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Dumi Siwo’s journey is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. Moving from Zambia to the UK at the age of 13, he brought with him a deep love for storytelling and visual arts.
Despite facing early challenges in breaking into the job market, Dumi carved out his own space in the entertainment industry by capturing the vibrant energy of club nights and collaborating with artists and DJs.
As the founder of Firmative, Dumi has partnered with major record labels like Atlantic Records and collaborated with big names, including Anne-Marie, Ed Sheeran, James Blunt, Ella Henderson, Rita Ora, and many more.
🔗 Find Dumi on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter
Some takeaways from Dumi’s interview:
1️⃣ Passion fuels success
Dumi turned his love for storytelling and video into a thriving career — proving that following your passion can open doors you never imagined.
2️⃣ Resilience is essential
Facing setbacks and rejections didn’t stop Dumi; he used them as motivation to keep pushing towards his dreams.
3️⃣ Authentic connections matter
Building genuine relationships and leading with compassion have been key to Dumi’s success — it’s all about people.
4️⃣ Time is your most valuable asset
Dumi says valuing your time is key, especially with loved ones, and making every moment count.
5️⃣ Invest in self-improvement
From fitness to reading and seeking mentorship, Dumi believes in continuously working on yourself to reach new heights.
📖 Dumi’s book recommendations
1️⃣ Principles by Ray Dalio — An influential book about the importance of understanding one’s own values and principles. Dumi highlights how this book taught him about vulnerability, seeking truth, and redefining success. It builds on the equation of reality, big dreams, and relentless effort to achieve your goals.
2️⃣ Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill — A classic in personal development literature, this book explores the power of thought and the principles of success. Dumi appreciates how many of the concepts align with those in Principles by Ray Dalio, reinforcing ideas about ambition, mindset, and perseverance.
3️⃣ The Ride of a Lifetime by Bob Iger — This memoir offers insights into leadership and decision-making from his time as CEO of The Walt Disney Company. Dumi finds inspiration in how Iger applied core principles to overcome challenges and drive growth, providing real-world examples of effective leadership.
4️⃣ Atomic Habits by James Clear — This book breaks down how small changes can lead to big results through habit formation. Dumi values the practical strategies offered for building good habits and breaking bad ones, which he applies to his daily routine and pursuit of personal and professional goals. Also the first Millennial Masters Book Club recommendation. 👍🏻
In this episode we cover:
00:00 Introduction to Dumi Siwo
04:17 The Spark of Creativity: Early Filmmaking
09:10 Navigating University: The Path to TV and Film
12:23 Finding Opportunity: Love Dough and Early Career
13:52 Building Firmative: The Journey of Growth
19:08 Resilience and Overcoming Challenges
21:16 Leadership and Team Dynamics
25:45 The Role of Mentorship in Personal Growth
29:32 The Art of Deep Conversations
31:25 Finding Inner Confidence and Power
33:06 The Role of Fitness in Personal Growth
34:07 Influential Books and Their Impact
36:16 Defining Big Dreams and Personal Missions
38:18 The Value of Time and Family
39:29 Sacrifices on the Entrepreneurial Journey
40:39 Lessons Over Regrets
42:28 The Future of Entertainment and Media
44:32 Navigating Social Media as a Parent
45:58 The Importance of Physical Connections
49:48 Working with Talented Artists
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