We had the good fortune of connecting with George Kapitan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi George, what role has risk played in your life or career?
In my opinion, taking a leap is the most important thing that you can do in your life. Otherwise, you are bound to have a boring life for the rest of your life. I have taken so many leaps of faith in my life, and it has allowed me to truly LIVE!

One time I took a risk was deciding to leave my family in Texas to go to college in Los Angeles, and I was terrified of moving to a completely new city to start school at USC. However, even though I was scared it turned into the best experience ever that I will remember for the rest of my life! USC truly changed my life just because of one leap of faith and willing to leave my comfort zone.

Another time I took a risk was by pursuing an internship in Silicon Valley, and I truly pushed myself outside of my comfort zone by flying across the United States for training in Chicago and then working all summer at a Biomedical Company to work on live saving technologies.

Finally, the most important risk that I have taken recently was with my post graduation plans–last summer I interned in New York and truly loved it. When it came to choose–whether to stay and grow my roots in Los Angeles or move to New York to broaden my horizons–I chose New York! I am so excited to get started with my career in Marketing in New York City.

Nothing is impossible–always push yourself outside of the box of your comfort zone and pursue your dreams!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have been painting since I was six years old–however my concept of what I define as “Art” has changed over time. First, I attended a Junior Studio School of Art and then a Professional Studio School for over 11 years of my life up until college. I would go every Saturday or Sunday after receiving a Scholarship for Winning an Art Competition. While in High school, I won multiple Statewide Art Competitions in Texas for the Rodeo Art Competition, and one of my paintings placed in 1st Place. I won a International Art Competition in University as well for my painting titled “Endosymbiosis.”

Now “Art” has taken on a different meaning for me in the World of Marketing and Videography. Most of the “Art,” I produce now is through creating Advertisements for Brands like Guess, Valentino, and more! These videos are now the art that I have been putting into the world. One Video that I am particularly proud of is called “Generations,” and it highlights a art piece in downtown Los Angeles that symbolizes how multiple generations can come together.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
This is my Itinerary for Los Angeles
1st) We would go and get the best Breakfast Burrito (ever!) at Dulce by USC and take a nice stroll around USC and even walk to the Rose Garden
2nd) We would head to Santa Monica to ride the Ferris wheel and then go to Manhattan Beach to walk around and enjoy the beach–even have a little picnic from items from Trader Joe’s and watch the sunset
3rd) We would go back to Downtown and go up to the Intercontinental and see the remainder of the sunset and then see the beautiful city beneath–even grab a drink–the Pasadena Rosé Cocktail is great!
4th) One of my favorite Rooftops is Cara Cara in Downtown but for Dinner–Takami’s Sushi takes the cake–best Sushi ever–recommend the Penthouse Rolls and then the Japanese Tiramisu for Dessert
5th) For Clubs my all time favorite for the Music and the Vibes is the Victorian (10/10)!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are two individuals to whom I owe a lot of my success in terms of helping me build a mindset that has allowed me to be so successful–Colin Coggins and Garrett Brown–authors of the Unsold Mindset. I met both Colin and Garrett, since they were professors in my USC Entrepreneurship class titled “Sales Mindset of Entrepreneurs.” They were mentors and supported me when I was competing in the L’Oréal Brandstorm competition and with their help we progressed first to winning Nationals out of 6000 teams and then were in the Top 6 Globally in International Semi-Finals.

One person that I have thanked over and over for always believing in me is my dear friend Alyssa Steffen, who encouraged me to pursue my passion for helping others through pursuing Marketing in the Dermatological Beauty Division at L’Oréal. Additionally, she encouraged me to go outside of my comfort zone by moving to New York City to pursue my dreams!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegeorgekapitan/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kapitgeo/

Image Credits
All graduation pictures courtesy of Amanda Chou (Instagram @amandachouphoto)

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