Rejection and Resilience: Lessons from Every Creative Who "Failed" 🎭🔥
🔥 Rejection. Failure. Flops. Every creative has been there.
From The Graduate to Megalopolis, legendary filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola has seen both meteoric success and epic flops. And guess what? So has every creative person. 🎭
The hard truth? Failure is inevitable. But it’s also where we find growth, resilience, and our next big idea. Even the best in the industry—Coppola, Spielberg, Nichols, comedians, artists, entrepreneurs—have had projects that bombed. What sets them apart? They keep going. They keep creating.
💡 Failure isn’t the end—it’s just part of the process. It means you took a risk. It means you’re actually doing the thing while others are stuck on the sidelines, too afraid to fail. And that’s a win.
🎬 So, what can we learn from the best of the best about rejection and resilience?
📖 Read more in my latest article.
Lessons from a Life in Television: Overcoming Roadblocks 🎬🚧
Problem-solving is the backbone of television production. No matter how perfectly you plan, roadblocks will happen—equipment failures, last-minute cancellations, and unexpected curveballs are just part of the job. The real test? How you handle them.
In this piece, I break down the mindset and strategies that have helped me navigate the unpredictable world of TV production, creative leadership, and high-stakes decision-making. From backup plans to keeping your cool under pressure, these lessons go beyond the industry—they’re essential for anyone who wants to think fast, adapt, and succeed.
Because here’s the truth: roadblocks only stop you if you let them. 💡
✨ Have you ever hit a roadblock that tested your patience (or sanity)? I’d love to hear how you handled it—or what you learned along the way. Feel free to share your thoughts!
Shannon Malone-deBenedictis: The Power of Creativity & Being Fully Unapologetic
What does it really take to own your story and show up Fully Unapologetic? I sat down with The KiDD & Friends Podcast to spill the tea on building a fearless creative career, winning an Emmy, and shaking up the industry with bold storytelling.
We dive into behind-the-scenes moments from my Emmy-winning work, why I launched Padlin Creative, and how stepping into your power (without waiting for permission) changes everything. Plus, we tackle self-doubt, confidence, and why perfection is not the goal—authenticity is.
Oh, and tech hiccups? Yeah, we had a few. But trust me, this conversation is worth it.
If you’re ready to take up space and own your story, you won’t want to miss this convo!
Emmy-Winning Producer: The TRUTH About Success & Self-Doubt!
✨ Podcast Feature Alert! ✨
What does real success look like? (Hint: It’s not just about the money.)
I sat down with The Self Study Show to spill the tea on success, leadership, and why self-doubt is basically that uninvited guest who refuses to leave. As an Emmy-winning producer, I’ve spent years leading high-stakes creative projects—and trust me, navigating uncertainty is part of the job. But here’s the thing: learning to navigate it like a boss is what separates those who play it safe from those who own the room.
In this episode, we dig into:
🎬 How top creatives and leaders handle self-doubt (yes, we ALL have it)
💡 The mindset shift that turns challenges into opportunities
🚀 Why success isn’t about wealth—it’s something way bigger
🔥 How to step into your power and take up space in your career
If you're ready to ditch the doubt and redefine success on your own terms, watch the full episode on YouTube. Link below! ⬇️
Crafting Success with Daniel Stih
What does it take to thrive in the ever-changing world of film and television? Emmy award-winning producer Shannon Malone de Benedictis joins me to share her inspiring story of carving her own path in an industry dominated by expectations and challenges.
From her zig-zag journey to success to producing groundbreaking documentaries like Secrets of the Whales and Inside the Mind of a Cat, Shannon provides a behind-the-scenes look at crafting stories that captivate audiences. We explore her creative philosophy of tailoring life to fit your dreams, navigating the ups and downs of the film industry, and overcoming barriers as a woman in a competitive field. Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker, a storyteller, or someone looking to chart your own course in life, this episode is packed with wisdom, inspiration, and actionable insights.