We recently connected with Martrae Godard and have shared our conversation below.
Martrae , we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
I believe that the development of confidence and self esteem is life journey, Understanding, that life is always giving us opportunities to build character, confidence and self esteem. My journey to confidence and self esteem was shaped by a combination of personal values and significant influences. Growing up on the South Side of Chicago, in a challenging environment, conscious decision had to always be made. I always wanted to overcome, while forging a different path, driven by the desire to make myself and my mother proud. Football provided me with a platform to explore new horizons and connect with a diverse range of people while also challenging myself to get out of my comfort zone. My time at the South Side YMCA, Under the guidance of Coach Ernest Radcliffe, played a pivotal role. He instilled in the importance of being a student athlete, emphasizing that success in the classroom was just as crucial as on the field. This balanced approach likely contributed greatly to the my development, teaching me discipline, responsibility, and the value of education. Through my choices and the mentorship of Coach Radcliffe, I not only excelled in football but also gained a strong foundation in life skills and character -building, ultimately fostering my confidence and self- esteem. My story is a testament to the power of determination and positive influences in shaping one’s path to self assuredness.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am a man of many gifts and abilities, in this season of my life I’ve been blessed to work in film and television. I serve as screen writer, producer, director for my production company BlackmARTket. We are dedicated to telling authentic and impactful stories that challenge stereotypes and celebrate the richness and diversity of the African American experiences. We strive to create content that not only entertains but also educates and inspire our audience. In addition to my work as a director, screen writer, and producer. I am passionate about promoting diversity and representation in the film industry. I believe that everyone’s stories deserve to be told and that by showcasing a wide range of perspectives, we can create a more inclusive and empathetic society. I am constantly seeking new opportunities to collaborate with like minded individuals and organizations who share our vision for positive and empowering representation in the media. Understanding the power of community and togetherness, we can make a difference and create lasting impact through the power of film. I’ve been fortunate to serve as an A.D. (Assistant Director) within the film industry. Working on major productions such as Apple TV Shining Girls with leading actress Elisabeth Moss. Showtime The Chi, Season 5 and 6 and Starz Powerbook Force Book Book IV Season 2. I’ve been blessed to learn from some many great directors such Quincy and Deondray Gossfield, Cierra Glaude, Shanrica Evans and Deon Taylor. While also working with “A List” actors such as Joseph Sikora, Kris Lofton, Cortez Smith and so many other pivotal individuals who make productions come together. Be sure to check out the latest project short film “The Get Back” which is has been picked up in several film festivals and available on his website, BlackmARTket.com
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?
I believe that this journey has and is still teaching me so much. It’s a forever process I look at myself as a student at life and always striving to become the best version of myself. I think the three qualities or areas of knowledge that are most impactful in my journey has been consistency, community, and value. Learning and mastering your craft (gift) is crucial of success. I believe it’s important to continuously improve and develop, my personal vision statement is ” learn, grow, become”. I believe that this is to improve and develop your skills so that you can seize opportunities when they arise. Additionally, recognizing the value of community and collaboration is essential. No one can everything on their own, and by levering the skills and abilities of others, we can bring our vision to life more effectively. Building a strong community (network) and surrounding ourselves with people who complement our strengths can lead to greater success. Lastly, value plays a significant role in our personal and professional lives. Having integrity, being reliable, and demonstrating a strong work ethic not only helps us gain opportunities but also allows us to maintain them. It’s important understand what are we bringing to the table, understanding the importance of bringing our unique gifts to the table and contribute meaningfully to the causes we believe in. By doing so, we not only benefit ourselves but also inspire and positively impact others.
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?
I believe the best book that I ever read, and has played a huge role in my development is the Bible. It’s wonderful when it comes to perspective, wisdom and understanding, while also giving us the vision to understand who we really are in this world. The Bible can provide valuable teachings and insights that can help shape our lives and decisions. It emphasizes the importance of seeking God’s will and aligning our lives with God’s purpose. The process of submission and surrendering our own desire can lead to personal growth and development. I like to use what I call is “the growth method”, it’s just like tending to a garden, we need to ensure that our foundation is strong before we can plant seeds of success. The Bible serves as a guidebook, offering instructions and answers to various instructions and answers to various aspects of life. It encourages us to strive for our highest potential and to cultivate a relationship with God. While none of us are perfect, embracing a daily walk of faith and studying the word of God can bring us closer to the understanding of his God’s plan for our lives. Through this journey, we can receive guidance and blessings we need to thrive and be great.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.BlackmARTket.com
- Instagram: Martrae_Godard
- Facebook: Martrae Godard
- Linkedin: Martrae Godard
- Twitter: Trae_The3
- Other: Always believe in yourself and understand that you have a legacy to leave! It’s not about you submit to your process so that the next generation can be inspired to BE GREAT. Martrae M. Godard
