Meet Samuel Cardine

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

Samuel, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

I’ve learned to be effective and successful by embracing authenticity and staying true to myself, especially when I’m the only one in the room who looks like me. There were times when I followed the expectations and dreams of others, which took me away from who I truly am. Those experiences taught me how important it is to pursue what genuinely matters to me, no matter how different I may seem. When I’m in a room where I stand out, being true to myself becomes even more powerful. People recognize my unique qualities, talents, and perspectives. My authenticity not only sets me apart but also highlights the distinct value I bring. In those moments, being different isn’t a challenge—it’s an asset that allows my strengths to shine.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’ve always been a creative, more interested in the arts than sports. From painting and drama to tap dancing, art has been a vital form of self-expression for me.

Growing up, I was passionate about theme parks, especially Kentucky Kingdom in Louisville. My connection with the park began at 12 when I won a coloring contest to choose the colors for their biggest coaster. Later, I created an oil pastel painting for the park’s CEO in high school, which led to a marketing role there after I graduated from the University of Kentucky. I worked on digital and print marketing, public relations, commercials, videos, and photography.

I then moved on to Greater Louisville Inc., focusing on graphic design. My role there was cut due to the pandemic, prompting me to turn my attention to my own business. I launched Samdobe, a multimedia company offering photography, videography, graphic design, and marketing services to individuals and small businesses.

In 2021, I worked on short films, and in 2022, I documented a Senate campaign across Kentucky, further expanding my experience.

Currently, I work at Park Community Credit Union, where I continue to develop my marketing skills while also running Samdobe.

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?

The three qualities that were most impactful on my journey are the importance of documenting everything, the power of saying no, and being patient.

Documenting everything has been essential. Whether it’s pricing agreements, project details, or communications, keeping clear records of my business dealings has saved me from misunderstandings and disputes. It’s also ensured that all parties are on the same page, fostering trust and professionalism in my work.

The power of saying no was a game-changer for me. Not every client is a good client, and not every opportunity is worth pursuing. Protecting my time, energy, and resources by being selective about the projects I take on has been crucial. If something didn’t align with my values or long-term goals, I learned to turn it down, knowing that saying no can actually lead to better opportunities.

Finally, patience has played a huge role in my success. I’ve learned that good things take time, and building a business or career is no different. It’s important to stay committed to your vision, even when progress seems slow. By setting realistic goals and understanding that growth is a gradual process, I’ve been able to keep focused on my long-term objectives and trust that my efforts will eventually pay off.

What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?

The biggest area of improvement for me in the past 12 months has been becoming more consistent. Whether it’s a photoshoot, videoshoot, graphic design project, or collaborating on a creative idea with a friend, consistency has been key. By sticking to a regular routine and giving my best effort in every project, I’ve built more confidence and unlocked greater creativity in my work.

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