Phil Cooke: Founder and CEO of Cooke Media Group | God Fired Me So I Could Do Better Things

Phil Cooke works at the intersection of faith, media, and culture, and he’s pretty rare – a working producer in Hollywood with a Ph.D. in Theology. His client list has included studios and networks like Walt Disney, Dreamworks, and USA Network, as well as major Christian organizations from Voice of the Martyrs, The Museum of the Bible, The Salvation Army, The YouVersion Bible app, to many of the most respected churches in the country. He’s produced TV and film programming in more than 60 countries worldwide, and in the process, been shot at, survived two military coups, fallen out of a helicopter, and been threatened with prison. And during that time – through his company Cooke Media Group in Los Angeles, California – he’s helped some of the largest Christian and nonprofit organizations in the world use the media to tell their story in a changing, disrupted culture. Phil is also a successful author, and his most recent book, Ideas on a Deadline: How to Be Creative When the Clock is Ticking, is the definitive book for creative people who have to deliver breakthrough ideas on demand.

I’m excited to have Phil on The Wow Factor to share how a chance encounter with a fellow college student inspired him to major in film and start the journey he’s currently on. We discuss the intersection between creativity and leadership and how to cultivate your talents so you can serve others to the best of your ability. Phil also shares his insights on the importance of developing the right mindset and the importance of self-reflection.

“Ideas are the most fragile thing in the world — and if you don't write them down, you'll forget them.” - Phil Cooke

“The truth is, if your no has no meaning, your yes has no meaning.” - Phil Cooke

“If you're comparing yourself to other leaders, I urge you to bail. Get out of there quick because it's just not going to help.” - Phil Cooke

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• Why Phil feels God fired him to inspire him
• Why he feels so privileged to be working with nonprofit organizations, such as The Salvation Army and Global Water Mission, to tell their story
• The importance of having the mindset
• Phil shares more about his latest book and why he was inspired to help people stop being afraid of deadlines
• Why Phil believes we’re all born creative
• Why sometimes you have to say no to make things happen
• Some of the lies we convince ourselves are true and how to recognize them
• Why we need to stop working on our weaknesses and start focusing on what we're good at
• Why feedback is a gift and how to be gently honest with people in a motivating way
• Why you should block time in your calendar for thinking and reflecting
• Tools Phil uses to write down and record his thoughts and ideas

Phil Cooke’s Word of Wisdom:

I encourage leaders to look at their creative team a little bit differently and understand that they can take your message and multiply it in ways you would never dream of. Creativity is the currency of this generation, and we need to value it because it's what will help us get to the next level.

Connect with Phil Cooke:

• Phil Cooke's Website
• Phil Cooke on LinkedIn

Connect with The WOW Factor:

• The WOW Factor Website
• Connect with Brad Formsma via email
• Brad Formsma on LinkedIn
• Brad Formsma on Instagram
• Brad Formsma on Facebook<