As part of the Morning Lazziness series highlighting empowering women who are making a remarkable impact with their ideas, I had the pleasure of interviewing Raquel Bruno.
As an Emmy & Grammy-nominated TV & Film Producer with over 30 years in the entertainment business, her work blends soul-centered coaching with powerful storytelling and embodiment practices.
With the many changes in the entertainment industry, she has spent the past year making the pivot into Ikigai and Mindfulness Transformation coaching, helping women, creatives and the next generation align their purpose, passion, and power.
She has had the opportunity to speak to many students and on stages where her experience deeply resonates with various audiences, with workshops that inspire purpose-led transformation.
Working with various A-level talent throughout the years, she has crafted her ability to help all types of creators & personalities become the best versions of themselves through passion & purpose.
In addition to coaching, when she isn’t producing TV or Films, Raquel can be found DJ’ing vinyl on Twitch, volunteering on various committees, and spending time with her two young children and family.
In this interview, she dives into the challenges, wins, and wisdom she’s gained from over a decade of transforming online businesses.
What inspired you to become an entrepreneur, and what sparked the idea for your current business venture?
I had worked at MTV/Nickelodeon for most of my career, and in 2006 I felt that the time was right for me to work for myself. I wanted to create more platforms for all of the music and celebrity talent I worked with, plus be able to produce TV & Film. Drive Entertainment Group was born that year and we have been going strong ever since!
What problem does your business solve, and how is it uniquely positioned in the market?
We ‘get them to the Greek’ in a sense: Whether it is a documentary film, a live TV special or a red carpet, we work with all types of talent to participate in all forms of content. From events to digital to film.
What were the biggest challenges you faced when starting your business, and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges I faced in starting a business was the feeling of ‘what if’? Can I sustain a business? Can I make this work? What if I hit a rainy day? And even if you do have those ‘quiet’ moments, it makes you a stronger entrepreneur to find collaborative partners and groups you can lean into.
How do you stay motivated during tough times or uncertain periods in your business journey?
Staying motivated when you work for yourself is definitely a journey in self-care, time management, boundaries and balance. You must make sure you build in time every day to set your intentions, meditate, and do the things that make you smile (another part of my business is Ikigai coaching!). It is imperative or you can risk burning out. Also, nothing gets solved in a day. You have to pace yourself and make sure you have time to ‘create’ and not just ‘work’ in every moment.
What daily habits or routines contribute most to your productivity and success as a founder?
Over the past few years, I have made sure I spend time meditating in the morning. That could be sitting with a book that motivates me, watching birds I feed with suet, yoga, stretching or just zoning out to be mindful of the day. It is giving yourself breathing room to face the day.
What’s been the most effective way for you to acquire new customers and grow your client base?
Everything I have done has been word of mouth. Trust and short hand is a very important and crucial part of my business. Relationships are a big part of it as well- always stay in touch with people you have met along the way. The people you met as an intern will be your greatest colleagues down the road.
How do you measure success—personally and professionally—in your business?
Success for me means having the freedom to be with my kids at their pickups, on weekends, and quality time in between. If I need to work at night, I’ll do what it takes, but those precious moments with family and friends matter at the end of the day.
What marketing or branding strategy has had the most impact on your business growth?
Be authentic! Don’t try to follow the herd or do what everyone is doing. Don’t be afraid to shine the light of the gifts you have.
Can you share a mistake that taught you an important lesson in entrepreneurship?
Make sure you trust your gut! Your ‘north star’ aka ‘gut instincts’ are your greatest gift. Make sure you tune in and follow that guidance. It will save you many mistakes. But even the mistakes are our greatest teacher!
What advice would you give to someone just starting out as a first-time entrepreneur?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Don’t be afraid to use your unique voice! Don’t be afraid to find mentors who can help you! And finally, DO NOT shrink yourself to fit in. You are unique for that reason- highlight it!
How do you balance innovation and risk while making business decisions?
People have become afraid to make mistakes (me included). The only way you learn and see how you can fly is by trying.. If you fail, you get up and try again. That is sometimes how some of my best deals have been made. You just never know where a road can lead you.
How do you build and maintain a strong team culture or work environment?
When you are in production and work with talent, having shorthand with both your team, the EPs on projects, talent reps ,and talent themselves, is THE most important step. Creating an atmosphere of trust and authenticity is the only way to go.
What are the top 5 things you believe every entrepreneur needs to overcome self-doubt and build confidence?
1-Never doubt your dreams
2-Don’t let anyone else write your script
3-If you truly believe in it, go for it and don’t let any naysayers take you off your track.
4-Believe in yourself. Even in those days of imposter syndrome or doubting if you are good enough, always believe in yourself.
5-Do your best no matter what. If you showed up with your best intent and best efforts, then you are already winnings.
If you could lead or inspire a global movement to make an impact, what would it be and why?
Let Women Lead…This is a longer narrative, but we must change our view of women on how they are perceived. It is time for women to be trusted in positions of power. Also, give the next generation a chance. They have more insight and knowledge than you may believe. Every generation has its thumbprint that is unique to them- give them a chance to be heard.
What’s a quote, motto, or philosophy that you live by as a business leader?
Carpe Diem- Seize the Day. Tomorrow is not guaranteed to any of us. If you want to go after it, don’t waste today. Do what you can to move towards that goal.
