We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Phil Donlon. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Phil below.
Phil, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
By sitting my butt down and doing the work. Applying myself. And staying the f*ck of social media. Social media is NOT WORK. In todays environment we spend a lot of time comparing ourselves to others….overanalyzing…and when you start doing that you stifle creativity. I find I do much better when I respect the work I’ve done. Honoring its impact….creates an energy that feeds into itself.
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?
In front of the camera I most recently I appeared as Simon McDougal on Starz’s Power Book IV: Force. Behind the camera, I am currently Exec Producing an untitled FBI undercover project for FOX. I also have various scripted and non-scripted projects in various stages of development.
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?
Be the best at what you do. Take pride in what you do. Be on time. Be respectful to others. It’s the simple shit. There is room for you at the table. There is room for everyone. You’ll eventually get the opportunity you’ve been waiting for…make sure you’re prepared. And be willing to sacrifice. Be willing to work for free, and sleep on floors.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
My dad was a salesman and my mom was a nurse. Blue Collar. They worked hard. Very hard. And witnessing this had a great impact on me. Because growing up I was undisciplined and frankly, lazy, when I look back on myself. I’m grateful my parents did not let me get away with acting like that. They expected a better work ethic from me. This is what I aspire to today in my work and in my life. My dad taught my brother and I about music…on weekends I remember the windows open in the house and his stereo cranked to its highest volume blasting early Bruce Springsteen…the blues. He also taught me about TV (my early storytelling days)….I clearly remember watching early Michael Mann: Crime Story, Miami Vice and Hill Street Blues. He wasn’t a snob about any of this. He made me understand the simple joy of it all. My parents made me understand the simple joy….the sense of pride in being your best.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: phil.donlon
- Twitter: PhilDonlon1
Image Credits
david zaugh
