We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jamaal Hassan Eveillard a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Jamaal Hassan, 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?
Being the only one in a room who looks like you can initially feel uncomfortable. I’ve faced doubts in such situations, but I’ve learned to stay firm and push through those thoughts. Believing in yourself is crucial; it’s the first step towards overcoming any initial discomfort. Remind yourself that on the other side of that discomfort are beautiful connections waiting to be made.
One strategy I’ve found effective is to find ways to connect with people and subtly share aspects of my culture. By doing so, I’ve inadvertently inspired others without even realizing it. As a Haitian American, I’ve noticed that my presence can attract attention. However, instead of feeling overwhelmed by this attention, I’ve learned to embrace it by simply being myself – kind, confident, and proud of my heritage.
It’s about owning your uniqueness and using it as a tool to bridge gaps and foster understanding. Over time, I’ve realized that being the only one who looks like me in a room can be an opportunity rather than a challenge. By staying authentic and true to myself, I’ve been able to navigate various spaces effectively and forge meaningful connections with people from many backgrounds.
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?
Through my cinematic style, I strive to immerse viewers in worlds beyond their imagination, sparking new thoughts and emotions.
Currently, my focus is on producing my movie/series, “Dreaming of Reality.” This supernatural thriller delves into themes of faith, metaphysical warfare, and systemic injustice. It challenges perceptions and delves deep into the human spirit.
Audiences can anticipate a gripping narrative that keeps them on the edge of their seats, coupled with thought-provoking themes that resonate long after the credits roll.
Like any creative endeavor, there have been challenges, particularly in securing funding. However, I’m fortunate to have a supportive team and network who believe in the vision.
I’m immensely grateful to everyone who has supported me on this journey. “Dreaming of Reality” is a labor of love, and I’m eager to share it with audiences worldwide. Keep an eye out for upcoming fundraising initiatives and promotional events leading up to production on our website fweastudios.com and social media channels.
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?
Looking back, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that have been most impactful in my journey are:
Love for Family: Wanting to create more quality time with my family has been a driving force behind my actions. The desire to provide for them and make them proud has motivated me to push through challenges. Even now, I remain committed to this journey as a family man.
Motivation, Self-Love, Fitness: Maintaining motivation, practicing self-love, and prioritizing fitness have been instrumental in my journey. By looking good and feeling good, I find that tackling difficult tasks becomes more manageable. Additionally, my gratitude for life, especially after a near-drowning experience in Hawaii on March 15, 2018, has instilled in me a sense of urgency to make the most of every opportunity. I view exercise not just as a means to stay fit but also as a way to cherish and strengthen my body, recognizing it as a precious gift.
Perseverance and Resilience: Perseverance and resilience have been essential in overcoming obstacles and setbacks. Whether facing challenges in securing funding for my projects or navigating the complexities of the film industry, I’ve learned to persist in the face of adversity. Each setback has only fueled my determination to succeed.
For those early in their journey, my advice would be to:
Cultivate a strong support system: Surround yourself with people who believe in you and your dreams. Family, friends, mentors, and colleagues can provide invaluable support and encouragement along the way.
Prioritize self-care: Take care of your spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Make time for activities that bring you joy and recharge your batteries. Remember that self-love and self-care are not indulgences but necessities for success.
Embrace failure as part of the journey: Failure is not the opposite of success but rather a steppingstone towards it. Learn from your mistakes, adapt, and keep moving forward. Resilience is key to weathering the inevitable ups and downs of any journey.
Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
The Bible has played an integral role in my development, serving as a guide to understanding how Yeshua, also known as Jesus, lived his life on earth. His profound love for humanity resonates deeply with me and fills my spirit with purpose and meaning.
One of the most valuable nuggets of wisdom I’ve gleaned from the Bible comes from Psalm 145:18: “The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” This verse reminds me of the closeness of God and the importance of genuine and sincere prayer. It reinforces the idea that God is always present, ready to listen, comfort, and guide us through life’s challenges.
Contact Info:
- Website: fweastudios.com
- Instagram: fweastudios
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamaal-eveillard/
Image Credits
Fwea Studios @ctm_swizz
