We recently connected with Chivone Smith and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Chivone with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
The easy and most obvious answer to where I get my work ethic from, would have to be my mother. She wore every hat that was needed. While I don’t necessarily aspire to do that, lol, I do value her for being someone who my brother and I needed so that things that needed to get done, got done; no excuses. Outside of her, I would say that my goals inspire my work ethic. If I want something bad enough, I’ll make it happen, no excuses. I also have to add my peers as a source of influence as well. Being surrounded by so many dream chasers, my age, fuels my work ethic because they show me that I can do whatever I put my mind to.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I currently work as a television producer, primarily focusing on docu-drama. In addition to that, I write for various blog sites and have also worked as a news producer. What makes my career choice most special is knowing that what I do, directly affects others (cast, coworkers and viewers). Media as a stand alone entity has such a strong hold on our society as it stands today. Do with that information what you will, but I will say that having the opportunity to directly impact what people are consuming on a day to day basis is an honor and a form of power that I do not take lightly. People don’t mention this often, but a great producer should provide great service as well. I love when my talent/cast members compliment me on how I treat them. Given the bad rep that my industry gets sometimes, I never take these moments lightly.
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?
The most important skills and knowledge that has been impactful to my journey is advocating for myself and being solution based. It drives me crazy when people say no or they don’t know how to a, b & c when they also haven’t even attempted to try. That kind of thinking is very limiting & a slippery slope to never accomplishing anything so I like to operate in a space of being solution-based; figure it out! I’ve also learned the importance of advocating for yourself. This applies to any industry honestly. Also, stay on top of news that’s happening in your industry. Reading articles from respected outlets in your field of work shows that it’s not just a job for you, but something that you truly care about.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
In the very near future, I want to tap more into real people projects. I love the idea of producing live TV shows and I would like to produce more projects “Cut” on Youtube or the folks over at “The And” project. Nothing beats real stories with real people. I would love to work on more personal, fun projects like that; Speed dating, asking your Ex questions you always wanted to know, people trying exotic foods for the first time etc…Next to that, I think I’m going to take commercials more serious. I want to start writing/directing commercial concepts and seeing where it goes from there! I just want to continue to build my roster of creative professionals who also care about telling real stories so, if that’s you, let’s talk!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shevonshe/
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