Transcript
[0:00] Zack Arnold: My name is Zack Arnold, I'm a Hollywood film and television editor, a documentary director, father of two, an American Ninja Warrior in training and the creator of Optimize Yourself. For over 10 years now I have obsessively searched for every possible way to optimize my own creative and athletic performance. And now I'm here to shorten your learning curve. Whether you're a creative professional who edits, writes or directs, you're an entrepreneur, or even if you're a weekend warrior, I strongly believe you can be successful without sacrificing your health, or your sanity in the process. You ready? Let's design the optimized version of you.
Hello, and welcome to the Optimize Yourself podcast. If you're a brand new optimizer, I welcome you and I sincerely hope that you enjoy today's conversation. If you're inspired to take action after listening today, why not tell a friend about the show and help spread the love? And if you're a longtime listener and optimizer O.G. welcome back. Whether you're brand new, or you're seasoned vets, if you have just 10 seconds today, it would mean the world to me if you clicked the subscribe button in your podcast app of choice, because the more people that subscribe, the more that iTunes and the other platforms can recognize this show. And thus the more people that you and I can inspire, to step outside their comfort zones to reach their greatest potential. And now on to today's show.
When editor Marcella Garcia originally reached out to me in January because she was stuck in the wrong place in her career, and wanted to make a seemingly impossible transition into the world of long form scripted entertainment. She definitely did not expect to send this message just six months later, in the optimizer Slack community. Cue the air horns and the confetti I have a wind to announce. Ladies and gentlemen, after a rigorous six months, I am proud to announce that I had my first scripted AE union show. Like Marcella when people come to me for help, but they commonly describe themselves as feeling stuck, overwhelmed, burned out and ready to change. They're burdened with limiting beliefs that convinced them that they simply can't change, and they have no idea what the path looks like to get where they want to go next. Now whether that sounds like just a bunch of personal growth jargon to you or not, that's irrelevant. What matters are results. Marcella is a shining example of what is possible when you put in the work. Growing up in San Antonio, Texas, Marcella just didn't see a lot of other Mexican American women becoming Hollywood film and television editors. Unconsciously this lack of representation held her back and then even limited her dreams of what could be possible for her own career. She worked as a short form editor for a long time on Digital Lifestyle content for Fortune 500 magazine brands. But it really wasn't until she mentored young women in high school that she realized it was time to get more out of her career. This is originally what led her to join my Optimizer coaching and mentorship program. And six months later, the rest is history. In our conversation today, you're going to hear how Marcella overcame her anxious thoughts, faced her fears and discovered how much more she's capable of achieving. You're also going to learn how she created a very clear and a very doable path that has not only led her to her first job as an AE in scripted TV, but she is now also mentoring other young women to pursue their passions in film and television so she can become the representation that she never had. Now if today's interview inspires you to take the next steps towards designing a more fulfilling career path that not only aligns you with work you're passionate about but also includes some semblance of I don't know, work life balance maybe. And especially if you would like support, mentorship, and a community that can help you turn your goals into a reality. I am excited to announce that Fall Enrollment is officially open for my Optimizer coaching and mentorship program. To learn more about all the program has to offer and how I can personally help you design your path and determine your next steps towards your definition of success. Without of course sacrificing your sanity in the process. You can learn more by visiting zackarnold.com/optimizer. Enrollment closes Monday, September 13. Alright, without further ado, my conversation with editor Marcella Garcia made possible today by our amazing sponsor Ergo driven who's going to be featured just a bit later in today's interview to access the show notes for this and all previous episodes, as well as to subscribe so you don't miss the next inspirational interview please visit zackarnold.com/podcast.
[4:43] Marcella Garcia: I think the first thing that came to my mind was just like overcoming your own anxious thoughts. I think that's like a large part of a lot of people. They just have a lot of fear and they don't know how to do anything. So that's one thing that pops in my head and then just how important having support, whether it's somebody like a mentor or a community, because that was huge for me, I think that was the game changer was having like people actually going through what you're going through. And then in a work environment, everybody pretends not to be vulnerable. And then you're kind of program, everybody's vulnerable. And that was nice, because I'm naturally like that. So it was, it was awesome.
[5:23] Zack Arnold: I'm here today with Marcella Garcia, you're an editor who in the past, you've got content for Digital Lifestyle content, you've worked with brands like Fortune 500 brands, Instyle Magazine, People Magazine, done stuff for YouTube, Instagram. And as we're going to talk a lot more about you've recently transitioned to being an assistant editor in the world of scripted television. And I think the most important part of your introduction that people need to know is you consider yourself the Optimize Yourself Hot Seat Queen. Yes. So Marcella, welcome to the show. What is the hot seat? And why do you feel you are the hot seat Queen,
[6:00] Marcella Garcia: I am the hot seat queen. Because I was on sometimes twice if there was possibility, and I really took advantage of that hot seat because I just there was such a wealth of information that you gave, and then being able to see other hot seats. So that was, to me, that was the best part of the program,
[6:20] Zack Arnold: were really want to start the conversation today is understanding a little bit more about you understanding your path. And I think that one of the the areas we're gonna dive into, and really the reason that I wanted you on this call today is because as you already alluded to, you stole my thunder, you love being vulnerable, and being honest and being open. And you and I have gone deep on many, many calls in the past group calls where we were able to share your hesitations and troubles with other members of the community. And I want our audience to understand what some of the things are that you overcame, because just nine months ago, in January, you said to me, I work with all these short form lifestyle brands. I've never worked in the world of scripted television, I don't know how to get into the union. I just don't know how to make this happen. And I don't know if I can. And remind me again, what you're doing right now.
[7:10] Marcella Garcia: I am an assistant editor in scripted television, cutting scenes already.
