Another was having a friend and prominent businessman believe in my vision, he wanted to invest and then he died unexpectedly.
When things like that happen, you question everything, doubt everything.
Do you have regrets?
I try not to, but there are many things I’d have done differently. I look back over the last two years and I can say they have been some of the most trying times of my career.
I went from earning a substantial salary to relying on the support of my wife as I worked on the TV station, which wasn’t moving as quickly as I wanted.
I went from sitting in a place of influence, having presidents take my call, to knocking on doors, trying to get people who’d promised to help to come through. Many haven’t.
If you were to go back in time and change things, how far back would you go?
Ten years, to 2008. That’s when I got a management position with some very good perks. I’d save more and consciously build my brand from that position of power.
What’s your brand?
Weirdly, I never quite defined it until I left employment. My brand is being a household name that is trusted, believable, has integrity and longevity.
I have lived by it throughout my career, even before I sat down and defined it.
When I was approached to act in the film Rafiki, where I played the role of a father whose daughter was in a same-sex relationship, it was important for me to sit with my wife and kids and ask them what they thought about the film.
I made an informed choice about doing it based on my brand. It was a controversial film, yes, but the role I played spoke about a parent’s unconditional love, whether or not they support what their child is doing.
You’d be surprised at how many parents battle with this.
Branding helps you map out your course because once you know what it is, you’ll know who your audience is, what you can or cannot do to grow or survive in your chosen industry.
