In the Blog

Marni Wedin: Writer, Producer… Amazing

April 30th, 2009     by Desirée O     Comments

Every Thursday I profile a new incredible woman, each from a different walk of life. Different professions, causes, backgrounds, ethnicities, orientations, and anything/everything else!

So without further delay, let me introduce the incredible Marni Wedin…

Writer, producer, and self-professed social media junkie, Marni Wedin is always working on something interesting. As a television producer, Marni’s first project was a segment for UHB television in Sapporo, Japan about four female expats dealing with culture shock. Marni has written and produced over 1,000 episodes of both studio and magazine-style programs since, including features on Salman Rushdie and Norman Jewison.

A regular contributor to Modern Dog Magazine, her recent writing highlights include a feature on Jennifer Aniston & Owen Wilson’s Marley & Me, a profile of Die Hard 4 star, Maggie Q and Broadway star Ashley Brown. Her work has also appeared in Triathlon Magazine Canada, Triathlon British Columbia Magazine, and tastingvancouver.ca. And that’s only a sample of what Marni’s been up to!

What drives you to do what you do?

Whether I’m writing an article, producing a television segment, or devising a marketing plan, I’m driven to tell stories. I thrive on illuminating that “something-something” that makes an individual or a company unique. The biggest compliment I can receive from someone is that I “really got them” and captured who he or she or the company really is. When a client or interview subject is happy with my work, I’m ecstatic.

How does being a woman empower / challenge you?

What empowers me and challenges me is the same thing: embracing my nurturing, positive outlook in all situations. For example, whether I’m managing a crew, participating in a top-level corporate meeting, or interviewing for print, I operate first and foremost from an emotional place, for what feels right in any given situation. That can be a challenge and can be misunderstood as “soft” or too accommodating. I prefer to empower others rather than control and micro-manage. My mantra is: people will surpass your expectations if you let them.

What advice would you give to young women who want to follow in your footsteps?

Shoot for your truth and the rest will follow. Let your heart guide you. Don’t be afraid to take chances. Travel. Go to school. Learn. Learn. Learn. Travel some more. Speak your truth, no matter how hard it may seem. Be persistent when reaching for your dreams. Be open. Never, ever shrink to make yourself fit into a situation.

More practically, if someone wants to get into television or writing, she should start right now. Grab a pen and paper and just write. Anything. Don’t stop. Grab a video camera from a second hand store and start shooting video. Seek information interviews with people who are successful in what they want to do. Listen to what experienced people have to say. Emulate them. Young women need to figure out what feels right to them and to have an opinion. Go back to school, get certified. Volunteer. Read. Read. Read. Set lofty goals, because if you do, you will reach them.

Name one person, place, or thing every young woman should know about?

Every young woman should know about these thinkers: Deepak Chopra, Eckhart Tolle, Marianne Williamson, Natalie Goldberg, Sarah Ban Breathnach and Julia Cameron.

What is the most important thing we can do in order to change the world?

The most important thing we can do in order to change the world is to love ourselves. If we can love ourselves and see our own beauty, then and only then can we see the beauty that shines in others. If we can give ourselves a hug, I guarantee the universe will hug us right back stronger than we could ever imagine.

To find out more about Marni and all of her many amazing past credits and future projects, you can visit here website here.

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