Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Noam Dromi. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Noam, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
Keeping creativity alive is both an intrinsic desire and a conscious endeavor for me. I’ve always believed that storytelling is deeply woven into the fabric of our humanity. Since the dawn of time, our ancestors felt compelled to narrate their experiences and beliefs. From the ancient cave paintings that depicted the elemental dance of hunt and life to the soul-stirring tales of shamans that resonated around the flickering campfires, storytelling has been an essential part of our existence. Every age has its medium. The Gutenberg press democratized information and brought stories to the masses. Radios transformed the silent corners of homes into dramatic stages, while the cathode ray tube painted vivid visuals of faraway tales. Today, the Internet and the burgeoning metaverse offer immersive and limitless canvases for our narratives. Throughout my career, I’ve endeavored to be a platform agnostic journeyman storyteller, working across mediums to craft the right message.
But beyond just consuming stories, it’s crucial to keep cultivating our own creativity. For me, that involves challenging long-held assumptions and embracing a sense of relentless intellectual curiosity. I ask ‘why’ a lot, even when the answers seem obvious. This process of questioning and reflecting allows me to see the world through different lenses, offering a fresh perspective on age-old tales and new stories alike.
In this expansive age of information and interconnectivity, I recognize the importance of creating platforms that give voice to the unheard. There are countless narratives that have been historically muted or sidelined. By building spaces that elevate these tales, we don’t just preserve them; we enrich our collective storytelling tradition. I believe that creativity, at its core, is about connecting, sharing, and elevating human experiences.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m a veteran writer/producer with a diverse background in creative content, media production, and brand development. Over the years, I’ve honed my skills as a marketing executive and digital strategist, always aiming to bridge the gap between storytelling and impactful brand narratives. My professional journey has seen me wear multiple hats – Filmmaker, Board Member, Strategic Advisor, Entreprenuer and Adjunct Professor to name a few. Even during challenging times, such as the pandemic, I’ve been at the forefront of creating, collecting, and disseminating stories that resonate with audiences worldwide.
Currently, I serve as the Managing Director of Reboot Studios, an organization that champions fresh and imaginative film, multimedia, and art projects imbued with Jewish themes. At Reboot Studios, we are dedicated to creating content that “elevates Jewish joy,” a sentiment that feels particularly poignant given the rising tide of antisemitism.
One of our recent ventures was joining the producing team for the Broadway premiere of “Just For Us” by comedian Alex Edelman. This award-winning one-man show, praised by the New York Times, explores themes of identity and empathy, ensuring audiences leave with both introspection and laughter. Another project close to our heart is “The Anne Frank Gift Shop,” a dark comedy by Mickey Rapkin that delves deep into collective trauma and the Holocaust.
Our commitment extends beyond content creation; we are passionate about diversifying Jewish narratives. We strive to amplify voices from Jews of color, LGBTQ+ Jewish members, Jewish converts, and other non-traditional stories that challenge prevalent stereotypes. Through this, we hope to counteract the misrepresentation of Jews and celebrate the rich diversity of Jewish identity and experiences.
Reboot Studios is more than a content hub; it’s a movement. We aim to foster understanding, inclusivity, and a broader appreciation of Jewish culture. Our projects not only entertain but also educate, sparking conversations that pave the way for a more empathetic and inclusive society. As we look to the future, we are excited about expanding our narrative reach, forging strategic partnerships, and continuing our journey in storytelling and beyond.
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?
Reflecting on my journey, three pivotal qualities stand out that have profoundly shaped my path and contributed to my successes:
1. Intellectual Curiosity: This innate desire to learn, explore, and understand has been the driving force behind every endeavor I’ve undertaken. It’s this curiosity that pushes me to venture beyond the known, question the status quo, and continuously seek knowledge. My advice to those at the beginning of their journey is to nurture this curiosity. Dive deep into subjects that intrigue you, ask questions, and never stop learning. The world is vast, and there’s always something new to discover. Embrace it.
2. Resilience: The road to success is often paved with challenges, setbacks, and failures. Resilience has been my anchor during turbulent times, allowing me to bounce back, adapt, and move forward with even greater determination. For those early in their journey, understand that setbacks are a natural part of growth. Instead of being disheartened, use them as learning opportunities. Cultivate a mindset that views challenges as stepping stones, not stumbling blocks. Remember, it’s not about how many times you fall, but how many times you get back up.
3. Ability to Collaborate with Diverse Individuals: Collaboration has been a cornerstone of my professional journey. Working with people from various backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives has enriched my worldview and fostered creativity. Embracing diversity brings forth a broad range of ideas, solutions, and innovations that a homogenous group might overlook. My advice is to actively seek out diverse teams and collaborations. Listen actively, learn from others, and understand that every individual brings a unique perspective to the table. It’s this collective wisdom that leads to groundbreaking outcomes.
I tell my students and those embarking on their professional journey that personal growth is a continuous process. Stay curious, be resilient in the face of adversity, and cherish the power of diverse collaborations. These qualities, when honed and nurtured, will not only propel you forward but also enrich your journey in ways you never imagined.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
The most impactful gift my parents gave me wasn’t material but rather a profound life lesson. My mother, who sadly left us a year ago, imparted a lesson that has been the bedrock of my personal and professional journey: the permission to fail. In a world that often equates failure with inadequacy, she taught me to view it as an invaluable teacher. Each setback, each stumble, became an opportunity to learn, grow, and adapt. She instilled in me the understanding that it’s not the absence of failure but our response to it that defines us. This freedom from unreasonable or unrealistic expectations allowed me to approach challenges with an open heart and a clear mind, unburdened by the fear of missteps.
Both my parents were entrepreneurial and opportunistic, unafraid to take risks and venture into the unknown. Their audacity and vision were infectious, and they encouraged both my brother and me to embrace a similar path. They believed in the power of transportable skills—abilities and knowledge that transcend specific industries or roles. They emphasized that in an ever-evolving world, it’s not just about mastering a particular domain but about cultivating skills that have relevance and resonance across diverse landscapes.
In essence, my parents taught me the art of resilience, the value of adaptability, and the importance of continuous learning. Their lessons weren’t just words but lived experiences, and their legacy is the courage and curiosity they instilled in us. As I reflect on their teachings, I’m reminded of the timeless wisdom that it’s not about the destination but the journey, and it’s the lessons we learn and the values we uphold along the way that truly matter.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rebooting.com/studio/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noamenclature/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noamdromi/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/noamdromi
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@noamdromi
Image Credits
Photos by Elizabeth Reynolds
