We were lucky to catch up with Yang Qian recently and have shared our conversation below.
Yang, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Imposter syndrome has been a challenge for me throughout my career, and while I wouldn’t say I’ve fully overcome it, I’ve learned to manage it by focusing on the strengths I bring to the table as a creative. I’ve realized that my perspective and the projects I’m part of are unique because of my contribution, whether it’s through collaboration, problem-solving, or simply offering a different viewpoint.
One of the most effective strategies I’ve developed is reminding myself of my past successes, both large and small. Whenever I start to doubt myself, I take a step back and reflect on the projects I’ve completed and the impact they’ve had. I also make an effort to surround myself with collaborators who remind me of my value when self-doubt creeps in.
I believe imposter syndrome is common in creative industries, but I see it as something that can fuel growth, pushing me to constantly evolve and refine my craft.
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?
As a film producer, my role is all about bringing visions to life and facilitating the creative journey from concept to completion. I work closely with directors, writers, and other artists to help turn their ideas into a tangible reality, overseeing everything from budgeting and scheduling to problem-solving on set. What excites me most about producing is the collaboration — it’s like putting together a puzzle where every piece is a creative mind with something unique to offer.
What I find particularly special about this field is that each project is an entirely new adventure. No two films are the same, and that constant change keeps the work fresh and exciting. Being able to contribute to a project’s creative vision and help it evolve through all the stages of production is incredibly fulfilling.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I would say, adaptability, Communication Skills, and Creative Vision are very important.
For those early in their journey, focus on building resilience. Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and grow rather than setbacks. Stay open to change and be willing to adjust your approach when necessary — it’ll make you a valuable asset to any project.
Practice active listening and work on clearly articulating your thoughts. Be mindful of how you communicate under pressure, as that’s when strong communication skills are most valuable. Also, building relationships with your team based on trust and mutual respect goes a long way.
Immerse yourself in the creative process. Watch films, study scripts, and collaborate with directors and writers. Over time, you’ll develop your own sense of storytelling and learn how to balance the creative and practical aspects of production.
What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?
I’ve come to appreciate the value of being well-rounded, especially in my role as a producer. Early on, I used to envy those with standout talents in one specific area — whether it’s a director with a unique visual style or a writer with a distinctive voice. But over time, I realized that my strength lies in being versatile. As a producer, being 80% good at many things is an asset. It allows me to bridge the gaps between different departments, communicate effectively with various team members, and see the bigger picture.
Rather than focusing solely on developing a specific strength, I’ve invested time in improving skills across different areas — from budgeting to creative decision-making to team management. This broader skill set allows me to understand the needs of everyone involved and ensure that the production runs smoothly. In the end, it’s about being the glue that holds everything together.
For example, when working on a recent project, my ability to juggle both creative and logistical tasks proved essential. I wasn’t the best at camera work or set design, but I could communicate effectively with the experts in those areas, helping them align with the overall vision. That’s what made the project a success.
So, while it’s important to recognize and hone your strengths, I believe there’s immense value in being well-rounded. It allows you to be more adaptable and makes you an integral part of any team.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.yangqian22.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avec_sophoclea/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yang-qian-/
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