Gina Barge is primarily an executive recruiter who loves incorporating creative projects. A Chicago native, Gina has consulting and documentary production credits under her belt, and has recently entered the exciting world of digital publishing. She hopes to maintain her juggling act, and make sure that with all she does, she’s doing a good job.
What are you currently working on?
My interests vary, and I like to have my hands in a lot of things. At this moment, I’m focusing on three main areas — executive recruiting, production and publishing.
Executive recruiting is my corporate day job. I’m hired by companies to recruit senior-level talent. I began my recruiting career by working with the largest retained search firm in the US, and over the last few years I’ve been working independently with a variety of companies. I recently made the decision to work under my own company name, Talent Success Recruiting.
What are some of your past productions? Are you currently producing anything new?
Production is occasional, although I wish I could do more of it. Years ago, I was the field producer for “Godfathers and Sons,” which was a chapter in the Martin Scorsese film, Blues. It was an HBO production that ran on PBS. I’ve recently been working as a field producer for an upcoming CNN docuseries titled “Chicagoland.” It’s a Robert Redford production that debuts in March of 2014, and it will be an eight-episode series that reveals the inner workings of Chicago. There’s a lot going on in this city, and Chicago garners a lot of negative attention. My pieces are focused on entertainment and fun, with my personal intention being to show the lighter side of Chicago and musical culture.
Talk about your endeavors in publishing.
Well, the publishing side of my life is picking up. I’m the president of Enemy Books, working with Chuck D and an amazing group of partners to start up the digital book side of his publishing portal. We have a few new releases coming out soon, and we just finished the production of the 2014 Public Enemy calendar that compiles an incredible collection of photography and a wealth of PE facts. It’s a stunning limited edition run, and commemorates the 25th anniversary of PE, as well as their recent induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (soon available on PublicEnemy.com).
How’d you begin working with the legendary Chuck D?
Chuck and I have been good friends for several years, and he’s truly like a brother to me. He was originally a fan of my dad, Gene Barge, who is an accomplished musician and producer. Chuck is a bona fide musicologist and his interest in Chess Records and the blues led us to work together on the aforementioned “Godfathers and Sons.” Chuck and I had been trying to find ways to work together again for years, so when he brought the idea of Enemy Books to my attention, I couldn’t help but jump in on the project.
Who inspires you?
My parents have been my biggest inspirations in many ways. My dad works tirelessly on his craft and even in his 80s, with everything he’s managed to accomplish, his annual New Year’s resolution is to be a better musician. My mother was an accountant, and held everything together. She worked behind the scenes, pushing my dad to greater heights with her business and financial savvy, and was very instrumental in carving out his career direction. They collectively taught me many things, but I think I was most fortunate to witness, first-hand, a til-death-do-you-part marriage. My mother lost her life to breast cancer nearly six years ago, and my father was with her every step of the way. Mom taught me how to be a woman, and my father showed me the meaning of a man.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
I’ve yet to achieve it. I tend to be more embarrassed by myself than proud of myself.
Any favorite affirmations?
Life rewards action. If the choice is between doing something and doing nothing, always choose something.
What do you do to unwind?
I enjoy long nights of dancing, reading, writing, drinking wine, listening to live music, and going to the gun range. Fortunately, most of those don’t occur at the same time.
Any advice or words of wisdom for aspiring professionals in your field?
Take your job seriously, but don’t take yourself too seriously. And never believe your own press — whether it’s positive or negative.
What’s next for you?
To do everything I’m doing now, but better. And perhaps a vacation.
For more information on Gina Barge and Enemy Books, feel free to email her at [email protected] or tweet to @EnemyBooks.
