Myha’la, an up-and-coming actor known for her role as Harper Stern in HBO's 'Industry', shares her journey from college to the spotlight. She discusses how her character's evolving hairstyles symbolize growth and empowerment, and dives into the complexities of ethical investing. Myha’la reflects on her experiences at Carnegie Mellon and her early days as a Christian rock band frontwoman. With insights on ambition and representation, she paints a hopeful vision of her artistic future while navigating the unique challenges of her generation.
Myha'la's portrayal of Harper in 'Industry' illustrates the intense pressures of ambition and class dynamics faced by young professionals today.
The evolution of Harper's hairstyles symbolizes her character's growth and mirrors Myha'la's own journey of self-acceptance in her career.
The podcast critiques ethical investing's authenticity, revealing generational disillusionment towards its sincerity in the pursuit of profit amid societal challenges.
Deep dives
5G Enhancing Customer Experience in Aviation
The integration of 5G technology is revolutionizing customer service in the aviation sector, particularly with Delta Airlines collaborating with T-Mobile for Business. Ground staff are equipped with real-time information that allows them to assist travelers more effectively, enhancing the overall customer experience from places like the Delta Sky Club to the Jet Bridge. This technology facilitates quicker responses and streamlined communication, ultimately fostering a more efficient environment for both staff and passengers. As companies continue to prioritize innovation, the impact of such partnerships exemplifies the potential of modern telecommunications in transforming traditional industries.
Ambition and Class Dynamics Explored in Industry
The podcast delves into the themes of ambition and class as portrayed in the series 'Industry,' particularly through the character Harper, a recent finance graduate navigating her career in London. The conversation highlights the subtle yet pervasive influences of class that often go unacknowledged, reflecting the struggles faced by individuals in their 20s trying to carve out successful paths without safety nets. Harper's journey resonates with many as it encapsulates the pressures and expectations that accompany ambition in a competitive environment. The dynamic between characters, including Harper and her former boss Eric, further illustrates the complexities and frayed relationships that arise within ambitious pursuits.
Acting as a Reflection of Personal Growth
The evolving hairstyle of Harper in 'Industry' serves as a metaphor for her character development throughout the seasons, symbolizing her personal growth and adaptation to new challenges. As she transitions from an intern to a position with more responsibility, her hairstyles change, reflecting her shifting identity and confidence in the workplace. The actress Myhala expresses that, much like her character, her own hair journey parallels her life experiences, emphasizing how external appearances can illustrate internal transformations. This deeper connection between character and performer highlights the intricate relationship between personal experiences and creative expression in acting.
The Illusion of Ethical Investing
A critical examination of ethical investing is portrayed in 'Industry,' with characters expressing skepticism about the sincerity of companies claiming to prioritize sustainability and equity. The dialogue reveals a generational disillusionment towards the concept of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investing, suggesting that it often serves as a marketing tool rather than a genuine commitment. The discussion underscores that true ethical investment is complicated by the inherent greed present in capitalist systems, posing challenging questions about the feasibility of aligning profit motives with ethical standards. This contentious view reflects broader societal debates about the effectiveness of moral considerations in modern finance.
The Personal Journey of an Artist
Myhala's journey from a young performer in a Christian rock band to a successful actress illustrates the overarching theme of striving for self-acceptance and the courage to pursue one’s passions. Her experiences, including the challenges of navigating a predominantly white environment, shaped her ambition and desire to carve out space in the entertainment industry. The importance of creative expression as a means of coping with insecurities and societal expectations is prominently discussed, emphasizing how art can act as a sanctuary for one's deeper feelings. This personal narrative highlights the significance of pursuing one’s dreams and the resolve required to overcome obstacles in the quest for authenticity.
For actor Myha’la, the role of a lifetime arrived less than a year out of college. “Lightning struck,” she says, “and in so many ways I have been preparing my entire life to be here.” In this case ‘here’ is Industry’s Harper Stern, a fiercely ambitious New Yorker who has come to London to join Pierpont, a prestigious financial investment bank.
With the season finale of HBO’s breakout hitapproaching, we sat down with Myha'la to discuss all things Industry (4:42): how the evolution of Harper can be charted by her changing hairstyles (8:05), her recent pivot into “ethical investing” (10:45), and the Gen-Z qualities she best embodies (14:04). We also discuss the actor’s first experiences singing and dancing (16:00), her time as front-woman of a Christian Rock band (20:30), and a formative experience at her Catholic high school (23:01).
On the back half, Myha’la reflects on her years at Carnegie Mellon (34:55), her views around “method acting” (39:30), the first day on the set of Industry (42:55), the personal investment she’s made in Harper Stern (48:00), a humbling performance never far from mind (53:50), and the ‘picture’ she’d like to paint as an artist in the years ahead (56:50).
This conversation was recorded at Spotify Studios and Pushkin Industries. Thoughts or future guest ideas? Email us at sf@talkeasypod.com.
