Finding Your Zone of Genius in Film Production | Lisamarie Shires
In this episode, Lisamarie Shires shares her journey from government contracting to photography, then to producing, and finally to coaching creative professionals. She discusses how her experience across various roles in the production industry has informed her coaching philosophy, focusing on helping creatives build sustainable businesses that prioritize life and family while achieving professional success.
Key Takeaways
Lisa left a stable government job to pursue her creative passions, starting with photography before moving into producing
Her coaching practice developed naturally from her tendency to mentor younger professionals and her own experience with coaching
The production industry has shifted from transactional to relationship-focused, requiring creatives to position themselves as experts who deliver results
For creatives with families, finding work-life balance is crucial and often requires external support and intentional decision-making
Post-COVID market uncertainty has changed buyer behavior, resulting in clients being more cautious with budgets and requiring more certainty from creatives
When building a personal brand, focus on being visible and leveraging your existing network rather than waiting for perfection
For multi-passionate creatives, identify your "zone of genius" to determine where to focus your energy and how to package your various skills
Values-based decision-making helps creative professionals avoid burnout and make choices that align with their priorities
Quote
"I'm catering to the people that have been playing in commercial production for at least 5 to 10 plus years... if you want to stand out, you need to start acting like it... decide that you're that person already, and then that personal development is going to play into your professional development."
Links & Resources
Lisa can be found on Instagram: @LisaMarieShires
Website: lisamarieshires.com
Upcoming program: "The Unforgettable Filmmaker" - focusing on confidence and leadership
Recommended Book: "The Big Leap" by Gay Hendricks