Kerry David: A Conversation with a Fearless Filmmaker Dedicated to Amplifying Untold Stories

Feeling like you don’t belong can be tough, but for some, it becomes a powerful motivator. That sense of not fitting in can ignite a drive to outwork everyone and prove your place. Instead of letting isolation hold you back, it pushes you to excel and rise above expectations, turning the feeling of being an outsider into a source of strength.

As a trailblazing filmmaker and philanthropist, Kerry David has dedicated her career to amplifying untold stories and giving voice to the voiceless. With an innate curiosity and fearless spirit, she has navigated an unconventional path, from working with Hollywood icons to building a nonprofit that supports women on the frontlines of the poaching crisis in Africa. Today, Kerry discusses her fascinating career journey as a filmmaker and philanthropist and shares how she stumbled into the film industry. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond!

Quotes:

• “I realized that while we may express emotions more because we've been allowed to, men have equal emotions; they just aren't always encouraged to express them.” – Kerry David
• “Just because you can work with difficult people doesn't mean you have to.” – Kerry David
• “My worry is that with all of this short-form content, we'll lose something important. Kids' attention spans aren't there to invest in a film anymore. They're so used to the quick hits of dopamine or serotonin from doing a million things at once that they won't understand the beauty of just relaxing into something that might take two hours to reveal itself.” – Kerry David

Takeaways:

• Cultivate a growth mindset by reframing "failure" as an opportunity for learning and development. Encourage this perspective in young people.
• Prioritize open communication and setting clear expectations when managing employees, especially those with differing work ethics. Find the balance between pushing people and allowing them to grow at their own pace.
• Invest time in long-form storytelling, whether through films, books, or other media. Counteract the trend of short attention spans by exposing young people to the value of immersive, emotional journeys.
• Reflect on your own work-life balance. Are you operating out of fear or a genuine desire to excel? Identify ways to dial back the intensity without compromising your passion.
• Foster a supportive community of women who can uplift, encourage, and challenge one another. Recognize the power of female solidarity and how it can transform individual and collective experiences.

Conclusion:

Cultivating resilience, emotional intelligence, and a growth mindset is essential for young people's development. These qualities help them navigate challenges, adapt to change, and approach life with confidence. By fostering these traits early on, we equip young individuals with the tools they need to thrive in both personal and professional environments. Ultimately, building these skills sets the foundation for a fulfilling and successful future.