[7:17] Zack Arnold: I love it. So let's go back to the beginning. And I want to talk about where Marcella came from and how you got to the point where we found each other in January.
[7:26] Marcella Garcia: So yeah, in January, I remember I was editing for some Yeah, Fortune 500 companies a lot of online content. And I remember when I came to you in January, I knew I didn't want to continue in the line of work that I was in. I knew that because of the whole situation with the pandemic that I had an opportunity in a way on my hands to change the course of where I wanted to go. And I had dabbled in scripted before with some non union shows. And I in January, I really wanted to figure out what was going to be my path. And I knew I really enjoyed scripted because at that point, I had helped with a short, I had done a mentor workshop through the union. But I was really overwhelmed and anxious and nervous. And I just didn't know what that world look like. So if I didn't know how that will look like then I didn't know how to even go down that path. So I was I felt stuck in January when I when I had the call with you. I didn't know what to do.
[8:29] Zack Arnold: Yeah, I actually went through the transcript of the very first time that you and I talked, which is always surreal for me. Because once I work with somebody get to know them so well. And when I was listening to it, I was like I can't believe this is like nine months ago. I feel like I've known you for years now. But talking about our very first conversation and you said I just don't know what to do. It was just like there's this big giant barrier. This this huge wall in front of you, where all of the answers were on the other side of it, and you just couldn't break through.
[8:56] Marcella Garcia: Yeah, yeah, it was. Yeah, there were a lot of unknowns. And I think that was the big key word. I remember going through programs just like there were things that I didn't know that that I knew I had to learn somehow. And your program helps tremendously.
[9:12] Zack Arnold: Well, I want to make sure that we dig into some of those a little nuggets that have been aha moments for you. Because the you I can always tell when it clicks for you. Because you're just like, Ah, yes, Okay, I get it now totally makes sense. I'm gonna do that, like you have these moments. It's very animated. So I want to eventually get to some of those aha moments. So we can share them with people. Because I don't hide anything. It's not a matter of Oh, well. Don't tell anybody the good stuff. They have to pay the money to join the program, right? The programs for the accountability and the community, the tips, the strategies, I write about all this stuff, I talk about all this stuff everywhere. But before we get to all the goodies, I want to dig a little bit more into your background because I know that your heritage in your background and where you came from plays a big part in a lot of the anxiety and the overwhelm and the hesitation about trying to break into this industry.
[9:57] Marcella Garcia: Yeah. So when you say that I mean, the main thing that pops up is, you know, prior to getting into your program, there were a lot of limiting beliefs. I didn't see a lot of, you know, people like women, I didn't know a lot of can't talk about that.
[10:14] Zack Arnold: You can talk about anything you want there, there is nothing off limits. So and then this is actually one of those areas where I prefer you to be very vulnerable and open and honest.
[10:23] Marcella Garcia: Okay, cool. Okay. Yeah, I needed that. So prior to your program, there were, you know, I started late in the game. So I started I don't know, in my mid 30s, as far as wanting to go into scripting. And so prior to that I had, I didn't know, but I had a lot of limiting beliefs. So I hadn't seen a lot of women as editors, in scripted, I hadn't seen a lot of Mexican American women specifically. And I think, because when you don't really see that representation, you don't know, but it it really like, I don't know why this is breaking up. So if you don't believe that it's possible. So I think for a long time growing up, you know, it wasn't a job role that I thought I could do. So ultimately, not seeing that representation in there. But then, you know, moving to New York and moving to LA, and seeing that there actually were women editors, and then seeing that there were some Latina women editors, it made me start seeing my dream as possible. And so I started just to explore those options more. So it made me as a Mexican American woman want to just continue leveling up and learning more and meeting more people so that ultimately I could myself be the representation. Because ultimately, you know, after all is said and done, and I continue learning your awesome skills through each program, I do want to give back to, you know, young Mexican American women so they could see, hey, you know, we're here to, you know, our color of the rainbow is here as well in the creative arts. And I think, because you're able to get more from the creative arts and more impactful film and television series when there's a mix of personalities, you know, and so that's really important to me. So not seeing the representation was a big part of me starting so late in the game. And now seeing some representation and wanting to be a part of that is making me want to go harder. So I could give that back. That was a big limiting belief.
[12:24] Zack Arnold: One of the things that I knew right away that I didn't say to you, and I don't even know if I've ever said it to you, I'm usually a pretty good judge of character, it takes me about five to 10 minutes on an introductory call with somebody to know, are they going to be able to make it or not? There are a whole lot of steps that they need to go through, there's going to be a lot of barriers. And specifically in the world of the entertainment industry, there's no timeline. If I have somebody on a call that says, I want to be a doctor, how long is it going to take me? And I say, well, where are you now, this is year two of medical school, I can say it's going to take exactly this many years and months before your doctor, right? And our industry, there's no way to do that. And there's really no way to say you're ever going to make it. But I have a pretty high success rate of identifying people that I think are going to make it I knew very quickly talking to you that what was going to happen that has now happened was just going to be a matter of time. But here's the other thing that I saw that I don't even think we've talked about, you are going to be the female Mexican American editor on the panels in three to five years that provides the representation to the younger people that you might have been five or 10 years ago that said, Why am I not represented? I totally see that happening. You're not there yet. But you're very, very close. And this podcast is one of those first steps to being able to do that.
[13:38] Marcella Garcia: Wow, I appreciate you saying that. And honestly, I it's so funny, because in your focus yourself program, I found my why. And it still holds me to this day. Like when I get tired, you know, because you're working, you can lose some of the motivation, the excitement, and I think about a young me and then I kid you not Zack, it just brings me right back and it pushes me hard. And for you to say that ever since I started in this career. I always had these big dreams of just giving back to the the young Mexican American arts and creative women and especially in my hometown San Antonio. So anyway, to hear you say that is like, Man, I'm on the right path. And I feel really good about it. Really good. Thanks.
