We’re looking forward to introducing you to Kate Folb. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Kate, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
My granddaughter. She is about to be eight years old and it’s been a joy watching her grow from the moment she was born.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m director of Hollywood, Health & Society (HH&S), a program of the University of Southern California Norman Lear Center, and a veteran for more than 25 years in the entertainment education field. At HH&S, I lead a team of public health and media professionals to connect entertainment content creators with experts in health, science, safety and security to ensure accuracy in their depictions. Over my career I have overseen over 10,000 consultations with top TV shows and movies in the U.S. and abroad on topics ranging from HIV to climate change to structural racism. My work has been funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the California Health Care Foundation, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
I was raised by a single mom. My parents divorced when I was seven and my father moved far away. My sister and I got to visit him about once a year in the summers. My mom only ever wanted to be housewife, but once they were divorced, she had to work and did so throughout my growing up. She worked as a hospital administrator where she managed a robust team of volunteers who truly helped sustain the hospital in our rural midwestern town. I think she really loved her job and always had a positive attitude about her work. She saw it as a form of service to humanity. She was dedicated to her work, never failed to show up for her volunteers and even pitched in to fill a void if someone was unable to come in. The hospital was close to our home so she often walked to work (leaving the car for us teenagers to use to get to school which was further away). I spent a lot of time at the hospital too just hanging around her office. I think all of that gave me a good work ethic, in which I too have chosen a career that I consider a service to humanity.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
A few years ago I had a terrible problem involving my sciatic nerve. The pain was excruciating, like nothing I had ever felt before and I’ve born two children! I was unable to walk without severe agony and because the problem occurred around several holidays, it took two months for me to be seen, diagnosed and eventually treated with surgery. During those long days of agony, I learned so much about patience, courage, and compassion for others. What would I have done if I were homeless, and unable to have a bed to recline in? What if I had no one to help care for me? When people asked me how I was during this time, all I could say was “grateful.”
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
The mission of the Norman Lear Center is “to illuminate and repair the world.” Lofty, I know but I believe it’s possible. In my personal life, my goals are similar. Everything I do, I strive for it to be in the service of someone (including myself at times). I practice the teachings of Baha’u’llah, the prophet founder of the Baha’i Faith, which stressed the oneness of humanity. Baha’u’llah says that all of humanity is like one body, and just as in one body, if one organ, or extremity is ill or hurt, the entire body suffers. It’s important to make sure no subset of humanity is suffering, because their suffering affects me and the rest of us whether we know it or not. So in my professional life as well as personal, I try to remember that we are all one, that no one is more exalted than anyone else, and that we are here, now, to love, to serve and to support one another.
In terms of a project – I’m committed to helping bring people together, to help others see the oneness of humanity, and to facilitate unity among all. I know it’s a long game, and we probably don’t know how it will happen, but I am sure that eventually people will lay down their arms and come together as one human family. I don’t worry about the end, because it’s the journey along the way that matters right now.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
I always say I have the best job in the world. I get to work with the most creative people on the planet – Hollywood storytellers; I get to work with some of the smartest people in the world – the doctors, scientists, and researchers on the front lines of public health and safety; and I get to work with some of the most philanthropic people and organizations in the world who help make our work possible. And — I get to watch TV and movies for work! So most days I’m tap dancing into my workday because it is always different, fun and creative, and I always learn something new. One of the most exciting and satisfying parts of my work is when we see a letter from a TV show fan telling us how a certain storyline helped them understand a health issue, or talk to their loved one, or find a much needed resource. Using entertainment to inform audiences and inspire them to take action in their own lives. That’s what makes me happy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hollywoodhealthandsociety.org
- Instagram: @hollywdhealth
Image Credits
Michael Jones Photography
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