Creative Leadership With Heart

Creative Leadership With Heart

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Creative Leadership With Heart episodes

  • How Writing Found Me: Rebecca Ann Nguyen’s Creative Journey

    In this episode of Creative Leadership with Hearts, host Rico Nasoul sits down with writer, author, and content designer Rebecca Ann Nguyen. Known for her work in The New York Times and Insider, Rebecca shares her journey from acting to writing, the creative struggles she faced, and how she finally embraced storytelling as her true calling. We also dive into her debut novel The 23rd Hero, which recently won the 2024 Readers' Choice Award for Best Adult Novel. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about creativity, intuition, and the unexpected paths to success.🔹 Follow Rebecca Ann Nguyen:Web:RebeccaNWrites.comInstagram@rebeccanwritesFacebook@rebeccanwrites Linkedin@rebeccanwritesThreads @rebeccanwrites

    37 min
  • Kevin Bjelajac : From Hockey Dreams to Hollywood_A Non-Linear Career Journey

    Growing up in Los Angeles, entertainment was everywhere—it shaped my childhood, my interests, and ultimately, my career. But my journey wasn’t a straight line. From playing elite hockey and chasing NHL dreams to pivoting into finance and finally landing in the creative industry, my path was anything but predictable.
    In this episode, I break down how the culture of LA, family traditions, and even movie nights influenced my trajectory. Plus, I share how a tough realization at Boston University forced me to rethink my future and ultimately led me to where I am today.
    #CareerJourney #EntertainmentIndustry #HockeyToHollywood #CreativeMarketing #FindingYourPath #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #PivotingCareers #NonLinearPath

    45 min
  • Building Hustle LA: Creative Leadership with Heather & Wil Lemus

    In this episode, we sit down with Heather and Wil Lemus, the power duo behind Hustle LA, an innovative entertainment creative agency. Wil, Partner and Creative Director, and Heather, Partner and Managing Director, share their journey of founding Hustle LA, their insights into leadership, and their mission to create an inclusive environment where creativity thrives.

    🌟 Key Topics Covered:

    • Trusting yourself and embracing authenticity in creative leadership
    • The importance of diversity, mental health, and mentorship in the workplace
    • Overcoming challenges and staying adaptable in a fast-changing industry
    • Balancing work, life, and family while building a successful agency
    • 💡 About Hustle LA:
      Founded in 2022, Hustle LA delivers compelling art and exceptional client partnerships through a supportive, inclusive environment.

      🎧 Tune in to hear Heather and Wil’s inspiring stories, practical advice, and how they’re redefining the creative landscape.

      🔗 Connect with Hustle LA:
      Website: www.hustlela.com
      Instagram: @hustlela_creative
      LinkedIn: Heather & Wil Lemus
      Email: [email protected]

      Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more insights from creative leaders!

      1 hr
    • Patrick Welde $900M Managed, Leadership Secrets, & Life Lessons

      Join us as we dive into the inspiring journey of Patrick Welde, Senior Vice President and Certified Financial Planner at The Welde Group, a Merrill Lynch wealth management team overseeing $900M for 350+ clients nationwide. Patrick shares his leadership insights, the role of faith in his career, and lessons learned from unique life experiences like professional boxing and volunteering at an orphanage in Tijuana.
      In this episode, Patrick discusses:
      Personal and professional growth through self-discipline
      Leading by example, both at work and at home
      Overcoming challenges and evolving as a leader
      His advice to professionals and his younger self
      Connect with Patrick:
      🌐 Website: FA.ML.com/Welde_Group
      📧 Email: [email protected]
      🔗 LinkedIn: Patrick Welde on LinkedIn
      Don’t miss this insightful conversation packed with actionable advice for professionals at all stages of their journey!

      49 min
    • The Power of Persistence: Sam Pagan's Road to Nickelodeon Animation

      Hello listeners, and welcome to another episode of Creative Leadership With Heart. I'm your host, Rico Nasol, and today we have a very special guest with us - Sam Pagan.
      Sam is an animation and creative coach who has worked at some of the biggest names in the industry, including Nickelodeon Animation and Gladius Studios. But his journey to becoming a creative professional was far from a straight line.
      Growing up, Sam was heavily involved in sports and music, and even began his college education studying engineering. But a chance encounter with digital visual arts software like After Effects sparked a new passion. He began volunteering his time creating intros and highlight reels for events.
      Multiple career shifts later, Sam eventually found his calling in animation after being captivated by 3D software in 2015. With single-minded determination, he dedicated himself to mastering various digital tools while attending animation school.
      After graduating, Sam cut his teeth working in commercial and animated series production. Then in 2021, a friendly bet led him to apply for a position at Nickelodeon - and after an extensive interview process, he got the job!
      Today, Sam is here to share the insights and lessons he's learned over the course of his fascinating creative career, from taking leaps of faith to betting on yourself. Stay tuned for an enlightening conversation!
      Sam Pagan
      Animation and Creative Coach
      Lighting and Composition Artist
      Formerly at Nickelodeon Animation and Gladius Studios
      https://www.linkedin.com/in/sampagan10/
      sampaganacademy.com (this website is under construction but it should be ready when you post it)
      https://www.instagram.com/sampagan10/
      https://www.youtube.com/@sampagan10

      43 min
    • Founder of Facebook's Creative Shop: Rapha Vasconcellos' Journey from Design to VP

      Rapha Vasconcellos began his entrepreneurial journey shortly after college by founding a small shop with his friends, focusing on interactive design. Initially dabbling in traditional and digital advertising, Rapha soon dedicated himself to digital mediums, specializing in website creation and interactive content.