[14:26] Zack Arnold: So give it given that we're gonna dive really deep into the darkest depths of who you are as a human being and what drives you. I want to go a little bit deeper into that. Why? Because this is a huge area that we work on in the program. Most people think, oh, cool, we can workshop a resume and you can give me some tweaks on an outreach email. And yes, we do a lot of that. But ultimately, if you don't understand why you're doing the work that you're doing, everything else feels like busy work. And it's one of the biggest reasons we procrastinate. I don't know if the thing on my calendar is what I should be doing because I don't know what I'm doing with my life because I don't know the meaning of my life right now. So dig a little bit deeper into what the true deeper why is that you found? And I'm curious, when I know that we discovered and we talked about it in the program. But when did you really get that spark the first time whether it was when you were four, when you were 17? When did you realize this is what inspires me, and this is the kind of work I want to go after, even though it's going to be next to impossible, and I'm not represented, and I might need to be one of the first
[15:24] Marcella Garcia: I feel I've always wanted to help people just because of me growing up, I don't know why. But those are kind of characteristics I already have I, I care a lot about others, encouraging people. But I think the first time I realized that that was a force behind it is when I moved to LA, and I, you know, didn't have a job at the time, I moved without a job. And so I started volunteering at inner city arts. And it was for the schools that didn't have creative programs. And I participated volunteered in a film class, and it was for Latinos, specifically, middle schools that didn't have creative arts program. And so I'm there volunteering, and I'm assigned a group of young Latino, women like seventh grade, and I had to guide them through their film project. And as I was guiding them in their film project, I was so excited that it was pretty much all I could think about when I left, and there was one young lady that I that I really connected with, and it was exciting to go and volunteer at the class, and you know, being able to help them and she was waiting to show me like waiting to show me your project, waiting there, show me what she was what she had done. And it was just like, oh, there's something here like this is this is important to me, like to have them, you know, to just express themselves because I mean, without going too far on a tangent I, when I was younger, I remember so badly wanting to express myself. But I didn't know how there were in any creative programs. And I remember i'd you know, be with my camcorder. And I'd be recording everything and creating stuff. But that's where it stopped. So when I saw her, you know, I saw myself and I thought, Oh, I wanted to focus on helping her. But I thought man, I really have to get far in my career. So I can really, really help them create some awesome stories. So that was the first couple, I think two and a half years ago where I volunteered program. And I was like, Oh, this could be something and then when we revisit it in in the why and focus yourself. It just made complete sense.
[17:32] Zack Arnold: So what I'm now curious about given that this was an experience that happened relatively recently, I wasn't going to bring up age, but you had brought it up a little bit earlier, where you're coming into this a little bit older. And I know that this is one of those limiting beliefs that you had. So what I'm curious about is what led you to get into the industry in the first place? And well, how did you basically choose the the jobs and the opportunities where you eventually landed in the place where you did where you said, Hmm, so I don't want to do any of this anymore. And I need to make a change, like what what led you down that path in the first place? From the point that you're like, right out of college, the first 1015 years of your career, how much of that was driven by passion and a need for fulfillment versus I just need to amass credits, or I need to make money or whatever it is, I'm really trying to find. When is that moment when you decided this isn't what I want to do anymore.
[18:21] Marcella Garcia: So when I knew that in the volunteer class, I when I wanted to do more, I was really confused. I still didn't know where I wanted to be. At that point. I was, you know, a being at commercial post house I was trying to figure out. So if the question is, you know, how did I decide, okay, I'm going to go all the way I didn't know what all the way look like, I didn't have a clue. I was still thinking I wanted to be a music video editor. That was kind of my first goal. And in scripted, I accidentally just got into it. And so you know, a large part of me believes in, you know, sometimes things just line up the way they're supposed to. So I accidentally got into scripted. I ended up finding that I loved it. And I think that was still a part of the limiting beliefs was that I didn't see myself in long form, maybe partly because I didn't believe I could be there. Like That was too high up. So as I'm talking about it, I'm thinking, I think subconsciously, I was like, No, no, that's not for me, you know, that's for everybody else. And then also another part I always thought long form was a little boring. I like to short stuff. I had always worked in short form stuff. You know, I think for me, it was just on the projects I was on I learned more and I know myself I get really into it and then I'm curious and I you know, I kind of test the waters, see what I like and then I can end it on like well, I like that let me try it out. And then I you know, figure it out, get there, test it and so it was just that that process really I accidentally got into scripted I ended up really falling in love with it when I saw that it was a creative team collaboration. I Like the challenges, and everybody in my career that had met me, when I would talk about editing, they would say, why don't you get into TV and movies? And I thought, I don't know, it's too long. So I always had those moments in my career. Because I see, I think what people saw which I what I did see is that I really loved filmmaking. But because I didn't have the creative resources back when I was, you know, I was doing this as early as eight years old. I didn't know what that look like. So people, it's funny, were guiding me along the way. And I was just kind of like, Alright, let's go up another level, you know, so it was really all by accident. But it was amazing accident.
[20:39] Zack Arnold: Of course. Yes. So. So speaking of being guided along the way, and having all these opportunities that came along by accident, there are two words that you and I have learned how to use a whole lot better in this program, one of which was a big struggle for you. The two words are Yes, and no. And I remember fairly early in the program, there were many conversations about potential opportunities. And I put the word opportunities in air quotes, because they were potential opportunities. And there was a lot of hesitation and nervousness about saying no to them, but you have sense overcome that. But that was a really big obstacle for you coming into this is the fact that you had all these other opportunities, you fallen into the trap that so many people fall into, which is that you're great at what you do. So people want you to keep doing it. And as long as you say, yes, that happens. And as I've said many times before, and will continue to say we don't get pigeonholed. We allow ourselves to be pigeonholed. So talk about some of the yeses, and then this transition that you've gotten to the point now, where you not only hesitantly say no, you confidently say no, I remember you coming to a call one morning and posting in the Slack channel. Like all exclamation points. I said no to a job. Like we celebrate that more than I think any other, you know, career community would. But let's talk about your use of the word yes and no, and how that's changed?
