Meet Jeff Rivera

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jeff Rivera. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with JEFF below.

Hi JEFF, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.

Overcoming imposter syndrome for me happened when I started working closely with A-list talent—both in front of and behind the camera. During the pandemic, we were all leveled out. There were no red carpets or flashy premieres, just people—human beings—working on their craft. I got to see rough drafts from renowned storytellers and producers, and the surprising thing was, their first attempts weren’t perfect. In some cases, they weren’t better than mine.

That experience was eye-opening. I realized that what makes these stars stand out isn’t that they’re inherently more talented, but that they have an entire team shaping their work into the brilliance we see. It’s never about one person. The team effort behind the scenes is what transforms their projects.

Seeing these “movie stars” with their flaws, insecurities, and imperfect drafts reminded me that they’re just like anyone else. The narrative we create around them gives them that star power. Once I recognized that, my imposter syndrome began to fade. I saw myself as equally capable. It was empowering to understand that we all have the same potential—it’s just about putting in the work and collaborating with the right people.

Another key moment in overcoming imposter syndrome came when I served as interim SVP of Entertainment at Ebony Magazine Publishing. Meeting with senior-level executives on the same professional level was a game changer. Once they viewed me as an equal, the corporate facades dropped. These seemingly flawless executives—who you might assume have everything together—started showing their human side. They shared their real thoughts, concerns, and what was truly happening within the company.

That shift in perspective was eye-opening. Once I was treated like a peer, I realized that behind the titles and the polished exteriors, they were just regular people, too. It reaffirmed that no one is perfect, and we’re all navigating challenges. Seeing them for who they really are helped me let go of the idea that I was somehow less capable. We’re all just people doing our best in our respective fields, and that realization was freeing.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My passion is all about connecting people and empowering them to create something meaningful together. I’m particularly passionate about developing kids and family content, and what excites me the most right now is the way new technology is transforming the industry. We’re in a time where the traditional gatekeepers are no longer holding all the keys. Instead, creators can greenlight themselves—they don’t need to spend years pitching their ideas to buyers, hoping for approval. With the right tools and a small, dedicated team, they can bring their vision to life and share it directly with an audience.

This shift is especially powerful for people who’ve been sidelined by the industry—whether it’s experienced studio execs facing layoffs or emerging artists who wouldn’t have had a shot in Hollywood. Now, anyone can create the stories they want to tell, build an audience online, and even go back to license that content to studios, TV networks, or streamers if they choose. And the best part? You don’t need millions of fans. A few thousand passionate supporters can be enough to sustain a creator’s career.

That’s why I started Bypass Hollywood and the Greenlight Yourself movement. It’s a revolution that’s changing everything. We’re living in the most exciting time in entertainment history, and I’m thrilled to be part of a movement that’s giving creators the power to tell their stories on their own terms.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

One of the most impactful qualities in my journey has been the ability to see people as human beings, not just as means to an end. Treating people with respect, the way you would want to be treated, is so underrated. It doesn’t matter how much money or influence you have—if you can’t connect with people on a human level, it eventually catches up with you. Building those real, authentic relationships has been crucial for me.

Second, the ability to connect with people instantly has been invaluable. During the pandemic, we had to form emotional connections quickly, often in just a few minutes. Meetings that would’ve taken weeks or months to develop pre-pandemic were happening in 20 minutes, and that skill of making an immediate, meaningful connection became vital.

Lastly, one of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the power of being willing to pivot, experiment, and fail fast. In the startup world, this mindset is second nature, but in creative industries like TV, film, and books, it’s less common. People often feel like they have to be perfect on the first try, but I’ve embraced the idea of testing a minimal viable product, iterating, and developing in front of people without fear. It’s about trying something, seeing what works, and adapting quickly. That ability to experiment fearlessly has made all the difference.

For anyone starting out, I would say: build real relationships, focus on connecting with people quickly and authentically, and don’t be afraid to fail. Keep experimenting and learning from each step forward (or backward), and you’ll be miles ahead.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

Right now, my biggest challenge is making sure I prioritize the projects I’m passionate about before diving into the business side of things. I start my day very early—sometimes as early as 4:00 AM—and I tend to focus on getting all the business tasks out of the way first. The problem is, by the time I finish, my creative energy is drained. So, I’m flipping that approach and doing what I call “eating your dessert first”—focusing on the fun, creative work that excites me before getting into the business responsibilities.

I’ve realized that the reason I was so focused on the business side was to create space and resources for the creative projects I love, but if I’m not careful, those projects can get pushed to the back burner. Now, by prioritizing the fun work first, I feel more accomplished and energized by the end of the day. I’m very result-oriented, and I usually get more done in a day than most people do in a week, but it’s important that those results come from what truly drives me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bypasshollywood.online/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-rivera-11843728/
• Other: Join Our Private Skool Community – https://www.skool.com/greenlight-yourself-3655/about