Episode Details

For some reason there seems to be this fallacy in Hollywood that someone has to “give you your big break” in order to make it in the industry, and in the meantime you’re just waiting for your big break to appear. The idea that you have to be in the right place at the right time, or worst of all, that you just need to have a lot of “luck” to make your dreams a reality (and you all know how I feel about the “L word”) must be a myth, right?

Today’s guest is here to debunk that myth that success is about waiting for opportunity but instead all about making sure no one can outwork you, making sure you are ready for opportunities when they become available, and most importantly never giving someone the opportunity to tell you ‘No.’

James Wilcox is an African-American award-winning editor who’s edited such shows as Dark Angel, My Wife and Kids, Everybody Loves Chris, CSI Miami, Hawaii 5-0, Roots, Genius, and he’s recently completed Ron Howard’s new film Hillbilly Elegy, to literally name just a few. (Seriously, look up his IMDb page). What’s so fascinating about James’ path is that he’s made numerous transitions in his career including cutting news, comedy, drama, historical fiction, and feature films. In addition to such a wide variety of experience, James also sees himself as a pioneer for black editors and talks about the importance of providing mentorship to other people of color.

In today’s conversation we cover topics like:

• How James prepares himself to be ready for opportunities when they are offered
• Why he sees himself as a pioneer for black editors and the importance of providing mentorship to other people of color
• The delicate balance of working hard and playing hard
• And the many stories of how he forged his varied and successful career path including how he became Ron Howard’s editor

If you enjoyed my episode with Monty DeGraff, you’re going to love this one. James is talented, funny, and chock full of stories that give you an inside look at how to not only build a successful and inspiring career but also how to mentor others while leaving time and energy for your health and well-being. In short, James has mastered the balance of both working hard and playing hard.

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Here’s What You’ll Learn:

• Early on James discovered that shortcuts didn’t work for him and that to be successful, “no one would out work him”
• A “double-edged sword”: How his relentless work ethic has been both a gift and a curse
• The story of how James went from wanting to be a doctor, then a baseball player, and finally, to becoming an editor.
• James got his first opportunity in the News business.
• The three skills needed to be a solid news editor: Speed. Creativity. Accuracy. These skills helped him down the road.
• Why James studied acting for 3 and half years when he moved to Los Angeles and how that was part of his journey to scripted television editing and directing.
• His mantra: “Don’t give anyone a reason to tell you no.”
• KEY TAKEAWAY: Always be ready and prepared for the next opportunity so when it presents itself you can seize it.
• His dad’s advice: If you’re thorough you can’t be denied.
• KEY TAKEAWAY: We all have to ask ourselves how do we get better at fostering diversity and opportunity for people of color in the industry?
• James believes there is a rapid awakening right now on a global level and the George Floyd murder ha