[21:58] Marcella Garcia: Yeah, I think before you know, learning all the things I did in your program, I did it, I went with the flow. So everything was a Yes, because it was a job, I needed money. I didn't, you know, really learn how to, you know, I hate using the word network, I didn't know how to build relationships. So because of that everything was yes. And so then once I got into your program, you know, I started learning that I could determine what I wanted to say yes to and what I wanted to say no to. And it was based on what my end goal was. And that was a huge learning moment for me. And it's something that I really feel is going to guide me until the end. So a few pop into my head, you know, that came up when I was when I would utilize these hot seats. So I'll start with this one. One was when I was offered a staff job for the job that I was trying to get out of. And I remember scheduling a hot seat with you and asking you kind of trying to analyze should this be something I do? I don't know when I'm going to become an ame scripted. And I remember you just questioning me and guiding me on like, hey, that's if you were to take this job, you would put me in the scenario, he would take out all the emotion out of it, he would put me in the scenario and you would say, you know, is this something you know, you see yourself being happy with leaving after you get a job? And I remember being like, Oh, my gosh, this is an obvious No. And so you removing the emotion, being able to, to me to see it from the actual moment would help guide me. So that was the first one. So that was a no. So I ended up sending them an email and saying no, I'm going to turn down the stock position. And I'm so glad I did. It's crazy how it worked out. And then the second one was, I remember I think it was about April, was it I got in your program in January. And it was a it was amazing. I was learning at that point. I was learning everything about avid because I wasn't strong in those avid skills. And so I started going hard on it. I got an email from an editor I've worked with a couple years ago, and he sends me he recommends me for this amazing show. It's it's Oh my god, it's on billboards everywhere. It has like these big name stars. And when I got it, I kid you not I was ecstatic. I was like, This is what I've been working on. Since January. It's going to happen. And I remember I got that email. I hadn't scheduled a hot seat. It was a Wednesday I got the email Wednesday, early early morning, your hot seat started and I waited till the end, I signed on to the zoom call. And I was like Zack, I got this great opportunity. But you know, I don't know at that. Well, you know, and again, you just ask the right questions took helped me take the emotion out of it because there's a lot of nerves especially when the post producer was going to call me for an interview in an hour. And I remember you helped guide me just to think clearly. So the advice was Be honest, Don't lie. And more than likely it was like be aware of the situation, right? So don't let your I need this job now overwhelm you to where you make a mistake. So I was I had the interview with post producer, I was honest about my avid skills. And he so thankfully thanked me for being honest. He said, Look, this is a very high visual effects show, you know, unfortunately, we need somebody a little more keen and avid and proficient. Thank you for letting me know. And I didn't realize it then. But I realized it now. Cuz now I'm gonna use scripted. And I'm so glad I didn't take it. And because of the fact that I had to, I would have I would have ruined my connections, I would have looked dumb, I would have ruined that opportunity with the editor I worked with, I would have ruined that opportunity with him. This industry is really small. In a way I didn't say no to that. He said no. To me, that was a big learning moment.
[26:01] Zack Arnold: My sincerest apologies for this brief interruption. But if you are a creative professional who spends long hours at your desk, and you are searching for a simple and affordable solution to optimize both your energy and your focus, not only is the following promo, not an interruption, but listening has the potential to change your life. Here's a brief excerpt from a recent interview that I did with Ergodriven co founder and CEO Kit Perkins, the creator of the Topomat, who's here today to talk about his newest product, New Standard Whole Protein.
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[26:53] Zack Arnold: When people think of protein powders they think, well, I don't want to get big and bulky. And that's not what this is about. To me this is about repair.
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[27:33] Zack Arnold: Well my goal is that for anybody that is a creative professional like myself that's stuck in front of a computer. Number one, they're doing it standing on a Topomat. Number two, they've got a glass of New Standard Protein next to them so they can just fuel their body fuel their brain. So you and I, my friend, one edit station at a time are going to change the world
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To me the couple of takeaways that I really want to extract from this before we move forwards because I would say that of all the conversations we had you really picked out the two of it are the most pivotal moments, the first of which is you have a staff opportunity. And I got the sense that if had that opportunity been offered to you without you being in the program, I think you probably would have taken it. Looking in hindsight, we now know that that would have sent you down a very different path. But it's the second one where I really feel like there was a lot of growth. And the the big conversation like you've already kind of highlighted is Oh my God, my dream opportunity is here. It's going to happen. This is so exciting. And basically I said, Let's simmer down now, let's just curb our enthusiasm and really talk through this right? We don't know if it's an opportunity yet, not because you're not ready or it's not a great show or anything else. But we need to ask a simple question. Is this opportunity going to set you up for success? Or is it going to set you up for failure? And we had talked through all the different scenarios and at the time, you weren't aware of the scenarios and I'd said it's most likely going to go one of two ways. If they know that you have not a whole lot of experience. Then number one, you're going to be in a nurturing environment where you come in, they know that they can guide you through you've got other assistance to answer your questions. Maybe you're coming in earlier in the process. You can work on dailies, and you can kind of ease your way in. And the big question that I always ask everybody is do you know enough to not fail your first week and you're like absolutely, if That's the scenario. And then I said, What if you're just jumping into the middle of a fire pitch? And bullets are flying everywhere and deadlines were last week? And you've got to deliver? Are you going to have a lot of room for questions about avid? And where's this menu item? And how do you do your list? You're like, no, like, if I did that, I would probably look really bad. And it would burn all those bridges, and they never hired me back. The unfortunate part is that that was the scenario. The fortunate part, though, is that you're honest and authentic. And now because of that, yes, you didn't get the gig, but you now have a relationship with a producer that trusts you. So I bet you could go back to that person in three or six months and say, hey, guess what, I just finished up an entire season. Bring it on. Now I can do it. And now I feel confident. And I know that was a huge learning moment for you. Or even though you didn't technically say no, you put yourself in a position to be turned down knowing that you weren't going to be serving somebody else and providing value to them.
