We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lee Giat a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Lee, appreciate you sitting with us today. Maybe we can start with a topic that we care deeply about because it’s something we’ve found really sets folks apart and can make all the difference in whether someone reaches their goals. Self discipline seems to have an outsized impact on how someone’s life plays out and so we’d love to hear about how you developed yours?
I think my self-discipline comes from two places: loss and purpose. When you lose something that meant the world to you, like I did when I lost my dad, it forces you to either collapse or rebuild yourself with intention. For me, that became a lifelong commitment to follow through, no matter how hard things get.
I’ve learned that motivation fades, but discipline is what keeps the mission alive. Whether it’s all-nighters at the office, staying sharp as a pilot, or handling the weight of so many responsibilities, I try to remember that every bit of effort contributes to something bigger. My discipline isn’t about perfection. It’s about consistency, and about keeping promises to myself and to the people who’ve believed in me.
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 a filmmaker, pilot, and science communicator focused on creating stories that inspire curiosity and connection. I serve as President of Flying Ostrich Media, a production company that works across the country to produce cinematic films, commercials, and large-scale live productions. Our team specializes in telling meaningful stories that elevate brands and celebrate the human side of innovation.
What makes our work exciting is the blend of art, science, and adventure behind it. I’ve flown thousands of miles for projects that merge those worlds, including “Wright of Passage,” a feature documentary about my 48-day solo flight across the Caribbean and South America to deliver educational resources to students in underserved communities. It’s a story about loss, resilience, and the power of using what you love to make an impact.
Right now, we’re preparing for the world premiere of Wright of Passage in early 2026, which is our first ever feature film as an organization. Each step is about growth with purpose, building stories that lift others up while continuing to chase what inspires us.
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, the three most impactful traits in my journey have been adaptability, emotional awareness, and follow-through.
In my opinion, adaptability is the most important trait for success. Things rarely go as planned, especially when you’re building a business. It’s easy to let things spiral, but adjusting course and staying flexible keeps everything moving in the right direction.
Emotional awareness helps you lead, create, and connect. Prioritizing your well-being is non-negotiable, but I also try to keep an eye on my team and support them whenever I can. They’ve done the same for me in difficult times, and that mutual care is what keeps us strong.
Follow-through turns ideas into reality. It’s easy to start things, but finishing them is what builds momentum and credibility. In today’s world, there are countless “wantrepreneurs” showing off rented Lamborghinis and promising overnight success. The truth is, there are no shortcuts to hard work.
My advice: embrace challenges, stay self-aware, and always finish what you start. Consistency builds confidence, and confidence builds success.
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
My biggest area of growth this year has been learning to slow down and focus on what actually matters. I’ve always been someone who pushes nonstop, but that pace isn’t sustainable forever. I’ve learned that working smarter, not harder, leads to better results and less burnout.
It’s been about setting boundaries, trusting the process, and realizing that balance doesn’t mean doing less. It means doing the right things with more intention.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.flyingostrichmedia.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/flyingostrichmedia
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/flyingostrichmedia
Image Credits
Lili Weinstein, Flying Ostrich Media, Angel Toro
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
