In this Business Blast Podcast episode, host Tyler Wagner interviews freelance filmmaker Olivia Willard. Olivia shares a memorable 2016 experience shooting a music documentary in the Netherlands, emphasizing that obstacles signal meaningful work and that handling them calmly is crucial. She advises creatives to wear multiple hats only when they align with their strengths, warning against spreading oneself too thin. Her universal business counsel centers on networking—connecting, reconnecting, and paying it forward with kindness and eloquence. When reflecting on personal growth, she tells her younger self to listen to her parents. Olivia defines happiness as following one’s passions, loving fully, and being selflessly kind. She recommends the book No Excuses by Brian Tracy, highlighting the danger of always taking the path of least resistance. Her favorite quote, from Eleanor Roosevelt, reinforces standing firm against unwarranted negativity. Finally, she directs listeners to her online presence on LinkedIn, Facebook, and her website oliviawillardfilms.com.
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Welcome to the Business Blast Podcast. I'm your host, Tyler Wagner. This episode is brought to you by Authors Unite. Authors Unite provides you with all the resources you need to become a successful author. You can learn more about Authors Unite and join the free community at authorsunite.com. Now let's jump into the episode.
Alright everyone, welcome back to another episode of the Business Blast Podcast. I'm your host Tyler Wagner. Today I have Olivia Willard with us. She is a freelance filmmaker, so welcome to the show, Olivia.
Thank you so much for having me. I'm excited to be here.
Of course, we're excited to have you, and we'll dive into the first one. The first question I have for you, Olivia, is what is the best story from your life that has an underlying valuable message?
I had to think pretty hard about this question, but I came up with something pretty good. So in the summer of 2016, I took off to the Netherlands with my teammate to direct and shoot a music documentary about a band called Heidevolk. They are Dutch. Looking back now with almost 2 more years of experience under my belt, I see a lot that could have been done differently or better. However, when you hit stumbling blocks during a project, you know you're doing something right. If this stuff was easy, everyone would be doing it. And I know that's a cliché, but it's true. The bumps in the road themselves are not as important, in my opinion, as how you handle them. So don't lose your cool and think logically and move forward.
Yes. And what is the most valuable piece of information we should know that's within your expertise or industry?
Yes, um, I think people should be able to take on many roles. But also know where their strengths lie. For example, I'm a good editor and I love editing, and while I can take on many roles in a project, I also know my limits. When you wear all of the hats, so to speak, during production, there's a chance that the end result will suffer if you spread yourself too thin. So try to avoid doing that.
And what is your best piece of overall business advice? So not necessarily industry-specific.
Sure. This, It can be said for any industry, I think, and it's been said time and time again. Connect, network, reconnect, and use your connections to your advantage. More often than not, people are very willing to help you, but a general rule of thumb is to be kind and be eloquent. Offer to help them in return. They may not take you up on it, which is totally fine, but always be ready to pay it forward.
And if you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would that be?
That was easy. Listen to your parents. They know more than you. Shut up, sit down, pay attention.
I love that. And in your opinion, what is the key to happiness?
I think following your dreams and passions and loving with all of your heart and being kind while expecting nothing in return is really the key to happiness. And that's what's brought me my happiness.
And what is the best book that you've read and what was the number one thing you learned from that?
So actually, I was recently recommended a book called No Excuses by Brian Tracy, and it was a really great read and it's become a favorite of mine. There's a lot of practical takeaway that you can apply to your life personally and professionally, but the main piece I took was taking the path of least resistance isn't always the way to go, and always consider the impact of your actions down the road.
And what is your favorite quote and why?
Yes, Eleanor Roosevelt said, "Don't let anyone tell you no who doesn't have the power to say yes." I think that's a powerful piece of advice. Stick to your guns, follow your dreams, and always indulge your passions. No shouldn't be a deterrent.
Yes, I love it. Thank you so much for coming on. The last question I have for you before we let you go is, where is the best place for people to find you online?
Sure, absolutely. And thank you again for having me. You can find me on LinkedIn, Facebook, or my website, which is oliviawillardfilms.com.
Perfect. Thanks again, Olivia. We'll talk with you soon.
All right. Thank you. Have a good day.
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