We were lucky to catch up with Gabriela Ono recently and have shared our conversation below.
Gabriela, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
By just realizing that I experienced imposter syndrome, it was extremely helpful in changing my perception of myself. I don’t think I have completely overcome it, because every time I level up in my career, new challenges are presented that remind me of the insecurities I had in the past. However, having the knowledge of such feelings makes me more aware of how to deal with them.
Right now, I’m going through a period in which I question myself almost every day. But I put everything I’ve done into perspective and calm those feelings down. It’s a process, and I believe that with time, those feelings will diminish, at least for a while.
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?
I’m originally from Brazil. I moved to Los Angeles six years ago to pursue a career in film and television. I entered the unscripted world, which recently led me to receive an Emmy nomination for Best Documentary Special for the first film I produced, “My Transparent Life.” Right now, I am looking to transition into fiction storytelling. I have a few projects I am developing with amazing screenwriters, and I’m planning to direct a short film in a few months, just to get back into the scripted wave.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
First of all, you need to be passionate about what you choose to do in this industry. This doesn’t mean you can’t change your path, but regardless of your choice, you need to love it because the entertainment industry will test you. There will be hard days when you want to give up, but if you know there’s nothing else you’d rather do, you will keep going.
Second, you will need to work on your craft every day. More than that, your networking skills are going to be more important for your career. Most of the time, what’s going to land you that job is how well connected you are, but to keep the job, you need to have the skills. So, work on both networking and craft.
Lastly, learn to enjoy the process. We spend more time on our path to our goals than on the actual result. If you enjoy the process, the results are just a plus.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
My parents allowed me to try different activities growing up, from martial arts to ballet, painting, and science. Interestingly, all those pursuits came before my desire to be a filmmaker. Many people thought I was going to be a scientist. In high school, a project I created with two friends was selected for the biggest science fair in Brazil and then chosen to represent the country at the largest international fair. However, when I expressed my desire to make films, there was some pushback, but my parents were very supportive. Their support was the most significant thing they could have done for me because it built confidence in my choice.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gabrielaono.wixsite.com/site
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabriela.ono/?hl=en
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriela-ono-72838011a/
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10120183/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1
Image Credits
Livia Wippich, Marcos Daniel Ferreira, Awareness Fest
