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

Hi Stephanie, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I always felt like an entrepreneur, even while working for someone else. My approach to responsibility was always as though it was my job to make things work in a way that reached the goals. So naturally, I absolutely love having my own business. I love the opportunity to work on different projects and with all types of people. I love engaging with new ideas, developing structures and plans for reaching the project goals, and helping all who are involved to find their own sweet spot in the project. When the people involved are inspired by the project, can see the way to success, and are able to play a part that makes them feel like a valuable part of the journey, the desired outcome becomes electric. I love the autonomy of being able to create the goals and culture I want to work within.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I always knew I was an entrepreneur. From a very young age, I created, executed, and led. No matter the position I held, I was always thinking like an owner and entrepreneur. I just couldn’t help it. I was fortunate enough to work in the animation industry for 3 decades, holding creative and artistic positions to start with, moving into management, and finally working for the network and eventually owning my own studio. I worked for Marvel, Disney, DreamWorks, and Fox Kids Network. My own studio, Graz Entertainment, produced many highly acclaimed series. I was an artist, a Director and Producer, head of International Production, and Studio Owner. I learned to navigate and translate the language and culture differences between creatives and investors, ensuring the successful outcome for both. I co-founded the largest online education company in the cannabis space, using my background in creative content, programming, video and team management. It went on to a successful series A investment round, became the educational bar by which industry employees are measured, and now is the basis for training and certificate programs at more than 45 colleges and universities in the US.
I launched my career as a Professional Coach in entrepreneurial business, money, and all things planning because I have always loved these parts of my own businesses. I enjoy working directly with visionaries who struggle under the weight of a team who doesn’t always get the vision. I become a welcome bridge between the ideas and the execution. I love digging in when a team is stuck in idea overload, or when the speed of the visionary doesn’t match the speed at which the team can execute. These are my strengths and why my clients come for support.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First, we would have High Tea at the Peninsula Hotel, drive all around Beverly Hills, then explore Malibu and have dinner at Dukes on the beach.

I think brunch at Porto’s, of course bringing home lots of sweet goodies, then off to Descanso Gardens. A quick visit to Vroman’s bookstore, then dinner at the Langham Huntington Hotel.

Since I’m not a big breakfast person, we would have an early lunch at Bob’s Big Boy in Toluca Lake, then spend time on Hollywood Blvd. The Hollywood Wax Museum, The Pantages Theatre, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Maybe catch a show at the El Capitan, then dinner at Musso and Franks. Oh, the history!

Next day we would walk Melrose Ave and browse the thrift shops. Walk on the beach in Santa Monica, maybe a facial at Skin by Lovely, some fresh olive oil from O&V California on Montana Ave, and dinner at Peppone in Brentwood.

A quick day trip to Ojai, sampling local honey, some wine tasting, a few boutiques, maybe dinner at The Ranch House.

Our final exploration would take us to Disneyland! Can’t explore LA without a little Mickey and Goofy!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have an insatiable appetite for learning. That being the case, I love following thought leaders, experts, and teachers who pique my interest and speak to my thirst for knowledge. Brene’ Brown, Seth Godin, John Maxwell all make the list. Others are Sara Ban Breathnach, Mastin Kipp, and all things Tao Te Ching.

I have to thank the women who have forged their way through business before me, putting up with not being taken seriously enough, not being paid to match the value they were bringing, and often being turned away from the big kid’s table. Their work made it possible for women like me to show up with more confidence and, dare I say, with more grace. Margaret Loesch, Jayne Barbera, Jean McCurdy, are just a few of the women who helped inspire me in my career and quest to show up bigger.

But my biggest thank you goes to my husband, who tirelessly supports my indulgences around all thing’s knowledge, wisdom, and entrepreneurship. He never hesitates to step up and take care of things when I’m deeply involved with a client, project, or passion piece. His attention and caring allows me to pursue what I’m passionate about.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-graziano-coo/

Image Credits
Primary image – SchlickArt Photography

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