[30:57] Marcella Garcia: Yeah. And I remember being so sad. And then I remember seeking it that gave me the right advice. And I was a little like, I would go over to sadness, a little bit of like, mad. And then I was like, No, I know I did the right thing. And it turned out Yeah, I really did.
[31:16] Zack Arnold: So let's talk about why it ended up becoming the right thing. Let's talk about how you actually made this transition. How did all the pieces come together?
[31:23] Marcella Garcia: Yeah, I mean, it ended up being the right thing, because I started figuring out what the right fit was for me. So that was my first introduction into the the phrase, the right fit. And then I started figuring out because I'd schedule heartsease with you all the time. And, and just from the community, I started doing the homework on Well, for a green at what opportunities are open to me. And so it was like, well, not a show with high visual effects that needs to get out a show, you know, a re edit or whatever, the next week, so then it was like, okay, maybe a pilot because it's new. So all of these things, I started building the picture of what an actual job could be for me. So from that moment on, it just became a lot of conversations, and hot seats, a lot of conversations with at ease that I was reaching out to, and then you know, thinking out with you through the hot seats. And that led me to kind of, to, to not kind of but to build a plan, which was what skills I needed to learn because I ended up reaching out to that editor that reached out to me so so through that opportunity, I turned to him to guide me on what he needs from an AV. And then it was so diverse. So then he told me sound design, some visual effects. And then when I reached out to other EAS, they would confirm sound design visual effects. So it gave me a game plan to be confident when that opportunity came. So that's what really what's from from it.
[32:49] Zack Arnold: Now. Hold on a second, I want to clarify something. You're a Mexican American female that doesn't have the skills. You're older. What business do you have reaching out to editors and other people in this industry? Like Who do you think you are doing that? What's that all about? Right? Does that voice sound familiar? Whose voice is that?
[33:08] Marcella Garcia: Yeah, it's an old limiting belief. That's what it is. It's silly.
[33:13] Zack Arnold: It's not It's not that old. It's months old. It's not years old.
[33:17] Marcella Garcia: Isn't it? Crazy? It really like I'm like, Who is that person in January? Like I can't do not I thought about it. The other day on my drive home. I was like this sun was setting. I was like, man, I can't believe like, for a second. I was like, I can't believe I'm doing it. Like I can't believe and I thought about myself at like 12 or 13. And I was just like, Damn, you're gonna be all right. You're gonna work on a show, you know? And so even it doesn't even feel it. Did you know why? Because I held on to that belief, almost my entire life all the way until literally this year. That? I don't know. It just it feels it feels insane. It feels it feels insane. It feels like I'm like an unfolding person.
[34:06] Zack Arnold: Well, I want to dig even deeper into this idea. And this transformation of my entire life. I've held this belief that I don't belong here. Who am I to reach out and ask these questions and build these relationships? And now you're just like an outreach ninja. You're just sending the emails, you're getting responses, you're getting the answers to your questions, what skills do I work on next? And what opportunities are there like you're doing all this stuff and it's just it's a matter of you need to take the time you need to be focused, directed and you get it done. So what switch when it comes specifically to outreach, we went from an entire lifetime of Who am I to think I can do this to Alright, I'm just going to rifle these things out. I'm going to get my questions answered, and I'm going to land me a gig. What's changed?
[34:47] Marcella Garcia: I think what's changed is one, the first thing that comes to mind is the community. Again, just being immersed in a community where everybody's going through the same thing. So that's the first thing and then the Second thing is what I learned in your program was taking the emotion and the desperation out of it. And that meaning, not thinking about yourself only, you know, because I think a lot of me was like, Oh, I want to be the best editor. And, you know, I want this and I want that. And in your program, it became like, Well, what do they need? You know, what can I give? And also, what's the end goal? Like, what am I really trying to do? And learning that it's not checkers? It's chess, because that was huge. And I actually told that to coworker the other day, I was like, remember, we're playing chess, not checkers?
[35:39] Zack Arnold: Like, what, what are you talking about? What is this madness?
[35:42] Marcella Garcia: Well, I feel like I look like a little mini Zack, like, it's just so funny. And but yeah, so it was so much that that goes beyond this podcast. But a lot of it is self worth, right, and letting go with recognizing the limiting beliefs, letting go of them, being a part of a community that where you can be vulnerable, you know, and you give such great outreach, email advice, but that is a really small percentage of it, it's a great advice, but it's everything you do behind that email. That's the real game changer. And I swear, I mean, I can go the whole night talking about all the behind the scenes work. But that was a, that was a large part of it.
