We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Diego Tapia. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Diego below.
Hi Diego, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
As a Peruvian working in the entertainment industry, I’ve often found myself as the only Latino in the room — whether in meetings or on Zoom calls. Early on, that reality made me feel self-conscious. I didn’t see many people who looked like me or shared my background working as producers in Hollywood, and that created a sense of doubt. But over time, as I gained experience and confidence, I came to understand that what truly matters is the value you bring. Good ideas, strong work ethic, and a collaborative spirit transcend appearances. When you show up prepared and capable, people notice — and they listen.
A few things have helped me move past that self-consciousness when collaborating with people who don’t look like me. First, I remind myself that we’re all working toward the same goal — we want the project to succeed, and that means we’re ultimately rooting for each other. Second, I’ve come to see my background as a strength. Growing up in Peru and moving to the U.S. at 17 gives me a unique lens that others in the room may not have. That fresh perspective adds real value to the work and to the conversations we’re having.
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’m currently a producer at Propagate Content, where I’ve had the chance to grow across several creative roles. I started as an assistant editor on the award-winning Spotify podcast “An Oral History of The Office”, and eventually moved into an editor/producer role on their iHeart shows, including “The Office Deep Dive with Brian Baumgartner”, “XOXO with Jessica Szohr”, and “Return to the Shadows with Dominic Sherwood and Katherine McNamara”. We’ve been fortunate to receive a few awards for these projects, but what excites me most is the connection we’re able to build with fans. These shows give audiences a sense of closeness with actors they love, and through mailbag episodes and fan call-ins, we’ve built meaningful communities that extend beyond the podcast itself.
In 2023, Propagate expanded into a new space with the launch of AC Barbeque — a BBQ brand in partnership with Anthony Anderson and Cedric The Entertainer. As part of the Business Development team, I helped bring the brand to life and supported the launch of their Hulu series “Kings of BBQ”. Most recently, the brand opened its first restaurant at Westfield Century City in Los Angeles. I’m now leading content creation to promote the location, as well as the products and services the brand offers. It’s been an incredible learning experience, and the chance to grow creatively across such different spaces is what keeps me inspired.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The three qualities that have had the biggest impact on my journey are adaptability, creativity, and curiosity.
Adaptability has been essential — projects in the entertainment industry move quickly, and things can shift at any moment. Being able to stay calm, flexible, and not overly attached to any one idea has helped me deliver efficiently and keep things moving forward.
I always strive to stay creative — whether it’s pitching ideas, shaping a story, or figuring out how to launch shows and campaigns, thinking outside the box has allowed me to bring something unique to the table. Creativity isn’t just about being artistic — it’s also about solving problems in new ways and finding more efficient ways to approach projects.
And finally, curiosity has probably been the most important driver of all. I’ve learned to never get too comfortable with what I already know. Asking questions, exploring new tools or platforms, and staying open to feedback have all helped me keep growing. Curiosity keeps the work exciting, and it’s what pushes you to keep evolving.
For anyone early in their journey, I’d say: stay open, stay hungry, and don’t be afraid to try things you’re not 100% ready for. That’s often where the best learning happens.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
Work can get very busy at times, and I often find myself juggling multiple projects at once. When I start to feel overwhelmed by the workload, one of the most helpful things I do is create a prioritized to-do list. I organize what needs to get done by urgency and set realistic deadlines for myself, then build out a weekly schedule to stay on track. Having a clear plan helps make everything feel more manageable.
Outside of work, I make time for activities that help me recharge — whether it’s playing sports or spending time with friends. That break from work clears my mind and gives me the energy and perspective to come back and tackle the next tasks with focus and clarity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10746643/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diego-tapia-8b3859187/
Image Credits
Rachel Kaplan (only for the group shot in front of The Met)
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
