Welcome back to another #ThoughtFULLThursday. My name is Casey Hasten and I am an Executive Recruiter, Director of Recruiting with VIP and all around hiring guru. I focus on hiring the right people, whether internally or externally for my clients, giving new hires every tool they need to be successful, and coaching on building better teams.
Today, I want to really draw your attention to connections and how if we recognize the value of these connections, they can help us continue to grow and even teach us valuable lessons along the way.
Let’s go to the movies! I rarely can sit still long enough to watch TV, much less sit through an entire movie, but I do indulge every now and then. This past weekend, upon the recommendation of my friend Floortje Lopes, I saw The Peanut Butter Falcon. There are so many lessons to share from the moment I heard about this movie to the moment I finished watching it.
I first became aware of this movie prior to its release a couple of months ago. Floortje (who lives in Amsterdam) tagged a few of us here in the US and shared with us her good friend wrote the screenplay. She was not sure where it would be released in the US, but asked if it were near us, to please support. Then I read the article about how this movie came to be and it is truly a story of connections and commitment to achieving one’s goal; but more importantly, helping another achieve theirs.
The commitment Tyler Nilsen and Michael Schwartz exhibited towards Zack Gottsagen is one of legends. The commitment and unwavering faith exhibited by Zack is inspiring. Zack never doubted his dream of being a movie star would come true and he knew his connection to Tyler and Michael was not an accident. Zack proves to us there are no excuses to being successful in life. I should mention Zack has Down Syndrome, but I hate to. His success would be his regardless. The reason I mention is to take away any excuses you or I might have towards achieving our own success.
Tyler and Michael wrote the script specifically for Zack and received little traction on obtaining funding for the movie until one day, Josh Brolin posted on Instagram he wanted to help more people in the coming year. Not hesitating for a second, Tyler and Michael made the connection with Josh Brolin asking for support and surprisingly, he agreed! Fast forward to now. The Peanut Butter Falcon featured Zack in his breakout role alongside huge names such as Shia LaBeouf and Dakota Johnson. Rotten Tomatoes rates the movie at 95%!!!
Why do I feel this movie relates to building better teams? Every step of the way, Zack demonstrates what happens when you make the right connections.
- Zack connects with Tyler and Michael
- Tyler and Michael connect with Josh Brolin
- Josh Brolin’s connection gets the attention of producers
- Movie is completed and is a success
It all starts with the first connection and if you follow through, these connections can set you up for success. Never approach a connection as “what can you do for me now” but do not be afraid to ask your connection for help when you need it.
After watching the movie, I thanked Floortje for recommending. I laughed and cried, but overall, left the movie feeling really good. When I am still thinking about a movie several days later, I know it had an impact.
Then it dawned on me…here is another connection. And I bravely asked Floortje if she would invite Tyler and Michael to be on the We Are VIP Podcast with me. It may not happen as I know these guys are super busy with the success of their movie. But it might! You never know if you do not ask.
Thank you for joining me for another #ThoughtFULLThursday. Who have you connected with recently you could help? Where are you missing opportunities for help? I would love to hear what connections you make!
Now go see The Peanut Butter Falcon!!
