How Lessons (Or Failures) From Your 20s Create Success In Your Career

Name: Marquita Bradley
Title: Author, Speaker and Casting Directing
Education: BBA in Marketing from Howard University (Magna Cum Laude)
Previous Job Experience: Former Marketing Manager

Briefly describe your day to day activities and responsibilities as a casting director, speaker, author.
Marquita Bradley: As an author and speaker, my responsibilities include speaking with schools, organizations, churches and conference organizers regarding my book, “Lessons From My Twenties” and possible speaking engagements.

I recently signed with an awesome speaking agency, but I still feel it’s important to do my part in speaking with my readers and those who are interested in my message. Also, I make sure that I am taking care of myself spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically so that I can bring my true authentic self to every engagement. When I wrote “Lessons From My Twenties,” it was to share with other young women the knowledge that I wish I had when I was coming into who I was purposed to be. I think it is my responsibility to ensure people are getting the real, whole me and not my representative.
Describe your daily responsibilities:
My duties as a casting director vary depending on the type of project I’m working on. Scripted projects entail sending scripts to agents and managers, uploading breakdowns and sides for actors to submit to online and scheduling auditions. Docuseries/reality projects are more about researching and outreach to potential talent. We pre-interview them, schedule and hold Skype interviews, and then put a pitch together for network review.
Briefly describe what prompted your interest in casting/speaking/writing?
Honestly, I feel that I am called to everything I am doing at this point in my life. When I was in my early twenties I took jobs for the benefits, perks and salary. Around 26 I went through a quarter-life-crisis where I had an honest conversation with God. I told him I wanted my gifts to make room for me. At the time I had no idea what that really meant. I was aware of my talents that I studied and trained for (marketing), but I didn’t feel like that was my purpose. I went to a workshop a casting director was hosting and gave her my business resume in case she needed any assistance in the near future. A few weeks later I got an internship with that casting director and that was the beginning of my career in casting. Instantly, I fell in love with casting.
As a former marketing manager, writing has always been apart of my career. Writing “Lessons From My Twenties” came about after I started my countdown to 30 by posting snippets of lessons on Facebook. I received such tremendous feedback, that I decided to expand, add to the lessons shared and put them all into a book.
What suggestions regarding networking would you give to those seeking to get into casting/speaking/writing?
I would suggest interning or becoming a production assistant for a casting director or production company. Both opportunities will allow you to have access and exposure to those in the field of casting.
What would you attribute your level of success?
My level of success comes from my faith, hard work, and my passion to reach my God-ordained purpose in life and live it to the fullest. I think the fact that I don’t put limitations on myself has helped me tremendously. I have defined what success means to me and I don’t allow the other people’s definition to have an impact on my life.
Any advice for those who want to expand their career the way you have?
1) Take Risks. Never be afraid to take a chance on yourself. It’s the greatest investment you’ll ever make.
2) Do your research. When entering a new career it is important to learn the decision makers, language, and culture of your new industry
3) Find your purpose and you’ll find your provision
4) Matthew 6:32-33 (MSG) “What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.”