Meet Matt O’Neill

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Matt O’Neill. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Matt, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

It’s how I’m wired. I’m pretty fearless and thrive on challenge. I get bored easily, so I really enjoy facing challenges. I also definitely get it from my mother and how I grew up. My brother and I were raised by a single mom who was dealt an incredibly tough hand. She was forced to give up her entire life, career, dreams, and aspirations in her early twenties to raise two boys completely on her own. Yet she never complained. She did what had to be done, showed up for everything, kept us clothed, fed, and housed. It almost destroyed her, but she did it. She taught us to always keep going no matter what. Never quit, never say, “I can’t”, to always keep fighting, period. She started over from scratch and succeeded when everyone told her she would fail and judged her in a time when single mothers were looked down upon. She went back to school full-time while also working full-time, volunteered in foodbanks for a bag of groceries, we had to be on foodstamps and government assistance while she was in school, but she rebuilt herself, her career, and life. That’s resilience led by example. The words “quit,” “I can’t,” and “too hard” are not in my vocabulary. They’re incomprehensible.

Also, I grew up in the City of Pittsburgh, PA. That city is built on resilience. It’s in our blood. The people there are some of the most authentic, hard-working folks in the world. You get up, you go to work, and you do what has to be done. There’s no complaining, no off-days, no “woe is me”. That town, and especially my mother, are major factors in my resilience and work ethic.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

As you know, I’m an independent producer, and I adore what I do. What’s most exciting or special about it, for me, is the thrill of the challenge, the constant changes, and curveballs. Every day brings something new to the table. I wake up every day excited for the possibilities, both known and unknown, that present themselves. I also find the camaraderie and intense teamwork aspect of it all. I often use the analogy of cooking, of adding all of these wonderful, individual ingredients to create a new, cohesive, amazing dish that never existed otherwise. It parallels how all of these amazingly talented artists, craftspeople, and technicians, all come together to create a new, beautiful piece of art for the world. I’m beyond grateful to be able to do what I do and make a living doing it.

As for my “brand,” well, beyond the type of stories that I’m drawn to, I have a deep curiosity about people, the world, the universe, and life. That curiosity leads me to strive to always listen and understand people as much as possible. I believe it’s most important to always be responsible, honest, and kind, to treat people right and with dignity. I do my best to always lead by example. To try to make everyone’s day a little better with each encounter. That doens’t mean being a pushover, you can still be firm and kind at the same time. I simply feel that practicing kindness and humanity is invaluable. We all have our stories, trials, and traumas, and yet we’re all connected at the end of the day.

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 know that I’ve touched on this already, but again, honesty, kindness, and integrity are the most important, unteachable qualities one can possess. Along with curiosity, critical thinking, work ethic, and a willingness to learn. If you truly possess these qualities and skills, you can succeed at anything.

My advice on how to develop, maintain, or improve on these is to not allow yourself to become jaded or cynical. Find and keep the joy in everything you do and in life. Be grateful, stay positive, remember why you were driven to this artform and business to begin with, and walk a mile in someone else’s shoes instead of passing judgment.

Also, and this is vital, trust your instincts. We have them for a reason; they’re our built-in safety mechanisms. If something feels off to you, makes your skin crawl, your stomach uneasy, etc., listen to those feelings. Nothing is worth compromising who you are or your moral core. You know the old saying, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” Stay true to yourself and maintain your integrity. You’ll go much further and have more respect in the end.

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

I’d say the number one obstacle or challenge, right now, is the sense of panic floating around the state of the entertainment industry, the ever-growing influence of technology, more specifically, A.I., the change in how people watch or consume their entertainment. and the difficulty a lot of folks are having adapting to what seems like a tidal wave of change. I understand why people feel frightened, overwhelmed, or lost, as this is a monumental shift we’re living through in this industry and in society. I have colleagues and friends who have been struggling to find work or survive over the last couple of years. It’s palpable, and I do what I can, when I can, to help. Perhaps it’s my eternally optimistic nature, but I’m not afraid of any of it. Change is inevitable, and evolution is the key to survival. The way to assuage those fears or anxieties is to educate yourself. Know the current and learn the upcoming trends, stay on top of the innovations and advances in all areas of influence in what you do. Knowledge is power. You don’t need to become an expert in those fields; you just need to understand their nature, functionality, and their current and potential impact. That’s how you get ahead of it, and to me, that eliminates any fear. You need to stay aware and cognizant of all that’s going on, and learn how to adapt. Fear mongering and misinformation are death nails that do far more harm than good. The tidal wave will recede, and yes, things will be different, but that can also open the path for fresh ideas, new creators, and discoveries. As long as it’s all done ethically and with integrity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ironharppictures.com
• Instagram: @mattoneill_official
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-o-neill-68a4a19/
• Twitter: @Matt_ONeill
• Other: https://imdb.me/mattoneill