We were lucky to catch up with Diana Keeler recently and have shared our conversation below.
Diana, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
When I first moved to Los Angeles, I received one of the best pieces of advice while working on a film set: “This city is going to try to burn you out. Make sure you pivot before you lose your spark.” I really took that to heart, dodging negativity and setbacks like Neo, and changing jobs when I could tell it was becoming too negative and stressful.
At times, it felt as though I was moving horizontally rather than ascending vertically in my career. I questioned whether I was pivoting too much, fearing that I might exhaust my options or run out of places to go. Looking back now, I see the beauty in the journey I’ve embarked upon.
In my pivoting adventure, I explored a myriad of fields – technology, education, business, entertainment, and non-profit work. Each experience intertwined and influenced the next, creating a tapestry of knowledge and experience. It was through this diverse range of endeavors that I built a strong foundation, enabling me to approach new challenges with a breadth of understanding, and ultimately what led me to create Pandium Fusion.
I realized that my journey was not about climbing a singular ladder but rather about embracing the interconnectedness of different paths. Each pivot I made enriched my skill set and expanded my perspective. I discovered that by weaving together these seemingly disparate threads, I had created a unique tapestry of expertise that would serve me well in the face of future endeavors.
So, I hold onto the invaluable advice I received, cherishing the spark that drives me forward and all the experiences along the way.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Throughout my career, I’ve been passionate about the intersection of education and entertainment, and that’s really shaped the foundation of Pandium Fusion. I studied film production, music composition, and elementary education during my undergraduate years and completed an Executive MBA during COVID. My multidisciplinary approach to learning and passion for creative pursuits have equipped me with a unique skill set that greatly contributes to my role as a team leader.
Prior to becoming a talent agent, I worked in production as an assistant director, and I felt that I could perform that role well because I had previously held a lot of other positions on set – I worked as a DP, producer, gaffer, AC, sound mixer, production designer, and even dabbled a bit in makeup artistry. Having first hand experience in these different departments allowed me to relate and adapt to the challenges faced by each team member, understanding of the intricacies and demands of each role.
Similarly, my background as a creative and musician, coupled with my experience in production and the business world, enables me to relate to my clients on multiple levels. I have firsthand experience in the creative process, understand the challenges and aspirations of actors and musicians, and possess the business acumen necessary to guide them through the industry. This diverse range of experiences allows me to ask the right questions, provide valuable insights, and establish strong connections with my clients.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
My background in elementary education helps me daily. My team likes to point out that I still have a singsong voice when giving directions, and I have an enormous amount of patience. There’s also always snacks at our meetings, and I seal notes to our team with fun stickers. Running a talent agency is sometimes like wrangling a classroom full of humans who all have different and immediate needs, and I think my years in education have really honed my ability to handle that well.
One piece of advice I would offer is to acquire as many digital skills as possible. Growing up in Silicon Valley, I would spend countless hours skill-building on my computer, approaching it like a quest to collect Pokémon. In our agency, we provide comprehensive support to our clients in-house, whether it’s assisting with headshots, editing their reels, or updating their websites. By taking care of these essential materials at no cost to them, we allow our actors to focus on honing their craft while ensuring that their promotional materials are of high quality and aligned with our agency’s standards.
I firmly believe that kindness and genuine human connection carry us much further than aggressive ladder climbing. During my time in production, I recognized that while there were individuals more skilled than me, I often secured opportunities because I not only got the job done, but also because people enjoyed spending time with me during those marathon 12+ hour days. Many of my current friends and contacts have been cultivated through genuine interest in the people I’ve met, rather than a mere attempt to network with them.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
Tacky the Penguin by Helen Lester was my favorite book as a child. Tacky was viewed as an odd bird who didn’t do things gracefully or orderly like the other penguins, but he ended up saving the day when hunters came just by being himself. There have been a lot of moments in my life where I’ve second-guessed myself for not following a standard path or have felt the need to change myself to fit in better. As an adult, I’m glad I didn’t lose my quirks along the way, and I’m proud of this journey I’ve embarked on that is so uniquely mine. I even have a little penguin that I’ve dressed in a Hawaiian shirt to celebrate Tacky.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://pandiumfusion.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pandiumfusion/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PandiumFusion
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pandium-fusion
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/PandiumFusion
Image Credits
Dale Edward Chung, Zachary Galen, Brad Koepenick, David Rojas
