Award-winning director and producer Ava DuVernay, known for her groundbreaking films like “Selma,” “A Wrinkle In Time,” and “Origin,” didn’t actually start her career behind the camera. She spent years working in public relations before taking the plunge and pivoting in her 30s. Spoiler: it paid off. And she’s got an Academy Award to show for it. To kick off our new season of "9 to 5ish," we spoke to Ava about how she embraced change and found joy in her career.
PS: Ava’s film, “Origin,” will be streaming on demand starting March 12.
In this episode, Ava shares:
Dr. Yaba Blay, scholar-activist: "When I think about my relationship to the academy, part of the struggle was I don't want to talk in academic prose… Because who's gonna see it? And who's it gonna b
SFTC Special: Routine, Reality, and You
Bethenny Frankel, founder & CEO, Skinnygirl: "I definitely paved the way for every reality star… I had my eye on the prize from the minute I got in there.”
Eva Chen, director of fashion partnerships, Instagram: "I think it's really important if you have a door open [to you], keep it propped open."
Misty Copeland, principal dancer, American Ballet Theatre: "I want to diversify [ballet]. I want people to see and know that a Black girl can be a ballerina in a mainstream White company.”
Monica Royer, founder and CEO, Monica + Andy: “I literally came into the hospital without thinking about [founding my business] and left the hospital on a mission.”
Kim Cattrall, actress and producer: “I have self worth. And I’m expensive.”
Lilli Gordon, founder and CEO, First Aid Beauty: “You have to have this crazy, almost irrational, belief in your own ability to get something done.”
Phaedra Ellis-Lamkins, co-founder and CEO of Promise: "When you feel like you're fighting for justice, it empowers you in a different way because it's not just for you…. And I think that makes you v
Jeni Britton Bauer, founder and Chief Creative Officer, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams: “Sometimes the things that seem like your disadvantages can be your advantages.”
Leslie Blodgett, former CEO and founder, bareMinerals: “I learned that when I'm desperate, when I can't seem to find my way, is when I get most creative.”
Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America: "I learned that I had cancer.... I was changed after that…. It forced me to say, 'Are you living what matters the most to you?'"
Lori Gottlieb, psychotherapist and author: "The uncomfortable is a great place to be."
Abby Wambach: “If you're not a good leader on the bench, you cannot call yourself a good leader on the field.”
BONUS EPISODE with Betsey Johnson, fashion designer: “I’ve played my life very instinctively.”
Judy Smith, crisis management expert and founder of Smith & Company: "I [was] sitting in the Oval, just kickin' it with the president..."
Tina Tchen, CEO of Time’s Up: "Building better workplaces for our employees [is]...essential to build resilient workforces and workplaces for the future."
BONUS EPISODE with Claire Wasserman, founder of Ladies Get Paid and host of "Friends Who Talk About Money": "You will probably make more money if you talk about it."
Teresa Carlson, VP, Worldwide Public Sector at Amazon Web Services: “Write your own job description.”
Norah O’Donnell, anchor of the 'CBS Evening News': "Preparation builds confidence and confidence builds success."
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