We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Isabella Blake Thomas. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Isabella below.
Hi Isabella, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
As a 23-year-old CEO of a production company, I’m aware that people don’t always expect someone my age, especially a young-looking woman, to be in my position. Because of that, I’ve had moments where I questioned whether I belonged.
But my career started early. I began acting at four, wrote, starred in, and produced a feature film at thirteen, interned at a production company in LA at fourteen, and after COVID, I became Director of Development for a different production company at nineteen. I was already producing and selling films by then, which helped me understand the business from multiple angles. That experience naturally led me to becoming CEO of Mother Daughter Entertainment.
With time, I realized that the imposter syndrome wasn’t coming from me. It was coming from other people’s assumptions. And I can’t change what people think when they walk into a room. What I can control is how prepared I am, how I show up, and the way I handle myself. I try to lead with confidence but not ego, stay open to learning, and communicate my ideas clearly and calmly.
Once I focused on that, the imposter feeling eased. Now I just aim to lead in a steady, professional way, and the right people respond to that with respect.
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?
Mother Daughter Entertainment is a mother and daughter run production company that develops and produces film and TV projects. We also mentor through our philanthropic arm, where we support emerging writers, directors, and producers. Helping new talent find their voice is a big part of what we value.
Right now, we’re working on several personal documentary projects, as well as developing a few memoirs. We own the IP to some incredible books that we’re adapting and producing this year, and we’re also completing and selling two feature films.
Collaboration is a huge part of what makes this work exciting for us. We love partnering with other creatives, and bringing different perspectives together is where a lot of the magic happens.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Boundaries:
I’ve been told that this is the first thing people notice when they think of my skills. I’m very intentional about setting clear boundaries, including practical ones like when I do and don’t respond to emails or texts. If I’ve finished work for the day, I won’t reply until the next morning, and if it’s too early in the morning, I wait until my work day starts. I also make sure to set boundaries in professional environments. This is because younger women in leadership can sometimes be underestimated and aren’t always given the same initial respect as some of their peers or counterparts, therefore I set the tone early so the interaction recognizes me as an equal and reflects the level of experience I bring.
Self-care:
I follow a consistent and rigorous fitness routine, maintain a disciplined sleep schedule, and eat a plant-based diet. Prioritizing my physical and mental wellbeing is non-negotiable, because when I feel my best, I can show up fully for my team, manage the pressures of the industry, and sustain the stamina required to see projects through. Taking care of myself allows me to lead with clarity, make thoughtful decisions under pressure, and approach every challenge with focus, resilience, and intention.
Experience:
I’ve worked in nearly every role on a set, from PA to producer, and I’ve held every AD position as well, which ultimately led me to directing. Being the first one on set and the last to leave, while ensuring everyone else’s needs were met before my own, gave me a comprehensive understanding of both the technical and emotional demands of production. That breadth of experience allows me to lead with empathy, insight, and confidence, and to make informed decisions that balance creative vision with practical execution.
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
Over the past year, my biggest area of growth has been learning how to balance vision with adaptability. The entertainment industry is always changing, and being able to pivot while staying true to the stories we want to tell has been essential. This has involved refining the way we select and develop projects, focusing on narratives that are meaningful, personal, and impactful, rather than simply following trends or budgets.
I have also grown in my role as a mentor and leader. Expanding our mentorship program has been a highlight. Supporting and guiding emerging women in the industry has not only helped them find their voices, but has also deepened my own perspective on leadership, collaboration, and nurturing talent.
Finally, I have strengthened the systems and structures within our company to better support creativity at all levels. We are building pipelines that allow people with great ideas but limited resources to bring projects to life in an accessible and enjoyable way. This combination of strategic leadership, mentorship, and creative flexibility has been the most significant area of growth for me over the past 12 months.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.motheranddaughterent.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isabella_b_t/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabellablakethomas/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/motheranddaughterent/
Image Credits
Helen Rayner, Anjelika Reyn, Joe Fortunato, Jackson Page
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