxton WallerWant a Response to Your Cold Emails? Then Every Message MUST Do These 5 Things (optimizeyourself.me)The 5 Most Common Mistakes You're Making With Your Cold Emails (and How to Fix Them) (optimizeyourself.me)How to Find the Right Type of Mentor For You (and When You Should Seek the Best)Our Generous Sponsors:Struggling With Real-Time Remote Collaboration? Meet EvercastAs work begins to slowly trickle in again, perhaps the most pressing challenge we as creative professionals face in our post-pandemic reality is real-time collaboration. Zoom is great for meetings, but it sure doesn't work for streaming video. Luckily this problem has now been solved for all of us. If you haven't heard of Evercast, it's time to become acquainted. Because Evercast's real-time remote collaboration technology is CHANGING. THE. GAME.→ Click here to see a free demo of Evercast in action!This episode was brought to you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat (my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation) and now their latest product. New Standard Whole Protein is a blend of both whey and collagen, sourced from the highest quality ingredients without any of the unnecessary filler or garbage. Not only will you get more energy and focus from this protein powder, you will notice improvements in your skin, hair, nails, joints and muscles. And because they don’t spend a lot on excessive marketing and advertising expenses, the savings gets passed on to you.Guest Bio: Paul Del Vecchio is a Promo & Commercial Editor, Colorist, and DP in NYC who has done work for companies like NBCUniversal, Nickelodeon, USA Networks, TNT, Conde Nast, and Viacom on brands such as Furious 7, The Hunger Games, Mr. Robot, Crimson Peak, Hennessy, Michael Kors, Vogue, GQ, Vanity Fair, Bon Appetit, and more.As a Director, his film, "The Final Day," was hand picked by legendary filmmaker George Romero and The Weinstein Company as the Grand Prize Winner in the "Diary of the Dead" contest. The film is in the special features of the "Diary of the Dead" Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital Release.Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel.The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).

Apr 9, 2021 • 31min
Preparing for a “Meet & Greet” conversation with a potential mentor | with Paul Del Vecchio [HSF]
In this episode, I give you an insider’s glimpse into the world of my Optimizer coaching & mentorship program and what we call the ‘Hot Seat.’ What you’ll hear today is a recording of an actual live session with an Optimizer student where on the Hot Seat we tackle various questions about career transitions, productivity, workflows, networking, burnout, habit formation, resumes and websites, and any number of other work or life challenges that students bring to the table as they navigate their own path towards success.In the following hot seat session, community member Paul Del Vecchio is looking for help in preparing for a zoom meeting with a new connection he established through cold outreach. He wants to make sure he provides value to this person while also making it clear how this person can help him in his own journey. Listen in to hear the advice I give and how Paul can ensure this is a fruitful conversation for everyone involved that could potentially lead to longer term mentorship...and if he plays his card right, maybe even his dream job someday!Want to provide your feedback on this new format? We'd love to hear from you!→ Click here to let us know what you think of this formatWant to learn more about working with me and having your own Hot Seat session?→ Click here to learn more about the Optimizer coaching & mentorship program

Apr 6, 2021 • 57min
[CASE STUDY] Navigating a Difficult Career Transition | with Sam Lavin
Last year writer/director Sam Lavin came to me because she had never felt more scattered. Amidst unemployment and managing the pandemic she said to me: “I’m typically a very ambitious person, but I’m finding it hard to stay on projects and get things done. I’m not motivated because I don’t know what I should be doing.”As an award-winning DGA director, assistant director, and writer who has worked on film and television projects including Lucifer, The Mayor, and Criminal Minds, she came to me as a 2nd AD with hopes of transitioning to the directing chair. Like many hit with a generous dose of perspective when the pandemic hit, Sam realized she was stuck and didn’t want to be a 2nd AD anymore...but she had no idea what to do next - and that lack of certainty left her paralyzed. She was dreaming of making her next major career transition into becoming both a 1st AD on major tv shows as well as a writer & director (and she knew she was ready!), but she had no clear path or next steps to make her vision become her reality. This led to wasted days of scattered attention and feeling “busy” but not “productive.”After joining the Optimizer coaching & mentorship program, Sam was able to design a plan that led her to firmly landing in the 1st AD position on a major streaming show for Apple, and she’s now poised to finally become a director. In today’s conversation we talk about the practical steps she took to work through the mental barriers that were stopping her from being productive and moving her career forwards, how