Graciela Del Toro—now VP of Creative Operations & Resourcing at Bond and formerly Creative Ops Lead at Netflix (plus a stint at Apple)—joins Creative Leadership with Heart to unpack her non-linear path from music major to entertainment marketing to creative operations leader.
We dig into:
The “Napster moment” that blew up her original plan—and the pivot into film & trailers
Agency vs. entertainment marketing: what’s actually different (and what isn’t)
Small shop vs. big machine: how your growth changes with team size
Pre-COVID → Post-COVID → Post-strike realities (“survive till ’25”)
What great Creative Ops really does: efficiency and creative health
Transparent leadership, mentoring, and the advice she’d give her younger self (“get out of your own way”)
🎙 Host: Rico
👤 Guest: Graciela Del Toro, VP Creative Ops & Resourcing @ Bond (ex-Netflix, Apple)
What does it take to pivot across industries — from alcohol marketing to Disney, and then to Netflix — while leading global creative teams?
In this episode of Creative Leadership with Heart, Rico sits down with Gavin Quirk, Head of Innovation Operations at Netflix (and formerly of Disney & Diageo), to explore a career path filled with bold pivots, setbacks, and growth.
💬 Gavin shares:
His journey from aspiring footballer ⚽️ to brand manager at Diageo (Guinness, Jose Cuervo)
What it was like marketing Hannah Montana at Disney after Guinness 🍺
The massive culture shift moving from Disney to Netflix
Lessons in authentic leadership across three very different industries
How to lead distributed global teams with empathy and flexibility
Why career paths are rarely linear — and why that’s a good thing
This conversation is packed with insights for anyone navigating career transitions, leadership challenges, or just wondering if they’re “on the right path.”
📌 Don’t forget to subscribe for more inspiring stories on creativity, culture, and leadership.
#Netflix #CreativeLeadership #CareerPivots #Leadership #Disney #Diageo
Welcome back to Creative Leadership with Heart!In this episode, we sit down with Ali Lindsay, marketing leader and founder of the Cocoon Collective, to dive deep into her career journey—from her start in media agencies to leading marketing teams for innovative K–12 schools, and ultimately creating her own consulting practice.Ali shares:Her early days at NYU and how she pivoted from performing arts aspirations to marketing.Lessons learned in agency life that shaped her foundation in analytics, consumer insights, and brand strategy.How she navigated ed tech during the pandemic and scaled consulting opportunities.Insights on product-market fit, working with schools, and telling compelling stories without overselling.Her tips for anyone considering launching a consulting business or taking a career risk.If you’ve ever wondered how to turn uncertainty into opportunity or build a consulting business that aligns with your mission, this episode is packed with actionable insights.📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with creative leaders shaping the future of work, education, and innovation!Connect w/ Ali here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-hancock/
Today’s guest is Al Carns, Senior Art Director at Lionsgate, whose 25-year creative journey started as an unpaid intern and came full circle with one of the most culturally relevant films of the decade, The Blackening.Al shares:His origin story and early artistic influencesThe power of representation in mediaWhy creative work must speak to the soul, not just sellHis mission to give back through his agency, Primer CreativeHow Lionsgate supports DEI and cultural storytellingIf you're a creative, a leader, or someone who believes art can transform lives — this one is for you.🔔 Subscribe for more inspiring stories from artists, creators, and business owners.
In this episode of Creative Leadership with Heart, we sit down with Michelle Brogan, Head of Go-To-Market at Allianz and former Regional Head of Marketing at Symantec. Michelle shares her inspiring career journey—from falling into digital marketing in the early '90s to leading global marketing teams today.She opens up about:The evolution of digital marketing and customer insightsWhy storytelling and personalization still matterKey leadership lessons from scaling her careerHer powerful transition from “doing it all” to leading high-performing teamsThis is a must-watch for marketing professionals, future leaders, and anyone navigating growth in today’s fast-paced world.🔔 Subscribe for more leadership and growth insights!🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more.GUEST: Michelle BroganMarketing ExecutiveCurrently Head of go to market at AllianzFormerly Regional Head of Marketing at Symantec.Mother, mentor, coach.https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-brogan/
When Farnas Esnaashari was repeatedly denied promotions in the animation industry, she didn’t wait for permission — she created her own lane.
