Trust That the Universe Will Open the Right Doors

This interview was originally posted in Patch here.

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Brian Graden has always had a knack for creativity. His creative interests span the likes of music to cooking to entertainment. You would think it would be somewhat odd that a guy like Brian Gradenwould end up getting his MBA at Harvard University. And you're right -- because Brian realized there are more creative things to do in life.

Brian launched himself into the entertainment business by interning with the television show, "Cops," where he rode in the back of police vehicles. It wasn't long after that where he commissioned and spawned the series "South Park." The rest of Brian Graden's highly successful career in television continued to move at warp speed. He eventually became the President of Entertainment at MTV, where he managed MTV, VH1, Logo, and a variety of other networks at Viacom. He was also responsible for hit shows like TRL, Punk'd, and Jackass.

Brian launched his own production company, Brian Graden Media, where he really could stretch his creative muscles. Since its inception, the company has created a youthful, relevant, and genre-bending content that lives in the intersection between linear and nonlinear media. Their current lineup, which includes "Escape the Night" and Emmy Award Winning "HitRecord on TV," with Joseph Gordon-Levitt just barely scratches the surface of their potential.

I had the opportunity to chat with Brian about his career, interests, and more. Take a look below!

Alexandra Smith: What's the most useful business-related book you've ever read?

Brian Graden: "What Got You Here Won't Get You There" by Marshall Goldsmith

Alexandra Smith: What's your favorite non-business book?

Brian Graden: "Native Son" by Richard Wright

Alexandra Smith: If money were not an issue, what would you be doing right now?

Brian Graden: Exactly what I'm doing right now.

Alexandra Smith: What words of advice would you give your younger self?

Brian Graden: Trust that the universe will open the right doors.

Alexandra Smith: What's the most creative thing you've ever done?

Brian Graden: Writing a musical.

Alexandra Smith: Which founders or startups do you most admire?

Brian Graden: Oprah Winfrey.

Alexandra Smith: What's your super power?

Brian Graden: Humility.

Alexandra Smith: What's the best way for people to get in touch with you?

Brian Graden: Facebook.

Alexandra Smith: What words of wisdom do you live by?

Brian Graden: Kindness pays.

Alexandra Smith: What aspects of your work are you most passionate about?

Brian Graden: Any TV concept that advances tolerance, and delivers something of value.

Alexandra Smith: What was the most impactful class you took in school?

Brian Graden: Steven Chao was my first boss in TV and everyday was a master class in television.

Alexandra Smith: What's something you wish you had done years earlier?

Brian Graden: Worked internationally.

Alexandra Smith: What's an obstacle you've overcome?

Brian Graden: Learning to more fully express passion for the ideas I believe in.

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Brian Graden founded Brian Graden Media (BGM) in 2013. BGM's original work can be found on cable networks like Oxygen and Logo, as well as YouTube Red and Netflix. Stay tuned for more interviews! In the meantime, you can visit Brian's website here.