[36:25] Zack Arnold: At the end of the day, I'm just gonna give all my secrets away, I'm gonna give away the big secret. And it's probably not a secret, because you've done a lot of calls with me, and you've seen this. But there's a very simple formula to this. The formula is that once I get a basic idea of the kind of person that I'm going to be working with, like I said, in the first 10, to 15 minutes of an intro call, I get a sense of, is this somebody that's willing to put in the effort in the work or not? Is this somebody that feels entitled, and it should just be coming to me? And why am I not getting all my opportunities, boohoo versus, I know that I can make this happen. I just don't know how I can see the difference. All I really need to do in this program is convinced you that you can do it. That's it. I knew you could do it, you didn't know that you could do it. You had no idea you were capable of this. I knew 10 minutes into our first call, Mike, this is so simple. I don't know exactly when it's gonna happen. But if I based on the market, and based on our conversation, I would have said by the end of the year, and it took about eight months, but I could tell but you're the one that put in all the work, right. But the really big question, once we get past the limiting beliefs is how right how do i do what are the steps. And that's actually an area that I want to dig into a little bit deeper, where maybe I'm going to be putting you back on the hot seat shouldn't be a problem, because you're the hot seat Queen, right? The the the self named self proclaimed hot seat, there's another area that I want to dig into a little bit deeper where I know that you struggled and to this day you still struggle and I struggle with. And it's a very, very common challenge for creative people, analysis paralysis. You and I are like, you know, siblings from another mother when it comes to analysis paralysis, where you can overthink something until the cows come home. Just so many different options that I've researched all my this and that. And the other thing, and like me, you to get very, very stuck in that. So let's talk a little bit more about that. Because one of the things when it comes to awareness is we have this concept called the four tendencies. And I can put a link in the show notes to an episode that I did with the creator and originator of this Gretchen Rubin. But we dug deep into this to help you understand which of the four tendencies you struggle with the most. What is the name of that tendency? And let's talk a little bit more about how we helped overcome some of those struggles.
[38:35] Marcella Garcia: Yeah, it was a questioner, so I didn't know it. And I actually thought I was an obliger. So it was it was pretty. It awakened me when you were like your questioner, and then it all made sense, because I question so much a question everything to death, which, you know, has me creating, you know, like, like a list of items. And then because I'm questioning the list of items, it just, it never stops. And then I don't know what to do, because I've overwhelmed myself that I end up never doing anything. So yeah, so so that was huge,
[39:09] Zack Arnold: what I'm really interested in and it's not like we've eradicated it, you know, so I gave you a shot. And all of a sudden, you're not a question or anymore. But you've gotten a lot better at making decisions and moving forwards and not getting stuck. What are some of the tips that you've used and houses become easier for you? This is so common for creative people.
[39:25] Marcella Garcia: It's just who I am. And so I think it's something I am always going to struggle with. The way I get out of it really is a it's gonna sound so simple. I just I just stopped questioning. I know I'm overthinking when I start getting really anxious. And really, that's how that's, you know, that's one method and then, you know, thinking it out, I just, I just go back to kind of Who am I talking to and what is the end goal. That's another thing I utilize and then I kind of just take a step away from Everything, and then I come back and I'm like, Oh, it's totally fine the way it is, I'm just going to send this email. So those are the three methods, because I know myself pretty well. So if I get anxious, that's a sign right there. And then I, you know, walk away from it. And then I just make sure it answers the end goal and, you know, fit some of the things you've taught me about outreach email, or whatever it is, in that moment.
[40:24] Zack Arnold: The other strategy that we've worked on, you may not even be aware that you're now doing it, and it kind of came from somewhere. When it comes to questioning and analysis paralysis, I found, at least for me, personally, and I know that we've worked on this as well, is that you've got to give yourself a self imposed deadline. You know what I can ask all the questions I want about how to write this outreach email, but at some point, it's got to be on the calendar, and I'm sending it, it's that accountability factor, whether it's self guided accountability, or external, there's a deadline, which is why I live my life by my calendar and my time blocks. Because the time block, say, you can spend as much time as you want on this presentation and all the fonts and the color choices until 5pm. And then if I have 30 PM, you got something new, you have to move on to otherwise you can spend your wheels for weeks.
[41:11] Marcella Garcia: Yes, yes, yes. No, that was a huge one. And then what I loved about when I did the small group, the advanced yourself, it was that pressure of also Okay, this next Thursday, we're meeting and he gave us a guide, and then having to fit that into the calendar that Yeah, you I just had to let it go. So yes, that was that was a big one. When I'm still learning, I have to say,
[41:32] Zack Arnold: Oh, yes, this is the lesson I still learned to this day. And going back to this idea of the tendencies a little bit, you had mentioned that I thought I was an obliger. Then I realized digging a little bit deeper, I was a questioner, what I have found helping a lot of people through these tendencies. And this is not, you know, scientifically backed or anything is just kind of my own intuition. But I find that there's a tendency by nature, and there's a tendency by nurture. So there's a tendency that it's just like you said, it is who I am. But then there's also a tendency that often gets conditioned into people. So the way that you're wired is as a questioner, but my guess is the obliger tendency, which is there in present, came from somewhere came from being taught that or model that, is there somewhere that you can identify where you think that'll blind your tendency came from
[42:15] Marcella Garcia: trying to think because I know obliger is it when others are wanting you to like they're holding you accountable. And I'm not off the top of my head. I'm not too sure. I think it's just I always want to people, please I don't know, you know, growing up and that kind of thing. But yeah, nothing that really strikes that I could say
[42:34] Zack Arnold: were you around people pleasers.
[42:37] Marcella Garcia: We Yeah, I mean, I think I mean, being truthfully truthful. I think that's just with my dad wanting to do the best for him. Because he was always busy. So if I'm being really honest, yeah, I think that's where it comes from, was wanting him to notice me. So I would make sure I could do whatever I can do and right as a loving dad, but you know, it was just he was so busy. So I think it's like wanting to please can make him happy. And it's funny how it transferred. And I started noticing when I get older, that I just wanted to make others happy. And also, I was such a good student in school, I liked the phrase. So I think that probably has something to do with it that I'm like, Okay, I'm the good student, I'm going to get it done. I'm going to be, don't worry. And then when I was editing, everybody started in work relying they were happy that I could get it done. And I was like, Okay, I'm that person that gets done, you're holding me accountable. I'll get it done. So it's a weird mix of that.