she has become a focus machine getting more done in a few months than she had accomplished in years, and most importantly how you can apply the same principles to build momentum in your own career and life.No matter the career transition you are hoping to make next, even if the rungs of the ladder you want to climb might be different than others, the path is almost universally the same for all of us. You first need clarity about your next steps so you don’t inadvertently waste years of effort climbing the wrong ladder. Then you need to develop and hone the skills necessary to do the job you want next. And thirdly you need to build the right network of people so you can leverage those skills and convince them you can do the job, even if you might not have the experience yet. Simple...but far from easy. Learn how Sam did it and how you can do it too.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:What brought Sam to the Optimizer community and her career leading up to now.Sam's daily routine before she became a student in the Focus Yourself program.How we helped settle Sam's scattered mind and anxiety about where her career was headed.The obstacles Sam encountered when trying to find focus and clarity in her life.The mindset change that helped Sam make the transition from 2nd AD to 1st AD.How the Focus Gym helped her finish her pilot that she hadn't been able to complete before.The piece of feedback she received that changed her mindset about becoming a director.How the cancellation of an AFI program she had applied for gave her confidence to network more.KEY TAKEAWAY: Your beliefs about yourself have the power to transform your life.Networking saved Sam from doing unnecessary steps to transition her career to the next level.Sam breaks down the skills necessary to become a director and what you can and can't learn by being a 1st AD.What positions most commonly get to the director's chair from film and television crews.The goal every 1st AD has to keep in mind when on set.How the politics of being a woman as an AD has made it tricky to navigate her career.Understanding the difference between confidence and arrogance and how to apply it to your career.How applying logic to networking was the key to helping Sam shift her mindset to make it work for her.What is the magic formula for networking and how it relieves the anxiety of reaching out.Sam's advice to anyone who feels like she did a year ago before she started the program. Useful Resources Mentioned:Work With Me | Optimize YourselfContinue to Listen & LearnI need help making a career transition | Optimize YourselfInsider's Guide to Writing Cold OutreachHow to Find the Right Type of Mentor For You (and When You Should Seek the Best)How to Go From Cold Contact to Your Ideal Mentor In Seven Simple StepsIMDbPro for Networking: The 10 Features That Will Take Your Outreach to a New LevelHow to Avoid Getting Pigeonholed, The ‘Concentric Circles of Networking’ & More | with Doc Crotzer, ACEHow to Keep Working As An Editor (After You’ve Made the Transition From AE) | with Susan Vaill, ACEOn the Importance of Building Relationships, Asking Questions, and Never Giving Up | with Andi ArmaganianHow to Cultivate a “Service-Centric” Mindset (and Why It Will Make You More Successful) | with Agustin RexachChasing After the Next Gig vs. Building Your Career | with Kabir Ahktar, ACEOur Generous Sponsors:Struggling With Real-Time Remote Collaboration? Meet EvercastAs work begins to slowly trickle in again, perhaps the most pressing challenge we as creative professionals face in our post-pandemic reality is real-time collaboration. Zoom is great for meetings, but it sure doesn't work for streaming video. Luckily this problem has now been solved for all of us. If you haven't heard of Evercast, it's time to become acquainted. Because Evercast's real-time remote collaboration technology is CHANGING. THE. GAME.→ Click here to see a free demo of Evercast in action!This episode was brought to you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat (my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation) and now their latest product. New Standard Whole Protein is a blend of both whey and collagen, sourced from the highest quality ingredients without any of the unnecessary filler or garbage. Not only will you get more energy and focus from this protein powder, you will notice improvements in your skin, hair, nails, joints and muscles. And because they don’t spend a lot on excessive marketing and advertising expenses, the savings gets passed on to you.Guest Bio: Sam Lavin is an award winning DGA director, assistant director and writer who has worked on film and television projects including “Lucifer”, “The Mayor” and “Criminal Minds”.Samantha adapted and directed the British play “Key Change” in its West Coast premiere. It received an LA Times 99 Seat Beat Critic’s Pick for its innovation and raw staging of a story highlighting women in prison.Samantha wrote and directed the film, "In Memory of Me" which screened at over 40 festivals worldwide, winning awards including Panavision’s New Filmmaker Grant. She also created a television show called "Out of the Frying Pan" which was optioned by NBC/Comcast.Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel.The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).

