Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Chiara Useche. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Chiara, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
Thank you so much for the invite! I truly appreciate this opportunity to share my thoughts with all of you.
I believe my optimism is a response to the great uncertainty and difficulties I’ve faced at various points in my life. It may seem counterintuitive, but I genuinely think we tend to seek and embrace those opposing elements that we may lack at certain stages. Life, much like the eternal Yin and Yang, is an intricate fusion of shadows and lights. If we dwell in the shadows for too long, we eventually yearn for the light. On the other hand, if we exclusively bask in the light, we risk becoming one-dimensional and detached from reality. Recognizing the presence of both elements is essential; one simply complements the other.
In a world where conflict, war, pain, and suffering are constant, having a contagious optimism becomes crucial; otherwise, we might find ourselves questioning the simple yet profound question—what’s the point of all this?
There are undoubtedly moments when I struggle to keep up my optimism because life is full of ups and downs, with countless nuances. It’s unrealistic to expect anyone to maintain a perpetual state of sunshine and rainbows. However, we can train our minds, put effort and energy into a glass-half-full mindset, and allow optimism to become an integral part of our narrative. Being an optimist is a practice.
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?
I work in the entertainment industry as a Creative Producer and Head of Sales at Rakish, a production company based in LA. My work takes me back and forth between New York, Los Angeles, and my homeland, Colombia. I help curate film artists interested in the dynamic of ad commercials and branded content while blending and flexing their artistic skills between short and long-form films.
Before relocating to the United States, I co-founded and served as the Executive Producer of LotusLink Creative House, a Colombian Production Boutique specializing in independent filmmaking. I had the incredible honor of seeing our films win awards and get selected by some of the most prestigious film festivals worldwide.
I enjoy my role in the film world and am now finding my way back to integrating it with one of my true soul passions — music.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
When reflecting on my journey and the qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that have been most impactful, I’ve come to three essential aspects:
1. Openness to Diverse Perspectives: One of the most valuable skills I’ve cultivated is the ability to listen to diverse cultural backgrounds and the different mentalities that accompany them. Embracing various perspectives opens up a vast world of resources that can aid in your personal and professional growth. You don’t need to travel the globe to do this (although, if you can, that is marvelous); you can start right where you are by practicing deep listening. Engaging all your senses to understand what others are communicating can be equally enlightening. Even if you don’t agree with some points of view, you can gain knowledge from the experience.
2. Kindness as a Powerful Force: Kindness is often underestimated and misperceived as a sign of weakness when, in reality, it’s a manifestation of inner strength. It is a potent force that can have a positive impact, not only on others but also on yourself. Treating people with kindness and respect, even in challenging conversations or situations, can foster stronger connections. Kindness is a magical, reciprocal force.
3. Mindful Use of Words: Being mindful of your choice of words when you express your thoughts is crucial. Your words can either build up or harm others. How you communicate can significantly impact your interactions. As human beings, we’re usually driven by emotions when we speak, so mastering this skill is a continuous learning process — the first step is being conscious of how we express ourselves.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
For me, this year has been a quest to find balance and gain a deeper understanding of the multifaceted identities that we, as human beings, carry within ourselves. These identities encompass our roles in the professional sphere, our families, and our close relationships.
In recent years, I had fervently concentrated on establishing my career in the United States after doing so in my own country, which, while fulfilling, had unwittingly led me to a precarious state of imbalance. I got so absorbed in my work that it became the sole pillar of my identity. It’s a peculiar aspect of being passionate and dedicated about something; it’s easy to lose oneself in the race. However, I’ve realized that even the most positive pursuits can lead to dangerous imbalances if taken to an extreme.
This year, I’ve found myself transitioning from one life chapter to the next by learning how to integrate and embrace all these identities in the proper and healthy amount. Our mental health is essential, and finding a balanced alignment between our goals, mind, and body should always be a priority.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rakish.us | www.lotuslink.co
- Instagram: @ChiaraUseche
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chiarauseche/?locale=en_US
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/treemenage/lighter
- Other: www.treemenage.com
Image Credits
Fern Berresford – https://www.fernberresford.com/