[43:29] Zack Arnold: And the reason that I bring that up is kind of kind of goes a little bit back full circle to the beginning of the conversation. And where you came to me, it was a long string of yeses to other projects that weren't really a good fit. And the reason and if for anybody that is listening only we just had a you know, big Mind blown moment from you know that another one of your aha moments, I always know and you have them. You're very animated. What's the aha moment that you just had?
[43:53] Marcella Garcia: Yeah, is that I've been saying yes, my entire life. And I didn't even realize it. I just died. It's like, Wow, I've been doing that. That was like, in second grade. You know, it's just insane how much it's embedded in you until you start noticing that your life isn't going the way you want it to. And why is it and it's like, oh, I'm not doing what I want to do. I never thought I was like that. That's huge. Oh my god.
[44:21] Zack Arnold: And that's what I love about this process of self discovery is you think that it's all about the external world and you realize, Oh, it's the way that my brain is programmed, right? We're just little computers walking around all day long with heartbeats. And we have certain programming, we have certain coding. Some of it comes from genetics, but a lot of it comes from model behavior. And we've now just uncovered that a lot of the reason you went down this path and ended up just taking these things that coincidentally happened or accidentally came along, was because of a long string of yeses. That goes all the way back to tendencies from elementary school. Once you know that and see it and the reason I bring it up is not to call you out but there are other people that are probably listening, thinking Oh my god, I'm doing that too. Once you start to read the matrix, you never go back. And it's much easier to then design the path forwards, because you understand the way that you're coded. And you can't just delete all the code and start over. But you can start to modify it. Yep, exactly. So now for the for the tail end of this, I want to get a little bit deeper into the weeds in the specifics. we've kind of been alluding to this here and there for somebody that's listening. That's like, oh, for the love of God already. Would you tell me how you got your job and scripted? Walk me through the small step by step pieces to land the gig that finally got you in the pipeline?
[45:34] Marcella Garcia: Yeah, I would say it was recognizing what I needed. Like, basically, it was what did that position and tell him? What did it require, you know, from a technical aspect, and then, you know, kind of just an outreach aspect. So once I broke it down into those two categories, I realized where I was weak, which was I didn't really have, you know, extensive experience in avid. So I broke it down by outreaching. And reaching out to other agencies, I found I made a list of what skills I needed. I looked at tutorials, I did those day in and day out, I actually ended up switching all my projects. So I was working from home at the time to avid so I could learn, you know, eight hours a day instead of like one or two. But I think one or two would be fine, too. But yes, I found out what the job required, did the work in those areas where I was weak. And then I just reached out, I found out through outreach that it was an editor's are supposed to reach out to it was at ease that they were and they still are the goal. And I'm learning to build my network now. And so once I built that network of ease, and actually it was being vulnerable in your hot seats, that I had messages from people within your community that wanted to support and encouraged me, and that caught me off guard, because here I am just zoned in like Alright, I'm going to meet with Zach, I'm going to figure the next step out, and then you have people that legit care about you. And that that was another thing that I did another gift I did not see coming. You should charge for that. Okay. But he's always huge. And so because I was doing the outreach, and I was honing in on my weaknesses, my confidence started going up. And at the same time, opportunities started coming in. And that was crazy. I remember, like, as soon as I started the outreach, because I was feeling confident. I was just like getting interviews almost back to back. And again, every situation and time periods unique but that had never happened. And I remember telling you in hotseat, I don't know what's going on, but I'm getting interviewed. And you were like, Marcella, it's because you've been doing the work. And I was like, Oh my God. And that that was that was crazy. That was a crazy moment. And so yeah, because I did that. I did the work and, and the outreach, and I was utilizing everything you were telling me to me was like the Bible. You know, I was taking it that seriously. So once I did that, I actually got it through somebody who worked on a scripted union show that knew somebody, a friend, and then he sent me a text. He's like, hey, there's this position for this show. And then because I wanted to prepare for that position, I went on a hot seat, which is why I am the hot seat Queen, and the interview. You know, the advice with you on how to prepare somebody in your community knew somebody that was that the 80 that was being replaced on it. So and because she had already been encouraging me and helping me along the way. She Yeah, she she said I can put in a good word for you. And I was like, Wow. So then I did the interview. And I watched your sorry, I'm getting so excited. Now. I watched your interview process videos, and let I kid you not. Oh, my god, they're just so good. Because it taught me exactly what I needed to do in an interview and I, Zack, the night before, I'm looking at that interview, I'm writing everything down. I ended up doing that interview the next day, the editor calls me and I knew exactly what to say. Also, I should say I had a couple of interviews where I practically didn't use your interview guide and I didn't get those jobs. And I'm that's all I'm gonna say. So proofs in the pudding. But so I did your interview, the guy was ready for the interview the next day. At the end of the interview, the editor tells me he actually interrupted me at the end of me going over my whole process and he was like, well, he just yeah, you answered all my questions. And that's never happened to me in an interview and at that moment, I was like, oh, there's a good chance I get like there is I if I if I don't get this job, the win is the interview being able to master that interview and i i remember I was on such a high that day, and I ended up getting the damn job. So yeah, so that's how I did it. Well,
[50:06] Zack Arnold: I congratulate you for everything that you accomplished. And I put you in capital letters because you did all the work, I did none of the work for you. I was just there as a guidepost to say, Nick, I've gone down that path before look out for that pothole. And yeah, you might want to dress differently, you know, the weather's gonna be a little tough down this path, or whatever it is. But you did all the work, I really didn't do any of this. So you You came prepared and ready, and you showed up, and you squeezed every ounce out of this program and more, which is why you're the self appointed Hot Seat Queen now. So I'm gonna have to, like make a plaque or something. Right, like maybe like it's a, it's a portable placard, you can put on your desk chair for all your offices going forwards. And people are like, what the hell is a hot seat? And why are you the queen of it? What is that? Right? So that can be fun. So last question for you. Before we wrap it up, I want to jump into our little time machine. And I want to go back to a couple of different time periods, one of which is about nine months ago, beginning of January when you and I talked. And another one is to you pick a time period. I'm not sure which one it is, but it's to a much younger version of yourself. The two conversations we're going to talk about are with the version of you nine months ago, you're really on the fence and you're not sure if you can do this, you're not sure if it's a good fit. And what advice would you give to that person? But then what would you now tell your younger self that didn't believe any of this was even remotely possible?
