(Almost) Reckless
(Almost) Reckless is an original production featuring conversations with special guests, chosen from disparate industries and backgrounds, so as to highlight the prevalence of the Creative Pragmatist mindset and its deep throughline amongst those at the pinnacle of their respective fields.
A conversation with Samara Cohen and Wendy Finerman, moderated by Amy Smilovic. Samara Cohen is the Chief Investment Officer of ETFs and Index Investments at BlackRock. Wendy Finerman is the critically acclaimed, Oscar winning producer of Forrest Gump and The Devil Wears Prada. The conversation touches on many points ranging from their views on overhyped skillsets and living a non-bifurcated life, to the difference between self-promotion and being yourself, rounded out by a short Q&A with the live audience.
1.1 - SAmara Cohen & Wendy Finerman
1.2 - Chef Fermin nunez & Cecelia Cox
A conversation with Chef Fermin Nunez and Cecelia Cox, moderated by Amy Smilovic. The discussion traverses a range of intriguing subjects, from the importance of risk taking and the subjective indictors of success, to defining your “proprietaries” – the skills that are uniquely your own. The episode was shot and produced live in the Este Garden in Austin, Texas.
1.3- Alex zatarain
A conversation with Alex Zatarain and Amy Smilovic. Alex is the Co-Founder and VP of Brand & Marketing at Eight Sleep, the world's first sleep fitness brand. Born in the United States and raised in Tijuana, Alex's multi-cultural upbringing has led her down an incredibly diverse career path culminating in the creation of Eight Sleep in 2014 with her partner, Matteo Franceschetti - their company is now valued at over 1 billion dollars. The discussion covers a range of topics, from the significant influence of mentors at a young age and the investor/founder relationship, to the inner workings of running a business with your significant other. The episode was shot and produced live in the Tibi Atelier.
A conversation with Frances Shoemack and Amy Smilovic. Frances is the Founder & CEO of Abel, the world's first 100% natural luxury fragrance house. Abel was created by Frances in 2013 in Amsterdam, a time when many believed it wasn’t possible to create a luxury perfume using only natural ingredients. Today Abel is based in Wellington, New Zealand, with global distribution and worldwide acclaim. The riveting discussion provides deep insight into the perfume industry, dissecting the term "industry" itself, the origin story of Abel, Frances goals for the future of the perfume world, and the many correlations that exist between Amy and Frances, two female independent business founders. The episode was shot and produced live in the Tibi Atelier.
1.4 - Frances Shoemack
1.5 - Ted Dennard
A conversation with Ted Dennard and Amy Smilovic. Ted is the Founder & Head Beekeeper of Savannah Bee Company, an independent brand based in Savannah, Georgia specializing in elevated honey and honeybee products. He is reshaping the way we see bees - encouraging people to move beyond the commercialized image of the plastic honey bear and to instead appreciate the brilliance of the bees themselves. Amy and Ted’s shared upbringing on the small island of St. Simons Island, Georgia, guides the conversation, touching on the origins of Ted's fascination with beekeeping and the non-negotiables intrinsic to running an independent business. The episode was shot and produced live in at 666 Studios.
*SPECIAL EDITION* - KEN WALLIN
A conversation with Ken Wallin, Gabriel Smilovic, and Amy Smilovic. Ken is a Multidisciplinary Artist and Gallerist from St. Simon’s Island, Georgia. More importantly, Ken is Amy’s father and the grandfather of Gabriel, who joins the discussion as our third guest, and is the Manager of New Media Projects and Collaborations at Tibi. Born in Chesterton, Indiana, Ken grew up in the Midwest and was a practicing psychologist in the Chicago medical and educational systems before moving to St. Simon’s Island with his wife and two daughters. There he continued his psychology practice, while also embarking on an art career across a range of creative mediums, from sculpture to oil painting, with a focus on abstract impressionism. His work can be found in various fine art galleries around the country, as well as at the Wallin Gallery on St. Simon’s Island, Georgia. The episode was shot and produced in Ken’s studio on St. Simon’s Island.
1.6 - BETH HUTCHENS
A conversation with Beth Hutchens and Amy Smilovic. Beth is the Founder & Creative Director of FoundRae, a collection of fine jewelry, more specifically intently crafted modern heirlooms for self-expression. Beth and Amy have known each other for more than two decades, as Beth’s origins in the fashion industry began when she co-founded Rebecca Taylor in 1996. The discussion touches on Beth and Amy’s shared experience founding luxury clothing brands in the late 1990s, coming up together in the industry, and Beth’s change of course in 2015 when she ventured into the world of jewelry – the ups and downs, first principles of success, and most prominently, the biggest risks and their respective outcomes. The episode was shot and produced live in at 666 Studios.