Meet Daniel Azarian

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Daniel Azarian. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Daniel below.

Daniel, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

My work ethic stems from how my parents raised me, and I am deeply grateful for that. They instilled in me the understanding that nothing in life comes for free. Their approach was a blend of strictness and genuine care. While they set clear rules, an underlying kindness and understanding always softened any discipline. We were also taught that respect wasn’t automatic; it had to be earned. This balance influenced my outlook on life.

Reflecting, I realize how fortunate I was to have parents who struck that delicate balance. Their guidance wasn’t just about discipline; it also extended to fostering creativity. Growing up, my parents actively encouraged my imagination, which became my sanctuary, especially during tough times. Even without a particular role model, I envisioned a successful creative career, fueling my passion for pursuing my dreams.

Even as a loner in my youth, I discovered the power of self-motivation through inner dialogue. Whenever faced with challenges, I turned to this internal conversation for encouragement and strength. It’s a reminder that even in moments of solitude, we can find the resilience and determination needed to overcome obstacles and thrive.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

My career has been marked by a commitment to creativity and a willingness to adapt to new opportunities. From the outset, I embraced a philosophy of continual learning and growth, allowing me to navigate various paths within storytelling.

It began at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, where I immersed myself in acting and learned directly from the legendary Stella Adler. Her teachings ignited my passion for directing, leading me to helm commercials for prestigious brands like 3M, Scotch-Brite, Horizon Organic, and Sony Music. Along the way, I garnered recognition, including the prestigious Silver Telly Award and accolades from esteemed film festivals.

A pivotal moment in my career came when I directed a public service announcement advocating for the humane treatment of a captive killer whale. This experience ignited a deeper purpose, reinforcing my belief in storytelling’s profound ability to drive positive change. As digital technology evolved, I eagerly embraced post-production work, honing my video editing, motion graphics, and branding skills. I have been lucky to work with such brands as Netflix, The Drew Barrymore Show, Philosophy, and QVC.

I recently started co-producing a video podcast with voice actor Tara Langella. “The Process” is a video podcast exploring the creative processes of professionals from various fields. In our first season, we interviewed guests from multiple disciplines, including voice actor Dave Fennoy (The Walking Dead) and Art Director Russell Schramm (Good Morning America). What drew me to this is the opportunity to delve into fellow creatives’ minds, unraveling their craft’s intricacies and sharing their insights with our audience.

Today, amidst my ongoing work as a director and producer, I’ve expanded my horizons to include collaborating with startups. I’m drawn to the passion of their founders and the personal, mission-driven nature of their endeavors. This involvement has enriched my repertoire, allowing me to immerse myself in projects where authenticity and innovation thrive. One such endeavor is my collaboration with Disrupt Fitness and its visionary founder, Long Law. Disrupt Fitness challenges the flood of false fitness information online, where advice is often given just for clicks. By promoting authenticity, sustainability, and empowerment, I can leverage my storytelling skills to amplify their mission of debunking myths and promoting a balanced, holistic approach to fitness.

These projects testify to my commitment to using storytelling as a positive change and innovation catalyst. Whether I’m behind the camera directing a commercial, behind the mic hosting “The Process,” or collaborating with Disrupt Fitness, my aim remains the same: to inspire, educate, and uplift through the power of narrative.

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?

Looking back on my journey, three qualities that stand out as most impactful are adaptability, creativity, and resilience. Being able to roll with the punches, adapt to new situations, and grab opportunities has been immense. Be it changing directions or jumping on the latest tech trends, staying flexible opened up unexpected doors and helped me succeed in unexpected places..

Creativity has also played a central role in my journey. Whether telling a compelling story or finding a solution to a challenging problem, thinking outside the box sets you apart. I’ve found that the more I let my creativity run free, the more doors open up. For those just starting, my advice is to embrace your ingenuity. Try new things, don’t be afraid to take risks, and actively seek opportunities to nurture your imagination.

Resilience has also been essential in overcoming setbacks and facing challenges. More times than not, things don’t go your way, but maintaining a resilient mindset helped me come back stronger and more determined than ever. It isn’t about avoiding failure or beating yourself up when you are disappointed or depressed. When you get a setback, allow yourself to be sad for twenty-four hours and no more. Then get up the next morning and start again. It’s about bouncing back. To those just starting out – Don’t let setbacks get you down. Keep pushing forward, stay positive, and surround yourself with supportive people who’ve got your back.

Finally, passion and persistence are essential to entrepreneurship and creating opportunities for yourself. Having a burning desire for your work and never giving up, even when things get tough, sets successful entrepreneurs apart. My advice to anyone dreaming of starting is to find your passion, go after it with everything you’ve got, keep sight of the goal, and never, ever give up.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

I’ve got a few pieces of advice when I’m feeling overwhelmed. First, get off social media. It’s not always easy, but taking a break can seriously boost your mood. Studies show that too much scrolling can mess with your head, making you feel lonelier and more stressed.

Get away from work to clear your head. Whether it’s a stroll in the park, a day at the beach, or a weekend getaway to the countryside, returning to nature for even a brief time can destress you. As a New Yorker, it’s even more important for me to take breaks from the city. Immersing myself in nature, feeling the breeze, and hearing the leaves rustle and birds chirp is rejuvenating.

Here’s something I’ve experienced first-hand and time and time again: our brains continue to work on problems overnight. So, if I’ve got a big issue on my mind, I trust that after a good night’s sleep, I’ll have the answer in the morning. I’m not sure if it is the sleep itself, or the fact that you trust it will happen that will give you clarity, but in any case, it usually does.

Feeling overwhelmed often stems from being out of control, so taking any actionable steps to address the problem can help, no matter how small. Whether seeking advice from someone who’s been through a similar situation or diving into a helpful article, doing something about the issue can make you feel in charge.

And never underestimate the power of a good laugh. I’ll fire you a YouTube video of a favorite stand-up comedian whenever I’m overwhelmed. Laughter is the best medicine, lifting your mood and giving you a fresh perspective.

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