We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Chandler Chruma a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Chandler with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
Growing up in a small town, the stereotype really played into it. I was itching to get out, and really wanted to become something much bigger then where I came from. When I was in community college, I realized if I was going to get out of this place, I needed to really put my mind to it and not let anyone get in my way. I moved away in 2015, never went back and never will – to me it was a toxic place but it made me the person I am today – strong and independent.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Technically speaking people would call me a “manager”, but personally my mission for my company was to create a safe space for creatives to not only aim for success but take care of themselves in the process. I take on roles that might seem unconventional for most managers whether it’s driving across country as a TM with my artists, writing treatments, creative directing, or offering a shoulder to cry on. My motto has been and always will be “just be a good human”.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I struggle with ADHD and it was something I viewed as a weakness for a while until I learned how to use my hyper fixation as a skill in my career. I use this as fuel in moments where I need to multitask, improvise and come up with quick solutions.
My second quality would be that I’m very nurturing. Even with my work face on I’m still everyone’s mom and I wouldn’t want it any other way.
Lastly my loyalty is definitely one of my strong suits, I’d rather stick with my clients and help them see their dreams through than jump ship when things get rough or when their vision doesn’t seem “conventional”.
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
I personally don’t go out of my way to look for clients! Everyone on my roster mutually collided with me at the right time. When I’m working with someone I’m not looking to shape their vision for them, I just want to amplify and help execute their goals and dreams. It’s important to me that my clients are always true to who they are and feel like they are part of the family at letsnotbestrangers.
Contact Info:
- Website: letsnotbestrangers.com
- Instagram: @chandlerchruma
- Other: @letsnotbestrangers
Image Credits
@Skyler Barberio (orange photo)
