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: get@hustlela.com

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

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: Patrick.d.welde@ML.com 🔗 LinkedIn: Patrick Welde on LinkedIn Don’t miss this insightful conversation packed with actionable advice for professionals at all stages of their journey!

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

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.

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/

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/

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!

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