I've chosen to view a video of actress Thandie Newton on TED.com. In Thandie's speech, she talks about "Embracing Otherness..." I find this really inspiring because she shares how she grew up being biracial. I'm not biracial but I took from this regarding my career in the entertainment industry. Being that I did not grow up surrounded by people in this industry, I did receive some push back from my family when I told them what I wanted to do. Being that I was stepping out to do something completely different from what I was naturally use it, I had to get over my fears and learn to do what makes me happy. Now that I'm sharing with others my goals, I have receive lots of positive encouragement from my family and friends.
Looking at the major names of the industry, you see mostly men. I used to think that this industry may not be cut out for women to be powerful unless they're artists. At one point, I had to look at the big picture and think outside the box. My revelation made me realize that I can become just as powerful as those men that I admire, if not even more. Of course when pursuing a career in any competitive industry, you have to be willing to outwork the next person. There's lots of times that I would get frustrated and think about just settling for a "normal" career but that's why I look for others that inspire me, such as Russell Simmons. I find it easier to "snap out of it" by looking at all the various speeches that he gives by searching for him on YouTube.
Knowing that so many people are intimidated by the abilities of Russell Simmons, I listen to his various lectures to see how it can relate to me. One that I've recently been enjoying is his talk at Rutgers University. I feel that he gives just enough information to the audience to get their minds flowing so that they can then focus on themselves to find their passion.