Apr 2, 2021 • 31min
Which Job Should I Take? | with Sam Lavin [HSF]
In this episode, I give you an insider’s glimpse into the world of my Optimizer coaching & mentorship program and what we call the ‘Hot Seat.’ What you’ll hear today is a recording of an actual live session with an Optimizer student where on the Hot Seat we tackle various questions about career transitions, productivity, workflows, networking, burnout, habit formation, resumes and websites, and any number of other work or life challenges that students bring to the table as they navigate their own path towards success.In the following hot seat session, community member Sam Lavin faces the inevitable decision that is so common in the entertainment industry, especially for freelancers: which job do I say yes to, and which is a no? At some point, we all have to decide between multiple job offers. It’s easy to see this as an enviable problem, but nonetheless it’s a problem that should be handled with careful consideration. Sometimes advancing your career forwards requires the courage to say no to the obvious opportunity and yes to the better fit that might not be as easy to commit to in the short term. Listen in as Sam and I discuss the many factors that go into helping her debate between upcoming opportunities and where to place her focus and energy.Want to provide your feedback on this new format? We'd love to hear from you!→ Click here to let us know what you think of this formatWant to learn more about working with me and having your own Hot Seat session?→ Click here to learn more about the Optimizer coaching & mentorship program

Mar 30, 2021 • 1h 14min
Redefining What It Means to Be “Productive” (and Aligning Your Values With Your Time) | with Tamara Torres
In my Optimizer coaching & mentorship program I teach my students that in order to enjoy their work (and not end up burning out) it’s imperative that they learn how to work smarter and not harder. Most people who teach “productivity” are simply sharing strategies that allow people to run on the hamster wheel faster and more efficiently. I prefer to teach people how to be more effective with their time and energy so what they have on their to-do list actually matters.Today's guest, Tamara Torres, is the founder of Optima Results Coaching (I swear the name similarity is all coincidence!) where she teaches practical solutions to improve habits, increase productivity, and create time and energy for what matters most. Her background in psychology, integrative medicine, and meditation give her a holistic approach to not only coaching clients to successful careers but teaching them to also build more fulfilling, well-balanced lives beyond their jobs.In our conversation Tamara shares her insights and strategies for aligning your values with your time and explains how they are ultimately much more connected to your productivity than your apps, to-do lists, or your calendar. As an added bonus you'll hear her turn the tables when she puts ME on the hot seat! I share how my habit of always searching for a better way has led to great success but also great detriment. She offers her analysis and some important questions for me to consider to more accurately align my (exceedingly high) expectations with reality.If you’re looking for a better way to manage your day, your energy, and your life to find a version of “productivity” that works for you, this is the place to begin.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:How the death of Tamara's father led to her becoming a productivity coach.Why Tamara’s diverse background in health and her naturopath degree helped shape her coaching style.What Tamara means when she talks about Productivity with Heart.Why your values are connected to productivity.Using your calendar to check that your values are aligned with your time.Why scheduling intentional time with family is critical for building strong relationships.Defining the difference between quantity of time and quality of time.What a time audit is and why you should try it for two weeks.What is a season of