      His efforts paid off as his agency grew significantly. Seeking bigger opportunities, Rapha relocated to São Paulo, Brazil’s main business hub, where he immersed himself in the vibrant creative community. There, he led a dynamic creative team, continually exploring the intersection of technology and creativity to push the boundaries of digital advertising.

      Rapha Vasconcellos
      A Creative Technology Executive
      Formerly the founder and global head of the Facebook Creative Shop.
      Also, where we met. VP of the Creative Studio at Netflix.

      49 min
    • Embracing Change: Peter Stark’s Creative Journey Through the Design Industry

      Today, we had the pleasure of chatting with Peter Stark, a creative powerhouse whose journey is nothing short of inspiring. From living in a hammock bed and teaching tie-dye in the Peace Corps to becoming a renowned designer in New York and LA, Peter’s story embodies resilience, passion, and tenacity.
      He shared invaluable lessons on inclusive leadership, balancing work and life, and the ever-evolving design industry. Stark shows us all that it’s never too late to chase your passion and embrace every twist and turn along the way.
      Peter Stark
      VP/Head of Print AV Squad.
      Founder of BOND.
      BLT. Art Machine.
      https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stark-25aa7a8/

      53 min
    • From Production to Illustrating: Suren Galadjian's Creative Journey

      Discover the challenges faced in leadership, the importance of mentorship, and the balance between creativity and management. Learn how nurturing talent can lead to a thriving creative environment and hear candid thoughts on the impact of AI on the industry. Whether you’re an aspiring illustrator or a seasoned pro, this conversation offers valuable lessons and insights into the evolving world of art and illustration.

      Name:Suren Galadjian
      Title: Illustrator and Artists
      Works with Agencies and Studios
      Fall Guy, Wolverine, HBO Hacks 3, Jungle Cruise, 2012, Mary Poppins Returns, Alien Covenant
      Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/suren-galadjian-0028ab50/

      54 min
    • Glenn Sanders on Navigating Creative and Chaotic Industry Waters

      Today, we have an incredible guest, Glenn Sanders, the SVP of Global Creative at Eclipse Advertising in Burbank. Glenn boasts an impressive resume that includes senior creative roles at Amazon Studios and Netflix, working on iconic titles like "Lord of the Rings," "Jack Ryan," and "Harry Bosch."


      In this episode, Glenn reflects on his journey from traditional advertising to entertainment marketing, sharing invaluable advice to his younger self about embracing opportunities and setting aside arrogance. We'll delve into his experiences with mentorship, learning from pivotal figures such as Nick Davidge, Rob Schwartze, and Margaret Keene, who shaped his creative and leadership style.


      Glenn also discusses the challenges and evolution of the industry, from the instability brought by workforce layoffs and strikes to the shift towards strategic storytelling in campaigns. We explore the importance of balancing data with creativity, as illustrated by successful campaigns like "Deadpool" and "Barbie," and the role of risk aversion in today's marketing landscape.


      Tune in for an engaging discussion about the current industry climate, the symbiotic relationship between studios and agencies, and the significance of personal creative projects. This is an episode packed with insights, stories, and practical advice for anyone navigating the creative world. Let's get started!

      48 min
    • Impact of Diversity in Design: A Conversation with Phil Rhie

      Welcome to another enlightening episode of "Creative Leadership With Heart." Today, Rico sits down with Phil Rhie, a lead product designer at Experian with an impressive 15-year career in product design.

      Phil Rhie, who once grappled with the decision of what he wanted to pursue, found himself at a crossroads upon finishing school with a degree in computer science. Despite his academic background, Phil harbored a deep-seated passion for drawing and illustrating—a hobby he showcased through numerous websites he built in his free time as a kid.Entering the professional world, he soon discovered that neither engineering nor illustration completely satisfied him.

      However, his knack for web development led him to seize the opportunity in the burgeoning demand for skilled website creators. Consequently, Phil channeled his talents into building websites from the ground up, blending his technical expertise with his artistic flair.


      You can learn more about Phil at;https://www.linkedin.com/in/philrhie/http://bonjour-akachan.co

      47 min

    About Creative Leadership With Heart

    From the publisher's feed

    "Creative Leadership With Heart," is where we take a journey into the world of creative leadership. Join Rico Nasol as we dive deep into the inspiring stories of creative leaders who've conquered…