Creating the life and career you envision often requires taking bold, sometimes uncomfortable steps. It might mean leaving a stable job to pursue a passion project, moving to a new city, or investing time in learning skills outside your comfort zone. These decisions are rarely easy, but each one can bring you closer to a life that feels aligned with your goals and values. Embracing a bit of risk and staying committed to the vision you have can make all the difference in building a life you’re truly excited about.

Juliana Folks and Fearon DeWeese are two dynamic women who have carved out impressive careers in the entertainment industry. Today, Juliana and Fearon discusses their personal journeys of self-acceptance, the importance of building a supportive team, and the challenges of balancing their creative ambitions with the demands of motherhood. Their insights offer a glimpse into the realities faced by women striving to succeed in an often male-dominated field. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond!

Quotes:

“Outside of my labels on paper, I think ‘artist’ is a more encompassing way to describe myself. I could say ‘multi-hyphenate,’ or now ‘business owner’ and ‘board member,’ and all these other things. But at the end of the day, it's all about creating art and telling stories.” – Juliana Folks
“I think success is a mindset. If you look at success on a spectrum, everyone will have a different answer for what that looks like.” – Juliana Folks
“Sometimes it’s like a marriage—you have to find that person who helps with your ‘children,’ balancing the act of raising them. It’s like we’re raising our projects, our babies, and getting them off the ground. Finding someone who can balance that with you is key.” – Fearon DeWeese
“It’s about shaking up the system and saying, ‘This isn’t working, so let’s do something different.’” – Fearon DeWeese
“We do live in somewhat of a gig economy, where you can find people to take on tasks on a small scale and continue to build that way. But it's about building that team.” – Matt Beaudreau

Takeaways:

Surround yourself with a supportive team and partner who can balance your strengths and weaknesses. Don't be afraid to delegate tasks you're not strong in.
Embrace the power of storytelling and find ways to share your unique perspective. Your voice and experiences have value.
Prioritize work-life balance and create an environment that supports both your career and family responsibilities. Communicate your needs and don't be afraid to set boundaries.
Invest in building and maintaining relationships. Networking and fostering connections can open unexpected doors down the line.
Redefine success on your own terms. Avoid comparing yourself to others and focus on creating the life you envision, even if it looks different from the norm.

Conclusion:

Finding balance and building a strong support system are essential for pursuing ambitious career goals, especially for women. Juggling professional aspirations with personal responsibilities requires intentional planning and a network of encouragement. By prioritizing self-care and seeking out supportive relationships, women can sustain their momentum and achieve success without compromising well-being. This approach not only helps manage the demands of a high-powered career but also fosters resilience and fulfillment along the way.

Fasten your seatbelt