sacrifice and how can you apply it to your life?How setting proper expectations can help alleviate stress in the family and at work.KEY TAKEAWAY: Create a ritual at the end of your workday to smooth the transition to family.Understanding your chrono type and how to make it work for you.How I learned to manage my energy and time to get my work done on Cobra Kai.KEY TAKEAWAY: Be willing to say no to things that aren't in alignment with your values.What is Parkinson’s law and how can you use it to your advantage?The power of the Pomodoro Method and time blocking your day.How I overcame perfectionism and reset my circadian rhythmsI put myself on the hot seat and Tamara coaches me on my workaholic tendencies.KEY TAKEAWAY: Perfectionists should work on progress over perfection and practicing gratitude can help alleviate the perfectionist tendency. Useful Resources Mentioned:Happier in Hollywood - A podcast with Liz Craft and Sarah Fain • Happier in HollywoodGretchen RubinThe Four Tendencies Quiz - The Four Tendencies QuizEp75: The Four Tendencies’ (aka ‘The Matrix’ For Understanding Yourself & Others) | with Gretchen RubinWhat is a Key Performance Indicator (KPI)?Toggl Track: Time Tracking Software for Any WorkflowLaura Vanderkam | Writer, Author & Speaker | Time ManagementThe Pomodoro Technique ExplainedI Was Tired of Putting My Kids to Bed via FaceTime Every Night. Here’s What I Did About It.How to Conduct an Annual Review (2020 Edition!) 🗓 : The Art of Non-ConformityContinue to Listen & LearnPromoting Mindfulness, Well-Being, and Sanity In the Edit Bay | with Kevin Tent, ACEThe Importance of Setting Boundaries, Advocating For Yourself, and Asking For Help | with Janace TashjianHow to Have a Successful Career Without Sacrificing Family | with Farrel LevyHow Tiny Changes Can Create Remarkable Results | with James ClearHow to Pursue Fulfilling Work and Find Your ‘Calling’ | with Dr. Tal Ben-ShaharOn the Importance of Building Relationships, Asking Questions, and Never Giving Up | with Andi ArmaganianRamit Sethi on Forging The Path Towards Your Own ‘Rich Life’How to Use 'Intuitive Eating' To Change Your Relationship With Food | with Melissa CostelloHow to Stay Productive (and Stop Procrastinating) During Your Next Hiatus | with Debby GerminoTired of Holding it Together All the Time? Here are Five Basic Needs to Get You Back On TrackOur Generous Sponsors:Struggling With Real-Time Remote Collaboration? Meet EvercastAs work begins to slowly trickle in again, perhaps the most pressing challenge we as creative professionals face in our post-pandemic reality is real-time collaboration. Zoom is great for meetings, but it sure doesn't work for streaming video. Luckily this problem has now been solved for all of us. If you haven't heard of Evercast, it's time to become acquainted. Because Evercast's real-time remote collaboration technology is CHANGING. THE. GAME.→ Click here to see a free demo of Evercast in action!This episode was brought to you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat (my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation) and now their latest product. New Standard Whole Protein is a blend of both whey and collagen, sourced from the highest quality ingredients without any of the unnecessary filler or garbage. Not only will you get more energy and focus from this protein powder, you will notice improvements in your skin, hair, nails, joints and muscles. And because they don’t spend a lot on excessive marketing and advertising expenses, the savings gets passed on to you.Guest Bio: Tamara Torres founded Optima Results Coaching to help busy professionals take their lives to the next level without sacrificing balance. She draws on a background in psychology and integrative medicine, along with 10,000+ coaching interactions and 20 years of meditation practice. Tamara teaches practical solutions to improve habits, increase productivity, and create time and energy for what matters most.Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel.The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).


