Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Amanda Sayeg. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Amanda, you’ve got such an interesting story, but before we jump into that, let’s first talk about a topic near and dear to us – generosity. We think success, happiness and wellbeing depends on authentic generosity and empathy and so we’d love to hear about how you become such a generous person – where do you think your generosity comes from?
Growing up in Brazil had a huge impact on how I see the world and approach my work as a producer. It was a place that exposed me early on to significant social contrasts, resilience, creativity, and also the incredible power of community. From that experience, I learned something I genuinely believe—that sharing doesn’t diminish what we have; instead, it multiplies it. The more openly we share our experiences, skills, and resources, the richer we all become.
For me, collaboration isn’t just a nice idea—it’s essential. When teams truly support each other and bring diverse perspectives into a project, the outcome feels alive and authentic, and honestly, the process becomes a lot more fun. There’s nothing quite like seeing people around me flourish, knowing we’ve built something meaningful together, and having a good time doing it.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m a producer passionate about bringing meaningful stories to life, especially through documentaries exploring topics close to my heart.
Lately, I’ve been collaborating with incredible Brazilian filmmakers, which has been especially exciting because it reconnects me with my roots—something I’ve come to deeply value after living abroad for over a decade. I am also developing several documentary projects focused on environmental issues, human rights, cultural identity, and also collaborating with Yosemite Climbing Association on archival storytelling initiatives, helping preserve climbing history and strengthen their community.
What makes all this work exciting is the chance to create genuine connections, bridge cultures, and inspire audiences to engage more deeply with the world around them.
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?
I think three things have really shaped me as a producer: curiosity paired with active listening, adaptability, and genuinely caring about people.
Curiosity and active listening go hand in hand because the most compelling stories usually come out when you’re paying close attention—not just hearing someone’s words, but truly getting where they’re coming from. I learned that being deeply interested in others, asking real questions, and staying open has not only improved my storytelling but also opened doors to amazing collaborations.
Adaptability is something I learned pretty quickly because, in production, nothing ever goes exactly according to plan. Over the years, I’ve figured out that difficult moments or unexpected problems often lead to some of the best creative breakthroughs—if you’re willing to stay flexible and keep your sense of humor. Honestly, the sooner you get comfortable with uncertainty, the better (and more enjoyable!) this work becomes.
And finally, genuinely caring about the people around me has been the most impactful. I really believe production is all about relationships and trust. You’re constantly collaborating, problem-solving, and building something together—and if you invest in treating people well, things always turn out better.
If you’re early in your journey, my best advice is to listen deeply, be ready to adapt, and remember that real connections and kindness are your strongest tools. Most importantly: have fun along the way. I’ve learned over the years that it’s not just about finishing a great project—it’s about finding joy in the small moments, the collaborations, the challenges, and the surprises that show up as you get there. That’s where the real magic happens.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
A book that really stuck with me is Daring Greatly by Brené Brown. It made me rethink how I saw vulnerability—not as weakness, but as strength. The idea of being brave enough to show up authentically, even when it’s uncomfortable or uncertain, genuinely changed how I approach my life and my work. It helped me realize that taking risks, being open about who you are, and letting yourself be seen is not only empowering, but also essential for meaningful connections and creativity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.amandasayeg.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandapsayeg/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amandapsayeg
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-sayeg-she-her-6458aa47/
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7763659/
Image Credits
The Lounge Booth, Marina Pedroso, Marilia Apolonio
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