[51:35] Marcella Garcia: So the first thing I would the advice I would give to Marcella nine months ago, is don't be scared. Just because it's different doesn't mean it's impossible. And you're gonna it's gonna come Stop Stop being so sad at night, really? So that's what I would tell myself and then yeah, me at 10. I would, I would tell her dad, you may get teased right now at school. They may call you a nerd when they call your name, but Honey. Yeah, they're gonna Yeah, yeah, you're you're gonna make it, you're going to be really good. So let them bully you. If they want to bully you. Let them say their piece. But you got you got a talent. And you're going for like your you've seen nothing yet. That's what I tell myself.
[52:38] Zack Arnold: I love all of that. Before we wrap up, is there anything else that we haven't covered that you want to talk about, about this journey or otherwise?
[52:48] Marcella Garcia: No, I mean, I think I just want to say that one year amazing. And I don't think you realize, I don't think you realize the impact you've had, like a lot of people know you. And I know that you say we do the work. And we do right. I don't I think everybody you know, it depends on who you are. But you're like, what you're doing is life changing. And I kid you not. on my deathbed, I will be like, you're one of the people think I'll be like, thank you. So I want I want you to know that this program when you're tired. You know, when you're like, Man, you know, I miss my kids or whatever it is that you're really changing lives, and you changed mine. And you know me, I'll send you an email all the time being like Zach. Oh, my god, you're amazing. So yeah, so that's what I want to say. And to that age doesn't matter. It really doesn't. I understand there's different challenges. But if you're like 45, or 55, it's definitely possible. You just have to be really have to believe in yourself and get by like minded individuals and hire Zack.
[53:57] Zack Arnold: Well, obviously, I love all that I appreciate all of it means a lot to me. And I definitely needed to hear that right now. Given how tired I am with all the things I'm putting together. And the fact that I missed my kids definitely needed to hear all that. But going back to what we talked about in the beginning with a deeper why you can get through all the day to day crap. If I didn't know why I was doing what I'm doing with this program with coaching with editing, whatever, I would be miserable. Because the amount of hours and the stress and all the frustrations that it creates and all the questions and all the doubts like, why is this worth Why am I doing any of this? I know the answer to that question. So I just keep doing it. Sometimes I need a break. Sometimes I need a nap. Sometimes I need to have a Saturday where I do nothing. Actually I don't know if you saw but in one of the hot seats earlier this morning, I was talking to one of our students who I mean almost carbon copy view a year ago had said I don't know like I I'm a second assistant director. I want to be a director someday but I don't even know if I can be a first ad This is Sam Lavin and she just got off being first ad and doing some directing on a huge ad. Apple show that you can't even talk about what it is because it hasn't come out yet on cloud nine, and she's like, I just I got done and I'm just exhausted. And I just I can't focus. I'm like, let's just celebrate the fact that you're kicking ass. And let's just relax a little bit. Let's just be and then somebody in the the community's like, Wait, did Zack say that we can be a mess? Like, is that okay? I'm like, Yes. It's like, you know what, we're all going to go through that. But coming back, if you know why you're doing it, you can endure anything. Right. So on that note, for anybody that's listening, can they reach out to you if you've inspired them? And if so, how can they connect with you?
[55:39] Marcella Garcia: Yeah, of course, spring it on? Yeah, I think the best way to reach me is just through my email, because I'm checking it constantly every day.
[55:49] Zack Arnold: We'll work on that, by the way, this whole checking email account.
[55:54] Marcella Garcia: But yeah, email would be best and I'm totally game for talking to anybody.
[56:00] Zack Arnold: Excellent. So then are you okay with us just putting your email address right on the the show notes page. So somebody listens, they go to the show notes for this episode. Contact Marcella here, click Send Message done? Yeah, for sure. Yeah, excellent. So word of caution to everybody that's listening. Don't pitch Marcella and ask her if she will consider you learn to provide value and build a relationship first, because you're now an outreach email Queen and you're going to sniff out the bad outreach real fast. So if you're coming up Marcella, you come with value first. Just gonna put that out there. On that note, I really appreciate you being a part of the community. I appreciate all the effort that you have put in and I appreciate that given how busy you are right now taking the time to sit down and chat with me this evening.
[56:40] Marcella Garcia: Anytime I tell you anything, you know here.
[56:43] Zack Arnold: On that note, I thank you for being here and you and I are going to catch up more on the next hot seat for what you've been anointed the hotseat queen.
Thank you for listening to this episode of The Optimize Yourself Podcast to access the show notes for this and all previous episodes, as well as to subscribe so you don't miss future interviews just like this one, please visit zackarnold.com/podcast. And as a quick reminder, don't forget that enrollment is open this week only to join the fall semester of my Optimizer Coaching and Mentorship Program. To learn more about all the different ways that you and I can work together to achieve your most important professional and personal goals visit zackarnold.com/optimizer enrollment closes Monday September 13. And once again a special thank you to our sponsor Ergodriven for making today's interview possible to learn more about Ergodriven and my favorite product for standing workstations the Topomat visit zackarnold.com/topo that's T O P O to learn more about Ergodriven and their brand new product that I'm super excited about New Standard Whole Protein visit zackarnold.com/newstandard. Thank you for listening, stay safe, healthy and sane and be well
