We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Phil Rice a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Phil, appreciate you joining us today. What’s the best or worst investment you’ve made (either in terms of time or money)? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)
The best investment I’ve ever made? Hands down, it’s been in myself. Let’s be real – I’ve tried my luck in various investments, from stocks to ventures, and let’s just say, I’ve seen my fair share of failures and losses. But here’s the twist: I’ve never lost a dime when I’ve bet on myself. In fact, I’ve consistently increased my returns.
From a young age, I started pouring time and money into my acting career, and it’s paid off in ways I could have never imagined. Every step I took towards self-improvement, towards honing my craft, has led to growth and success.
When Hollywood came to a halt during the pandemic in 2020, I decided to take my drive in a new direction. I rolled up my sleeves and learned how to develop mobile apps. And, guess what? Now that Hollywood’s on pause again (due to the strike), I’m not sitting idly. Instead, I’m channeling my energy into becoming a certified instructor in financial education.
Through every twist and turn, one thing remains constant: the most worthwhile investment has been the one I made in myself. So, here’s to the journey of self-improvement, learning, and growing – because no matter where life takes us, betting on ourselves will always yield the highest returns.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My journey began with school plays, sparking a love for performance that led me to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Acting from the University of Michigan. TV roles on Chicago P.D. , Empire, and Mayor of Kingstown have been stepping stones in my creative evolution, allowing me to learn and collaborate with the best in the industry.
Beyond acting, I’m also an entrepreneur. I’m the brains behind the fashion brand, Dude Lifestyle, where I infuse creativity into clothing that tells a story. My latest addition, the “Dreams Never Die” hoodie, is more than just apparel – it’s a symbol of persistence and inspiration.
What makes me stand out is my versatility across various creative domains and my readiness to embrace challenges head-on. It’s not just about succeeding; it’s about learning from setbacks and growing stronger with each experience.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
Throughout my journey, I’ve witnessed the incredible transformation that occurs when people channel their energy into what they love most. It’s a kind of magic that not only brings personal fulfillment but also has the power to impact the world positively.
My mission is to empower and inspire individuals to pursue their passions relentlessly. I firmly believe that each of us has a unique set of talents that deserve to be pursued with fervor.
Whether it’s through my acting, music, or other creative endeavors, my goal is to showcase the importance of fearlessly following our dreams. I want to remind everyone that the road to success isn’t always smooth, but the rewards are immeasurable when we stay committed.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
In middle school, I tried my hand at forensic speaking. I had practiced diligently, rehearsing my lines over and over again. The day of my first competition finally arrived, and the anticipation was palpable. As I stepped into the spotlight, my mind went blank, and my lines seemed to evaporate into thin air. I froze. It was a devastating experience that left me questioning my abilities.
After that humbling round, I approached my coach with a heavy heart and confessed that I wanted to bow out of the competition. However, their response caught me off guard. “Just keep going, at least for the day,” they said. They reminded me that setbacks are part of the journey, and giving up was not an option.
Although disappointed in myself, that experience became the driving force behind my determination. I vowed to never let that freeze-up moment define me. I was determined to push my boundaries, to rise above my fears, and to become better. I wanted to transform that disappointment into a catalyst for growth.
So, I persevered. I poured my heart and soul into refining my skills, working tirelessly to become better. I wanted to excel to a point where I would not only regain my confidence but also start winning. And, you know what? Slowly but surely, my determination paid off. What once seemed daunting now felt like a platform to shine. I went on to perform in front of thousands on stage and millions on screen.
I learned it isn’t just about bouncing back; it’s about using setbacks as stepping stones to reach new heights. It’s about turning disappointment into determination, and using every experience as fuel to propel oneself forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dudelifestyle.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/flomein