In this inspiring episode, hosts Leonard Samuels and Rico Nasal sit down with Farnas, the powerhouse behind Pitch Dox and a showrunner with deep roots at Nickelodeon.
She opens up about being underestimated, sleeping in classrooms to meet deadlines, taking massive pay cuts to follow her dream, and ultimately turning industry roadblocks into rocket fuel for her own success.
If you've ever felt stuck in your creative career, this episode is your wake-up call.
🔹 What it takes to break into animation
🔹 How she made the jump from post coordinator to show creator
🔹 Why rejection can be your greatest motivator
Book Recommendations:https://tinyurl.com/ricosbooksGear Recommendations:https://tinyurl.com/ricosgearFitness Gear:https://tinyurl.com/ricosfitnesshttps://www.riconasol.com/https://www.instagram.com/riconasol/https://www.linkedin.com/in/riconasol/https://app.joinforum.com/partner-support-groups/Rico-Nasol-pid797https://www.joinleland.com/coach/rico-n=====Leadership and motivation is the key to staying inspired in the world today. These inspiring quotes and motivation videos are designed to help you continue to be successful in life and in business. Using these wise words will keep you performing at your best and living life to the fullest. We are here to win at life and to enjoy every moment.When the stressors of life begin to take over, we need to stay positive. Maintaining a positive and affirming approach to life will help us maintain a high level of performance, a balanced life and strong mental health. Please use these videos to keep you and your business running strong. Build great teams and lead them to success.Rico Nasol and affiliates and related parties do not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, investment, legal or business advice. You should consult your own advisors before engaging in any transaction.This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Thank you for your support! Legal Disclosure: I’m not a financial advisor. The information contained in this video is for entertainment purposes only. Before investing, please consult a licensed professional. Any stock purchases I show on video should not be considered “investment recommendations”. I shall not be held liable for any losses you may incur for investing and trading in the stock market in attempt to mirror what I do. Unless investments are FDIC insured, they may decline in value and/or disappear entirely. Please be careful!
Today on Creative Leadership with Heart, I'm joined by my good friend Andry Haryanto — VP of Finance and Strategy at Vida Health and former Netflix strategist. Andry shares his fascinating journey from chemical engineering to private equity, to Silicon Valley tech giant Netflix, and now to transformative healthcare.
We dive deep into leadership challenges across companies of all sizes, the importance of adapting your leadership style, and how to think about scale differently as your career and company grow.
Whether you're an emerging leader or a seasoned executive, this conversation is packed with insights on navigating ambiguity, connecting top-down vision with ground-level reality, and leading with purpose.
🎥 Meet Sally Montana – A Globally Renowned Photographer and DirectorJoin us as we dive into the inspiring journey of Sally Montana, a photographer and director whose career has spanned across continents and creative industries. From capturing stunning images of everyday people to immersing herself in the intense world of rodeo photography, Sally shares how her experiences in Germany, Switzerland, South Africa, and New York shaped her creative approach.🌍 Why Cape Town?📸 Why Rodeos?💥 What Drives a Photographer to Capture Real Stories Over Perfect Shots?Tune in for insights on the power of serendipity, opportunity, and the importance of mentorship in the creative world. Sally opens up about her journey, challenges, and how traveling the world has enhanced her ability to tell deep, meaningful stories through her lens.Don't miss Sally’s advice for aspiring photographers, as well as her thoughts on how creativity continues to evolve throughout her career.🎯 Ready to explore what makes an authentic, impactful photographer? Tune in now!
Welcome to another exciting episode of "Creative Leadership with Heart." In this episode, we are featuring Jacob Zuckerman, the VP of Design at Propel, a company focused on supporting low-income Americans. With over 20 years in the design industry, Jacob has navigated a fascinating career that spans from print to product design, working with big names like Google, Yahoo, and Nokia, as well as various startups. In this episode, Jacob shares his creative journey, from studying graphic design to taking bold career pivots that have shaped him into a versatile leader. He explores the challenges and rewards of transitioning into the product design world, his passion for startups, and the importance of empathy and collaboration in achieving success. Join us as we dive deep into Jacob's experiences and insights on achieving personal and professional growth in the ever-evolving design landscape. Don't miss this thought-provoking conversation about creativity, leadership, and the relentless pursuit of better outcomes.https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobzukerman/
🚀 From Netflix to startups, Dr. Carla Engelbrecht has spent her career shaping the future of kids' media! In our latest episode, we dive into her journey—building at Sesame Street, PBS Kids, and now founding Betweened, a platform fostering mindful behavior in children.🎙️
What does it take to innovate in kids’ tech? How do you pivot and thrive in the startup world? Carla shares it all! Don’t miss this inspiring conversation.
