We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Alexander Cooper a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Alexander, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.
For me personally, my optimism mostly comes from my personality traits: my resilience contributes to a generally positive outlook.
Believing in the power of dreams fosters optimism.
Optimism can be cultivated through intentional cognitive habits such as practicing gratitude, reframing negative situations positively, and focusing on solutions rather than problems.
A sense of hope for better things to come, whether it’s related to personal goals, societal progress, or global issues, can fuel optimism.
As I said before, optimism often goes hand in hand with resilience—the ability to bounce back from setbacks. Seeing challenges as temporary and surmountable can lead to a more optimistic mindset.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Alexander Cooper is an actor, producer, and director known for The Imitation Game, Sandow, and Parallel. He is also the founder of Cooper Watches and movies – and you can find his website at www.cooperwatches.co.uk .
Alexander has made contributions to the entertainment industry as an actor, producer, and director. He has played roles in TV and films such as The Imitation Game, The Man Who Knew Infinity alongside Dev Patel and Jeremy Irons, and Parallel. His directorial work includes Sandow, which he also produced and starred Timo Kervinen. Alexander’s movie Sandow was nominated for the Trailer of the Month award at The Monthly Film Festival.
He discussed his work on the indie thriller Parallel, Assassin’s Creed, and The Imitation Game. Alexander is the writer and lead actor in the experimental comedy Big Dick Energy.
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?
For me, the three most impactful qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge in my journey have probably been:
Creativity and Artistry: As an actor, producer, and director, creativity is paramount. The ability to think outside the box, come up with innovative ideas, and interpret characters in unique ways can set one apart in the entertainment industry. To develop this, I suggest you should travel and see new places, immerse yourself in various forms of art, constantly seek inspiration from different sources, and practice expressing your creativity through acting, producing, or directing projects, whether big or small.
Networking and Relationship Building: In the entertainment industry, connections are crucial. Building a strong network of contacts can open doors to new opportunities, collaborations, and projects. To improve in this area, attend industry events, workshops, and networking through websites such as Stage 32, instagram and offline events. Be genuine, approachable, and proactive in building relationships with fellow professionals. Remember to nurture these connections over time by staying in touch and offering support whenever possible.
Business Acumen: As the founder of Cooper Watches, I needed a solid understanding of business principles and practices. Whether it’s managing finances, marketing products, or negotiating deals, having a strong business acumen is essential for success as a businessperson. To develop this skill, consider reading books on business, and immerse yourself in the world of the products or services you are selling to gain insights into the industry’s trends and consumer preferences.
My advice for those early in their journey would be to focus on continuous learning, persistence, and building a strong personal brand. Never stop practicing what you do, whether it’s acting, producing, directing, or business. Stay curious, open-minded, and adaptable to changes in the industry. And most importantly, believe in yourself and your abilities, even when facing challenges or setbacks. With dedication and perseverance, you can achieve your goals and make a meaningful impact in your chosen field.
What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?
It’s better to run races you know you can win. The concept applies beyond literal races. Here’s how it translates to other aspects of life:
Confidence boost: Engaging in tasks or endeavours where you have a high chance of success can boost your confidence and self-assurance. Whether it’s tackling a project at work or pursuing a hobby you excel in, knowing you can succeed can positively impact your self-esteem.
Validation of efforts: Achieving success in areas where you are confident reinforces the value of your efforts and skills. It validates the time and energy you’ve invested, providing a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
Reduced stress: Pursuing activities where you’re confident can alleviate stress and anxiety. Instead of worrying about failure, you can approach the task with a sense of calmness and focus, leading to better performance and enjoyment.
Learning experience: Even in familiar territory, there are always opportunities to learn and grow. Winning or succeeding in areas where you’re confident allows you to refine your skills, explore new strategies, and gain valuable insights for future endeavours.
Building momentum: Success breeds success. Achieving victories in areas where you’re confident can create momentum and motivation to tackle more challenging tasks or pursue new opportunities. This positive momentum can propel you towards greater achievements and fulfillment.
However, it’s important to balance the pursuit of guaranteed success with the willingness to take risks and embrace challenges. Stepping outside your comfort zone and confronting uncertainties can lead to significant personal growth and expanded horizons. So, while it’s beneficial to capitalize on your strengths and areas of confidence, don’t shy away from opportunities that offer the potential for growth and discovery.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cooperwatches.co.uk
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/alexander.p.cooper
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexcooper81
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandercooper2/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/alexcooper81
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC19QsHne9k5k5aWg8Rm5M_A