Meet Thomas Coston | Board Chair, Light Bringer Project, a nonprofit arts organization

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

Hi Thomas, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Most agree that a brand needs to be unique and stand out from others. It needs to be consistent and memorable. It creates excitement. But as board chair of Light Bringer Project, a nonprofit arts organization, I think differently about how a brand exists in the public service environment. I’ve found that usefulness, more than anything, defines the success of our brand in the community. While it’s not a sexy or even dynamic way to describe an organization, it’s means you’re doing business where you’re needed. And if your nonprofit brand or enterprise is, indeed, useful it also needs to be doing high quality work. When you combine these two aspects you attract partners, gain trust and you make great progress.

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 many directions in my life, and I may go with more than one in any given day. While running a nonprofit arts organization for years I have evolved my leadership skills. I try not to label myself, but I mostly think of myself as a servant leader. Simply put, I’m taking responsibility for helping others in my community who are less fortunate and can benefit from my organizational efforts. I’m also a dedicated writer and I’m typically working on one project or another in the later afternoon hours. I have written two full-length manuscripts, a few graphic novels and plays, and many screenplays. I enjoy creating fictional characters, breathing life into them and exploring their ethical choices. I also do some coaching with others on their various creative projects and often volunteer for other human service causes.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I have so many favorite spots in Los Angeles. Part of what makes our city great is the unfolding tapestry that makes it so rich and full of inexhaustible discoveries. Food is always a top item on my comfort list. Some of my favorite restaurants include Little Dom’s in Hollywood for Italian and a cool vibe, the Del Rae in Whittier for old school dining and martinis, Musso & Frank’s (the same), Bacari in Silverlake for its cozy, exotic atmosphere, Casa Bianca (a sheer must for pizza!) and a multitude of taco houses (L.A.’s signature food). As far as bars go I like out of the way, off-center spots like Little Joy, Gold-Diggers and The High Low, then maybe Checker Hall in Highland Park and-ah!-the rotating BonaVista Lounge atop the Bonaventure. Coffee for a writer is a must! I simply love G&B Coffee at Grand Central Market, Kumquat in Highland Park and any Go Get ‘Em Tiger, among others. For performing spots, music and otherwise, you have to love The Lodge Room (again Highland Park), 2220 Arts + Archive on Olympic and you must, at least once during the season, attend the Hollywood Bowl! It’s the absolute best sound, best lights, best place to picnic with friends on a cool summer night!!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mind jumps to family and community members. There are many family members that deserve a lot of credit for the path I’ve chosen. My father decided to go into business, but he had a lively imagination and creative skills that ran in many directions. My mom was a great book lover and taught me about kindness and empathy for others. My sister was a painter and watercolorist who explored healing with her artwork. My grandmother ran the first Spanish-language bookstore in Los Angeles, and was quite a progressive thinker. My grandfather on my mom’s side was full of creative energy and even built a house from the ground up when he was in his 70’s. I know I’ve been influenced by each of them in different ways. And as we get these innate gifts from our family members, we are blessed along the way by others who teach us, inspire us and build our world-view.

Website: https://www.lightbringerproject.org

Image Credits
Personal Photo by Florian Borgiat