@drcarlaeng on TikTok and IG
https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlaeng/
btwnd.com for the business/resources
carla@btwnd.comDrcarlaeng (TikTok, IG)
In this episode of Creative Leadership with Hearts, host Rico Nasoul sits down with writer, author, and content designer Rebecca Ann Nguyen. Known for her work in The New York Times and Insider, Rebecca shares her journey from acting to writing, the creative struggles she faced, and how she finally embraced storytelling as her true calling. We also dive into her debut novel The 23rd Hero, which recently won the 2024 Readers' Choice Award for Best Adult Novel. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about creativity, intuition, and the unexpected paths to success.🔹 Follow Rebecca Ann Nguyen:Web:RebeccaNWrites.comInstagram@rebeccanwritesFacebook@rebeccanwrites Linkedin@rebeccanwritesThreads @rebeccanwrites
Growing up in Los Angeles, entertainment was everywhere—it shaped my childhood, my interests, and ultimately, my career. But my journey wasn’t a straight line. From playing elite hockey and chasing NHL dreams to pivoting into finance and finally landing in the creative industry, my path was anything but predictable. In this episode, I break down how the culture of LA, family traditions, and even movie nights influenced my trajectory. Plus, I share how a tough realization at Boston University forced me to rethink my future and ultimately led me to where I am today. #CareerJourney #EntertainmentIndustry #HockeyToHollywood #CreativeMarketing #FindingYourPath #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #PivotingCareers #NonLinearPath
In this episode, we sit down with Heather and Wil Lemus, the power duo behind Hustle LA, an innovative entertainment creative agency. Wil, Partner and Creative Director, and Heather, Partner and Managing Director, share their journey of founding Hustle LA, their insights into leadership, and their mission to create an inclusive environment where creativity thrives.
🌟 Key Topics Covered:
💡 About Hustle LA:
Founded in 2022, Hustle LA delivers compelling art and exceptional client partnerships through a supportive, inclusive environment.
🎧 Tune in to hear Heather and Wil’s inspiring stories, practical advice, and how they’re redefining the creative landscape.
🔗 Connect with Hustle LA:
Website: www.hustlela.com
Instagram: @hustlela_creative
LinkedIn: Heather & Wil Lemus
Email: get@hustlela.com
Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more insights from creative leaders!
Join us as we dive into the inspiring journey of Patrick Welde, Senior Vice President and Certified Financial Planner at The Welde Group, a Merrill Lynch wealth management team overseeing $900M for 350+ clients nationwide. Patrick shares his leadership insights, the role of faith in his career, and lessons learned from unique life experiences like professional boxing and volunteering at an orphanage in Tijuana. In this episode, Patrick discusses: Personal and professional growth through self-discipline Leading by example, both at work and at home Overcoming challenges and evolving as a leader His advice to professionals and his younger self Connect with Patrick: 🌐 Website: FA.ML.com/Welde_Group 📧 Email: Patrick.d.welde@ML.com 🔗 LinkedIn: Patrick Welde on LinkedIn Don’t miss this insightful conversation packed with actionable advice for professionals at all stages of their journey!
Hello listeners, and welcome to another episode of Creative Leadership With Heart. I'm your host, Rico Nasol, and today we have a very special guest with us - Sam Pagan. Sam is an animation and creative coach who has worked at some of the biggest names in the industry, including Nickelodeon Animation and Gladius Studios. But his journey to becoming a creative professional was far from a straight line. Growing up, Sam was heavily involved in sports and music, and even began his college education studying engineering. But a chance encounter with digital visual arts software like After Effects sparked a new passion. He began volunteering his time creating intros and highlight reels for events. Multiple career shifts later, Sam eventually found his calling in animation after being captivated by 3D software in 2015. With single-minded determination, he dedicated himself to mastering various digital tools while attending animation school. After graduating, Sam cut his teeth working in commercial and animated series production. Then in 2021, a friendly bet led him to apply for a position at Nickelodeon - and after an extensive interview process, he got the job! Today, Sam is here to share the insights and lessons he's learned over the course of his fascinating creative career, from taking leaps of faith to betting on yourself. Stay tuned for an enlightening conversation! Sam Pagan Animation and Creative Coach Lighting and Composition Artist Formerly at Nickelodeon Animation and Gladius Studios https://www.linkedin.com/in/sampagan10/ sampaganacademy.com (this website is under construction but it should be ready when you post it) https://www.instagram.com/sampagan10/ https://www.youtube.com/@sampagan10
Rapha Vasconcellos began his entrepreneurial journey shortly after college by founding a small shop with his friends, focusing on interactive design. Initially dabbling in traditional and digital advertising, Rapha soon dedicated himself to digital mediums, specializing in website creation and interactive content.
