Where did you grow up and what was your childhood like? Did you have any particular experiences/stories that shaped your adult life?

We moved around when I was younger but spent most of my childhood in Nashville TN. I was very lucky to have a loving extended family that made parties and gatherings fun. Each Christmas I would direct the family Christmas play. I would cast my cousins and then make my aunts and uncles play smaller roles who were also in the audience. Everyone was always up for this and we have so many memories of putting on plays.

What is something you wish you would’ve realized earlier in your life?

I believe we learn what we need to know when we are ready.

What are bad recommendations you hear in your profession or area of expertise?

Investors don’t want to make their money back, mostly they want to put money into something they care about. While this can be true, you should always want to get investors’ money back.

Tell me about one of the darker periods you’ve experienced in life. How you came out of it and what you learned from it?

I lost my job, got a divorce, and moved all within 4 months’ time. While this was a very stressful time logistically, in my heart, I knew it was the right thing to do. I wasn’t happy at my job and that gave me the push to start filmmaking full-time. I wasn’t super happy in my marriage and have been so lucky to be with many wonderful women since then (currently single and very happy). I was able to move to my family home and be with my parents, who I love and am close to and as they get older, I am here to help them and get to spend precious time with them. This is not the life I pictured for myself when I did a “5-year plan” but it’s better than I could have imagined.

What is one thing that you do that you feel has been the biggest contributor to your success so far?

Going for it and not being afraid to fail (and trust me I have failed). If I had an idea that wouldn’t let go and I saw a path forward I just went for it. Not gracefully but I forged ahead.

What is your morning routine?

I get up between 6:30 and 7:00- I do not set an alarm unless I have to catch a flight or an early appointment. I make coffee and then journal. I have gone through different phases of journaling. At this moment I am doing a manifestation journal. I just ended a creative cleanse (something I made up) where I journaled for 100 days, one page about my creative intention for the day. I do a little work, check my email, and then have a meditation practice that is about 30 min long. I try to exercise each day, running, doing weights, or doing yoga.

What habit or behavior that you have pursued for a few years has most improved your life?

Meditation – every day (I might miss a few here or there but few and far between).

What are your strategies for being productive and using your time most efficiently?

I don’t know that I do. I love what I do and so it’s easy to work and do mundane things. I guess maybe I have a to-do list that I keep with me, and even little things go on the list. That’s as efficient as I get.

What book(s) have influenced your life the most? Why?

• The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry – I try to read that every few years. The lessons on life and what is true, and what is happiness, have always resonated so strongly with me.
• Big Magic by Liz Gilbert – all creatives should read this!

Do you have any quotes you live by or think of often?

• If you want to build a ship, don’t drum the men and women to work, shout orders or give plans, instead teach them to yearn for the vast and endless sea.
• Leap and the net will appear.