We were lucky to catch up with Linda Joe recently and have shared our conversation below.
Linda, thank you so much for making time for us. We’ve always admired your ability to take risks and so maybe we can kick things off with a discussion around how you developed your ability to take and bear risk?
With risk taking, there will always be uncertainties. That is why it is a risk. In building my dreams, instead of focusing on the bad outcomes, I started with taking smaller risks whether it was starting new side projects that I was passionate about, or learning something new. Those smaller risks then turned into embracing bigger risk-taking such as changing careers or taking on new project roles with bigger responsibilities. What I have learned over the years in taking risks is that embracing failure and understanding that it is a stepping stone to success has allowed me to become more resilient, and as a result I have become the producer I am today. Always curious, always learning, always growing, and always evolving.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I always knew early on that I wanted to work and be a part of the entertainment landscape. Born and raised in Los Angeles, it was important that I made it in LA. I went to USC film school and upon graduating, I hustled and interned and worked multiple jobs and started doing projects on the side, and I did everything I could to learn and grow in the entertainment business by taking on a diverse array of opportunities and experiences to really figure out what I enjoyed and how I fit in the bigger picture. I started as an assistant in film development, then quickly pivoted to focus on international film sales and distribution, traveling globally to major film festivals such as Sundance, Berlinale, Cannes, and Toronto. Further down the line, I moved into film and tv production, and entertainment marketing. Throughout the process, I also managed film premieres and screenings and parties as part of my job. I learned early on about the nature of freelance work in the entertainment industry, so I pivoted to expanding my knowledge and work experience in other related entertainment industries, such as sports, video games, and tech. I also desired to learn more about event producing, inspiring me to go on what I call my “education tour,” helping out on all kinds of events, soaking up and learning everything I possibly could on how to produce tradeshows, conventions, live sporting events, large-scale music concerts, theater stage productions and more. I am constantly learning, growing, and evolving as a producer, with limitless curiosity and energy. My diverse experiences have shaped me into the well-rounded and versatile producer that I am today and will continue to lead me into the future.
My career has grown and evolved in so many unique and interesting ways, but my goal has always been to be a versatile “do-it-all” producer. I have consulted with and produced for major brands and big-budget events both domestically and globally, including the Cannes Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival, E3 and Comic-Con; also working with the NBA, as well as the Super Bowl; producing global Esports tournaments, video game launches, and producing film and tv premieres and Broadway musicals. I am passionate about and take great pride and pleasure in the projects I produce, and love the variety. One day it is a Broadway show, the next day a film and tv project.
As a Korean-American woman in the entertainment business, diversity and representation is incredibly important to me and something I have fought for and strived to achieve. Having a seat at the table is not enough. Through inclusivity, unique talents and voices need to be heard and uplifted, otherwise diversity is lost. Whether it is producing for a company or producing my own projects, I want to make an impact and be a force for positive change in my industry and the world. My goal is to continue to create an environment that offers opportunities to minorities and under-represented groups, and I want to be a voice for the next generation to help pave the way by mentoring and providing leadership.
As an entertainment producer and production executive, I am constantly finding creative ways to problem-solving, risk-taking, and continuing to be adaptable and pivot as necessary. My hunger, my drive, my passion, and my resiliency as a producer are what keeps me going in a constantly changing world, and I am always humbled to continue to learn, grow, and evolve.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
For me, it has always been: Work Hard, Be Humble, Keep It Real.
*Work Hard:
You have to do the work. For me, it means showing up early, speaking up and asking questions, networking and meeting people, taking feedback and growing, getting out of your comfort zone, doing the tedious stuff, etc.
*Be Humble:
It starts by learning to listen and making others feel heard and understood; being a team player; recognizing your own strengths and limitations; being open to learning and growing, etc.
*Keep It Real:
You will not have all the answers. That is okay. Allow yourself grace for failures and the openness to learn and grow from them. Be genuine, be authentic, be true.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
My parents have always provided me a strong foundation of unwavering support and love since day one. I knew early on as a child that I wanted to work in the entertainment landscape, so my immigrant parents worked day and night to make extra money to send me to all the film production classes and workshops I wanted to attend growing up. They supported me and believed in me even when there were many days I didn’t believe in myself. My parents taught me to always follow my passion and my dreams; to work hard and the more success that is achieved to always give back and remain humble. My parents always showed up to every single thing I did, whether it was a childhood school play, or a work event I was leading, or the musical project I produced as an adult. They were always so proud of me. Being present and showing up is the most impactful thing my parents did, and still continue to do today. That is something I will always cherish. I am so blessed and grateful and it is my “why” I get up and hustle every single day, so that I can repay that gratitude.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.LindaJoe.com
- Linkedin: https://www.Linkedin.com/in/JoeLinda
