In this conversation, Simon shares with us that autism is nothing more than a difference in the way the mind works, and we discuss the importance of embracing all forms of neurodiversity in the workplace such that we can utilize everyone’s value.
Ep185: | Building a Fulfilling Career Across Multiple Mediums (Without Getting Pigeonholed) | with Stephanie Filo, ACE
This is a wide ranging conversation appealing to anyone looking to make a career transition, find purpose and fulfillment in life, and wanting better strategies for choosing the right projects to match both your lifestyle needs and your creative needs.
Ep177: Mental Health is Not a Luxury…Even For “Top Guns” | with Eddie Hamilton, ACE [Pt 2]
Eddie Hamilton, ACE (Top Gun: Maverick, the last 3 Mission: Impossible films, Kick-Ass 1 & 2, and X-Men: First Class) and I candidly discuss his experience editing Top Gun: Maverick and what drove him to asking for help before it was too late.
Ep176: Why You Don’t Need to Go to Film School to Be Successful | with Eddie Hamilton, ACE [Pt 1]
Eddie Hamilton, ACE (Top Gun: Maverick, the last 3 Mission: Impossible films, Kick-Ass 1 & 2, and X-Men: First Class) and I talk about his early career choices and how he was able to become one of the top feature editors in the world…without ever going to film school.
Ep172: [CASE STUDY] Landing Your Dream Job Isn’t About “Luck,” It’s About Strategy | with Fabian Corrado & Nick Towle
When Optimizer students Nick Towle and Fabian Corrado originally came to me, neither one of them knew each other. But they both knew they were tired of the jobs they had, they felt stuck after trying for years to make a seemingly impossible career change, and they were ready to do anything to get on the right path.
Ep160: Convincing People You Can Do The Job (When You Don’t Have the Credits) | with Chris Patterson
Learn how Chris Patterson, an incredibly successful 1st AE on top-tier features, overcame his networking struggles to land a gig on a feature as the lead editor.
Ep159: Overcoming Limiting Beliefs (and Lack of Experience) to Break Into Scripted Television | with Marcella Garcia
Learn how Mexican-American editor Marcella Garcia overcame her limiting beliefs (and lack of experience in long form) to break into the world of scripted television.
Ep155: How a Tentpole Hollywood Feature Editor Stays Healthy, Fit, and Sane | with Alan Bell, ACE
Learn from tentpole Hollywood feature film editor Alan Bell, ACE how he maintain healthy habits & routines to maintain optimal levels of creativity while working on the biggest projects in Hollywood.
Ep154: Using Humility to Cultivate Relationships and Land Your Dream Gig In Network TV | with Scott Powell, ACE
Learn from award winning TV editor Scott Powell, ACE (24, The Chi, The Orville) the importance of using humility to build relationships and climb the career ladder to the top.
Ep148: “I Was Fired For Requesting a Single Mental Health Day” | with Jim Page
Editor Jim Page tells the candid story of how he was fired for requesting a single day off for mental health, and what this says about everything that still needs to be fixed in the world of freelance creative work.
Ep147: [CASE STUDY] From Total Burnout to Shooting for the Moon (Literally) | with David J. Turner
Learn how Eddie nominated editor David J. Turner evaluated the way he works and lives to go from being totally burned out and afraid of taking on new work to literally having the confidence and energy to apply for a trip to the moon.
Ep146: [CASE STUDY] From “Out of Ideas” to Becoming an Idea Machine | with Paul Del Vecchio
Learn how writer/director Paul Del Vecchio overcame the anxieties and fears that caused him to always say ‘Yes’ to other people’s projects (even when they were the wrong fit) so he could focus on developing his own projects.
Ep142: Michelle Tesoro (ACE) On Playing Chess With Your Health & Well-Being (Pt2)
Learn from award-winning ACE editor Michelle Tesoro how success comes with a price and how she does her best to manage work-life balance and relationships despite the constant demands of her career.
Ep141: Michelle Tesoro (ACE) On Playing Chess With Your Career (Pt1)
Award-winning editor Michelle Tesoro discusses how to strategically apply the chess mentality to take the right steps in your career (instead of jumping from one gig to the next playing a game of checkers).
Ep140: Using the Athlete’s Mindset to Hone Your Creativity & Productivity | with Vashi Nedomansky, ACE
Learn how (and why) a former NHL hockey player made the transition to becoming a well-known and respected editor, consultant, and thought leader.