Darryl Pitts, TV and film director, native Chicagoan and Chicago Defender journalist discusses his career path, the platforms he utilizes to measure success and how love helps him lead.
What inspires you to show up at work every day?
The belief that the Creator has given me an assignment and a skill set to showcase the greatness of people. I truly love what I do!
How did you determine your career path?
When I was five years old, I remember diligently writing word for word the pages of a book. I told my mother I wanted to be a writer. She informed me that copying someone’s words or thoughts don’t make you a writer. I asked her what did and she couldn’t exactly tell me but it wasn’t something she wanted me to do. It was placed in me very early on. I didn’t know how I was going to get there but I knew that I would.
Define innovative methods you apply to your business and life.
Constantly studying more effective use of time. We are all allotted the same time in the day yet some people are able to move mountains in their day where others can only wake up and go back to sleep. The other innovation — and it comes in a variety of forms — is motivating people and myself to be more. These never change with me.
Name your favorite role models for success in two industries.
Byron Lewis and his creation of Uniworld; and Gordon Parks, who inspired me to not limit my dreams.
Describe why lifelong learning is important to you.
Learning is growing. Growing is a part of a healthy life. I see how much better, how much of a greater capacity I have to love based on learning.
Technology plays what role in your daily life?
Research has become so much easier and efficient because of technology. That being said because of the amount of information out there you have to double and triple check the sources. Technology has also allowed me to connect to people around the world, which I do often.
Define your personal culture.
My culture is one of information and creation. The world and people in it fascinate me.
Describe favorite vacation spot.
I had not really taken a vacation recently until Puerto Rico, which I enjoyed. Saint Croix is also very nice. I love people as much as the destinations.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
To continue to grow in my ability to love people who don’t love me.
