We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Michelle Zende a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Michelle, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
Resilience is like a muscle – it develops over time and gets stronger with each challenge you face. For me, it comes from a combination of personal experiences and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. I’ve navigated everything from the awkwardness of my teen years to career rejections and waves of grief that still come up from time to time. A few years ago, I went through a period of intense loss when all of my grandparents passed away within a year and a half of each other. I was incredibly close to each of them, and their passing left me devastated and heartbroken. During that same period, I was also facing unemployment and a breakup, which compounded the emotional toll.
I’ll admit, I wallowed in grief for months. Some days, all I could do was apply to one job or move from my bed to the couch. But even in those moments, I kept pushing forward, doing the best I could each day. That’s where resilience comes in—it’s not about being strong all the time, but about allowing yourself to feel what you need to, while also knowing that you’ll rise again, even if it’s one small step at a time.
I was fortunate to grow up surrounded by strong role models – my parents, grandparents, mentors – who showed me what it means to push through adversity with grit and grace. I’m also deeply grateful for the support network I have today. When life gets tough, I can lean on those who remind me to trust in myself and keep hope that everything unfolds for a reason. This perspective allows me to approach challenges not as setbacks, but as opportunities to grow. Even when things are uncertain, I try to maintain a sense of purpose and long-term vision, which helps me stay focused. When I face rejection or setbacks, I allow myself to feel the emotions, but then I pick myself up, learn from the experience, and continue moving forward with everything I’ve got.
I also believe resilience is strengthened by shared experiences. Hearing other people’s stories and realizing that we’re all facing challenges in our own ways helps me feel less isolated. It reminds me that there’s always strength to be found in connection and understanding.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Growing up, I’ve always had a deep love for film and television. As a child from a small town in Ohio, that passion felt distant – something far beyond my reach. It wasn’t until I attended Ohio University that I truly realized a career in film and TV was possible. Through screenwriting and producing courses, I not only honed my craft but also discovered the power of storytelling and its potential to create meaningful impact.
After graduating in 2018, I made the leap to Los Angeles, embracing every opportunity that came my way. With a strong desire to educate, inspire, and connect people through the stories I help bring to life, I’ve always been driven to share narratives that can spark positivity and change.
Currently, I’m working as a Showrunner’s Assistant, where I’m learning from talented mentors while also managing the day-to-day aspects of production. In my spare time, I write and produce a variety of media projects. I’m fortunate to collaborate with a community of fellow creatives who share my passion, and together, we bring our ideas to fruition.
Recently, I produced a short film, “Promises, Promises,” which we filmed in October. The writer, director, and I are already in the process of developing two additional short films to create a trilogy, which is a thrilling next step in my creative journey. Additionally, I’m producing a music video for my friend’s band, “Grown Men,” and writing an animated feature that I’m very excited about.
Every project is an opportunity for growth, and I’m deeply committed to continuing to push the boundaries of storytelling. Whether through film, music, or animation, my goal remains to create work that not only entertains but also leaves a lasting, positive impact on those who experience it.
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?
Looking back on my journey, I’d say there were three key qualities that were instrumental in my growth: persistence, adaptability, and a willingness to learn.
1. Persistence: This was perhaps the most important quality that carried me through the inevitable challenges of breaking into the entertainment industry. Whether it was handling rejection after rejection or pushing through tough moments, persistence has been key. My advice to those just starting out is simple: don’t give up. The industry is full of setbacks, but each one is a stepping stone. So it’s essential to stay focused on the long-term goal, even if the short-term road feels difficult. Setbacks are often just setups for future successes.
2. Adaptability: The world of film and TV is always changing. Being able to adapt – whether to new technologies, shifts in trends, or unexpected changes on a project – has been essential. I’ve learned that being open to change and willing to step outside of my comfort zone has allowed me to stay relevant and keep growing. My advice is to embrace new challenges and keep an open mind. Don’t be afraid to pivot if an opportunity arises. The more flexible you are, the more opportunities you’ll find.
3. Willingness to Learn: The entertainment industry is constantly evolving, and there’s always something new to learn. I think it’s important for anyone starting out to stay humble and recognize that you can always learn from others. Seek mentorship, ask questions, and never stop growing in your craft. The more knowledge you have, the more confident and capable you’ll be in taking on bigger projects.
For those early in their journey, my advice would be to focus on developing these qualities. Pursue opportunities that push you to be persistent, put yourself in situations that require you to adapt, and always remain open to learning.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, I’ve learned the importance of taking a moment to pause and sit with my emotions. A lot of times, the pressure can build up if I don’t take a step back. So, I take a few deep breaths, give myself some space, and then focus on creating a plan. I’m someone who likes to be prepared, so my mind tends to naturally evaluate obstacles from all angles to anticipate any possible outcome. Because of that, I find it helpful to break things down into manageable steps. Once I have a clear plan, I can move forward, tackling each step one at a time. This approach not only helps me regain focus, but it also helps me push through and feel more in control.
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Audrey O’Bryon
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