INTERVIEW
I have chosen to interview Cheyenne Martin. Cheyenne is not only a woman leader she is my relative. Cheyenne grew up in Pittsburgh, PA and went to public schools. She made her way out of our community to come back and give other young women hope and plenty insight. She became such an inspirational leader and the President of her own companies. Cheyenne came a long way through her journey and I’m proud to have the opportunity to introduce:
Ms Cheyenne Martin, President/CEO of Cheyenne Martin Management, IndianGoddess Entertainment and Emerald City Films
LEADERSHIP JOURNEY
How did you get interested in your current position?
- I have always been mesmerized with the Entertainment Industry since I was a young girl. I then made the leap from Pittsburgh to Los Angeles to pursue my dreams as an actress. After I open the doors and became a working actress/model, I wanted to know more about behind scenes. I started to take an interest in becoming an agent/manager. It has always been my dream to be a President/CEO of my own Company. I interned for a top agency in Beverly Hills, and then I worked with a successful Management Company, Stephany Hurkos, which led me to finally open up my management Company, Cheyenne Martin Management, IndianGoddess Entertainment, Inc. and Emerald City Films.
How has leadership played a role in your life?
- Leadership has allowed me many opportunities as a President/Ceo and a woman. People respect leaders.
What was your first experience as a leader?
- I was always a leader. When I was in school, I would be the leader in my group and class. I was a leader amongst my friends. I can say my real first professional experience, as a leader is when I worked for Berry Gordy, owner and founder of Motown records. I was instrumental in organizing Motown 30. I took my responsibilities serious. I had something to prove as a young woman. I sat in the leader seat along side with Akeisa Fergins and made it what it was…Motown 30, Mr. Gordy was very impressed.
What educational and professional experience did you have that prepared you for work?
- I attend Contra Costa College in Oakland California and The Pittsburgh Playhouse in Pittsburgh. I also took the time to study my craft and everything that I had to with the acting industry daily. I felt the need to learn from the best. I worked under Power Agents and Mangers who have Oscar winning talent on their roster. I study their every move. I believe that hands on experience are one of the best teachers to prepare you for career and leadership.
Has your journey as a leader ever changed directions?
- Never! I have always been on the same path in the leader’s seat.
Have you had any mentors? If so, what did you learn from them?
- Yes, Stephany Hurkos is my mentor, she is a wonderful. Stephany has a very successful Management Company. I have learned how to make deals, network within my industry and most of all turn actors in to Movie Stars. I live by this; Actors go hungry…but Movie STARS have EVERYTHING!
- I would like to explain; Actors…everyone is or can be an actor, there are several out of work actors and they go hungry, meaning that they are out of work….but Movie STARS, those are the ones that I enjoy managing because they have EVERYTHING! Meaning they can pick and choose the projects that they work on, they are offered movie contracts, modeling contracts, overseas commercial and etc…so they have EVERYTHING in my opinion!
As a woman, what challenges have you faced?
- I feel as a woman, I am not respected to make decisions as a man would. I also feel that men/women are intimidated of my career and financially security.
- I have noticed that there have been times in my journey as a manager that influential individuals don’t respect my position, because my company is so new (five years). Therefore, I have to work hard to prove myself. Then I get the respect that I deserve once they see my full potential. I have taken a small management company and built it from the ground up…and it’s still growing. My hard work speaks for itself. However, I can tell you that I love a challenge. There has never been a challenge that I have turned away from. I believe in dealing with the challenge head on and conquering them. I firmly believe that it makes you a stronger person.
Day to day life as an Activist?
- I get up every morning with a mind set to overcome any and all challenges/obstacles that might come my way. I believe in my self worth and the woman that I have grown to be. I make sound decisions as a Manager, Producer and for my Film Company. I stand firm behind my decisions word.
What is a typical day and week like for you?
- A typical day and week is crazy. I have to start my day with answering e-mails. I have to work the breakdowns in finding work; featured films, commercial, sitcoms and modeling for my clients. I am working with a few bankable clients (named clients). I work closely with our Publicist. I have to keep up with my clients PR (publicist). I have meetings, Hollywood events that I must attend with or without clients. Dealing with massive phone calls. Also making calls to Casting Directors, Producers and Directors. While in the same breath dealing with actors who submit themselves to my company that are in need representation. It is very important for me to make sure that my clients are well respected, so I have to accompany my clients while on set. My week is filled with all of the above. I can’t forget that I have a new Entertainment company; I am looking for new projects to produce. Also, I have started a new Film company, I have a project that I am creating and writing. I am really interested in true stories. I search the Internet daily looking for projects. I am trying to find a story to so that I may get a deal with HBO. So there it is, a week in Cheyenne Martin’s shoes….hard shoes to walk in.
Do you mostly work alone and/or in groups?
- I am still searching for the perfect assistant.
- Working in this industry, you have to have thick skin. I have not found an assistant with thick skin as of yet. I am also very meticulous and I need things done in a timely manner. I was told that I run my company with a rod iron. Having said that, I work alone for now.
As a woman leader how have you achieved success?
- I’ve achieved success by three words: motivation, determination and consistency! The more I wanted success the harder I worked for it!
What major roles and responsibilities do you have?
- My major role and responsibility is to pick the right project for my clients, keep my clients working and to make sure that they are well compensated for their talent. Remember what I live by; Actors go hungry…but Movie STARS have EVERYTHING! It is very important to take my clients to stardom!
What is most challenging about your work?
- The most challenging part is making sure my clients make sound decisions in his or her career. It’s very important to make sure clients are well compensated. It’s very challenging to find them work. I have to make sure that they are well prepared when they go and meet with casting director, producer and directors.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
- It is very rewarding when I can see my client in a major film, commercial and modeling campaign. It will be rewarding when I can cash this million-dollar check I wrote out to myself a year ago.
How much time do you spend working or thinking about leadership?
- I think, eat and sleep leadership. That should show you how serious I am about leadership and succeeding in my career.
SUPPORT/PERSONAL
Where have you found support?
- I have support with my family, friends and peers.
How do you find/make balance in your life?
- I have to be honest; I don’t have any balance in my life. I work on late hours; I work on Saturday and Sundays. So there is no balance in my life. I am constantly thinking how I can have a successful management company and entertainment company.
How does your work fit with your identity, values and etc?
- Everything falls right in place.
How would you rate the stress level in your work as a leader?
- The stress level is high. However, you have to have a love for your craft/career as a leader.
ADVICE
What would you recommend for someone interested in being a leader?
- Being a leader consists of someone who can rule, guide and inspire others. These are the foundations of what leadership consists of. If you have these attributes you will succeed in life as a leader.
What advice would you give to young women/men aspiring to be leaders?
- My best advice is to be professional use wisdom. Have a pleasant delivery in dialect. Be prepared for challenges; be prepared to have your authority questioned. However, make sound choices and commit to them.
Written by: Robert Sledge
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