We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Linda Duncombe a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Linda , thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
Linda – I had an incredibly happy childhood. What I didn’t realize was living in government housing was not always understood and could establish some unfair bias’ to what kind of people we were just because we had very little money. We made up for that with a household full of love. From a very young age, I would tell my parents and brother I wanted to live in New York. At no time did I ever think that was not possible and I went after that and all of my dreams. My optimism comes from my parents. They were so happy and grateful for our tiny family. They got so much joy from seeing the people they loved living happy lives, trying new things and going after our dreams. I have worked incredibly hard but I never forget my roots and very grateful to have ingrained in me from childhood that life is a gift, live your best life. I find joy in that everyday.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
At a point in my life where I thought it was time to challenge myself again, I changed career paths. I have had crossroads like this before when I moved from Australia to the USA. Big moments, a lot of consideration and never wanting to think “what if”. This time it was moving from a career of 3+ decades to a new industry where I had some experience but it was not my core. I moved to entertainment and making movies!
I sit on the boards of SAG AFTRA Foundation and The Grammy Museum to name two but also sit on other boards and volunteer my time to give back. I have great networks in entertainment and wanted to dial it up by a full career change. I represent a group of investors and we are now making movies. My dear friend, business partner and the person I call “my little brother” Joshua Friedman, is the other EP. He is also the Director and Writer. It is a family film that will be something we can all watch and enjoy. It’s an adventure that is inspired by a true story and is called “The Queen’s Jewels”. We are in post production and very excited! I have learnt so much about the industry and about myself. It’s been a year of change and reflection. A year to challenge myself and it is exactly what I needed to be doing. I am energized and encourage anyone who is thinking of trying something different. If you can afford to do it, please do. Never wonder “what if”….
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
1. My genuine interest to learn and my curiosity in asking “why?”. I don’t need to be the smartest person in the room. As a leader, the best outcome is to have a wide range of diversity. This has always allowed me to personally grow and to contribute to something much larger than myself. The joy of learning and giving back energizes me. Asking questions is a good thing. Take notes, participate, take risks… It’s all part of learning and being curious.
2. The values my parents instilled in me as a child. You wont forget the meeting you missed but you will forget that very important engagement you had in your personal life where you prioritized your work in front of all else in your life. I live by the mantra “family and health first”. To be the best version of yourself in all aspects of your life, you need to take care of yourself and what’s important. Everyone in your family and network will be far more grateful to see you happy then feeling overwhelmed and tired because it’s all too much.
3. I walk in the shoes of my clients. Whoever that audience may be. I phone clients, I will meet with them, I look at lots of data and speak to lots of people. I co-create the work I do so I know what I am doing, is going to be needed and well received by the people I am doing that work for.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
The last few years with the pandemic and then the entertainment strikes has made the work I do challenging and seeing so many people impacted has been devastating.
When I am overwhelmed, I remind myself that it’s not the first time, it wont be the last and I have a wonderful group of friends and family who are here for me as I am here for them.
Controlling my breathing is really important for me. I count in for 5 and breath out for 10 seconds. It forces your heart to slow down.
I write down what is overwhelming me and what can I lean into from previous experiences that may help. I start to work the problem and make sure I understand the root cause.
If it needs help to solve, I reach out to people that can help. I am the first to say I don’t have all the answers and that takes the pressure off.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thequeensjewelsmovie.com
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/linda-duncombe
Image Credits
I own all credits to these pictures.
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
