Meet Derrick Bulatao

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Derrick Bulatao. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Derrick 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?

I got my work ethic from my Mom, my High School Drama Teacher, and myself. Let me explain, I had dreams of making big in entertainment being one of the best DJs to come out of Hawai’i’ was my goal. My Mom asked me “What is your plan?” she went on to say to dream big, and set goals, but you need to create a map (plan) on how you are going to get there. I then realized “a dream without a plan is just a dream”. There needs to be a plan in place to achieve your dreams. When I was in a play in High School my drama teacher (Mr. Bright) would always say “Every part or role in a play has a purpose, so no matter how big or how small your role is, always give it your all for the success of the show”. I soon realized that no matter what I do in life no matter how small or insignificant I think it might be, I need to give it my 100%! Taking a lot of these life lessons and putting them into action molded who I am, I quickly learned if you want to be successful, better than the rest, and achieve your dreams you need to be the hardest person working in the room.

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?

Growing up I was faced with many obstacles in my life including dyslexia which is manifested by difficulties in receptive and expressive language, including phonological processing, in reading, writing, spelling, and handwriting. In addition to being dyslexic, I struggled with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (A.D.H.D.), and dyspraxia, also known as Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), and finally stuttering when speaking. I was able to overcome these setbacks and become a successful DJ/Entertainer, Promotion and Marketing Director, and currently a Teacher in the field of Creative Media at Maryknoll School in Hawai’i’. I am excited about the upcoming 2024-2025 School, I have just been given my own Creative Media Department, and as chair of this innovative program, I have been tasked with creating and cultivating a Creative Media Pathway for our High School students, preparing for a career in marketing, film, content creating, and broadcast.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

The three words I live by when creating my career and live by to this very day are “conceive, believe, and achieve”, Conceive your dreams, goals, and where you want to be in your life. You have to put it out there, write it down, make a vision board, and figure out what it takes to get there. You need to believe in yourself, who you are, and your skill set. “No one can believe in you if you don’t first believe in yourself”. Then achieve it by putting in the work, as I said before “Be the hardest person working in the room”. I came up with a concept called the 10% difference, meaning when everyone is giving their 100%, I put in 110%. I go over and beyond to be the best. I always underpromise and over-deliver with everything I do, that is the 10% difference. That is the mindset you need to have to be a cut above the rest.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

The answer to that question is myself. Don’t get me wrong there are people along the way who have inspired me, influenced me, and mentored me to be the person I am today. However, the first thing anyone has to realize is no one is coming to help you, save you, or hand you your success on a silver platter. That is your journey and something you need to work and fight for. I am old school and believe that what you put in is what you get out. So I continue to put in the time to research what is trending, learn the latest technology, and always be a sponge trying to learn new things. I always want to have a growth mindset versus a fixed mindset. I am truly an old dog trying to learn new tricks…LOL! Once you think you have learned everything there is to know or that there is no need to put in the work anymore, you have sealed your faith of the downfall of your career.

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Image Credits

Derrick Spaz Bulatao 01 & 02 Mapuana Reed Derrick Spaz Bulatao 03 & 04 Jojo Flow

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