His efforts paid off as his agency grew significantly. Seeking bigger opportunities, Rapha relocated to São Paulo, Brazil’s main business hub, where he immersed himself in the vibrant creative community. There, he led a dynamic creative team, continually exploring the intersection of technology and creativity to push the boundaries of digital advertising. Rapha Vasconcellos A Creative Technology Executive Formerly the founder and global head of the Facebook Creative Shop. Also, where we met. VP of the Creative Studio at Netflix.
Today, we had the pleasure of chatting with Peter Stark, a creative powerhouse whose journey is nothing short of inspiring. From living in a hammock bed and teaching tie-dye in the Peace Corps to becoming a renowned designer in New York and LA, Peter’s story embodies resilience, passion, and tenacity. He shared invaluable lessons on inclusive leadership, balancing work and life, and the ever-evolving design industry. Stark shows us all that it’s never too late to chase your passion and embrace every twist and turn along the way. Peter Stark VP/Head of Print AV Squad. Founder of BOND. BLT. Art Machine. https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stark-25aa7a8/
Discover the challenges faced in leadership, the importance of mentorship, and the balance between creativity and management. Learn how nurturing talent can lead to a thriving creative environment and hear candid thoughts on the impact of AI on the industry. Whether you’re an aspiring illustrator or a seasoned pro, this conversation offers valuable lessons and insights into the evolving world of art and illustration. Name:Suren Galadjian Title: Illustrator and Artists Works with Agencies and Studios Fall Guy, Wolverine, HBO Hacks 3, Jungle Cruise, 2012, Mary Poppins Returns, Alien Covenant Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/suren-galadjian-0028ab50/
Today, we have an incredible guest, Glenn Sanders, the SVP of Global Creative at Eclipse Advertising in Burbank. Glenn boasts an impressive resume that includes senior creative roles at Amazon Studios and Netflix, working on iconic titles like "Lord of the Rings," "Jack Ryan," and "Harry Bosch."
In this episode, Glenn reflects on his journey from traditional advertising to entertainment marketing, sharing invaluable advice to his younger self about embracing opportunities and setting aside arrogance. We'll delve into his experiences with mentorship, learning from pivotal figures such as Nick Davidge, Rob Schwartze, and Margaret Keene, who shaped his creative and leadership style.
Glenn also discusses the challenges and evolution of the industry, from the instability brought by workforce layoffs and strikes to the shift towards strategic storytelling in campaigns. We explore the importance of balancing data with creativity, as illustrated by successful campaigns like "Deadpool" and "Barbie," and the role of risk aversion in today's marketing landscape.
Tune in for an engaging discussion about the current industry climate, the symbiotic relationship between studios and agencies, and the significance of personal creative projects. This is an episode packed with insights, stories, and practical advice for anyone navigating the creative world. Let's get started!
Welcome to another enlightening episode of "Creative Leadership With Heart." Today, Rico sits down with Phil Rhie, a lead product designer at Experian with an impressive 15-year career in product design.
Phil Rhie, who once grappled with the decision of what he wanted to pursue, found himself at a crossroads upon finishing school with a degree in computer science. Despite his academic background, Phil harbored a deep-seated passion for drawing and illustrating—a hobby he showcased through numerous websites he built in his free time as a kid.Entering the professional world, he soon discovered that neither engineering nor illustration completely satisfied him.
However, his knack for web development led him to seize the opportunity in the burgeoning demand for skilled website creators. Consequently, Phil channeled his talents into building websites from the ground up, blending his technical expertise with his artistic flair.
You can learn more about Phil at;https://www.linkedin.com/in/philrhie/http://bonjour-akachan.co