We recently connected with Dean West and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Dean thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

I wanted to talk about taking a risk, particularly as a creative, but I encourage you to consider risk in any aspect of life. Regardless of your career path or even if you’re unsure of your direction, everything carries an element of risk.

For instance, you might decide to open a donut shop instead of pursuing your dream as a musician, but that choice doesn’t eliminate risk. As Jim Carrey once wisely said, “You can fail at what you don’t want, so why not go for what you do?” Risk is an inherent part of life; it’s even present when you get out of bed in the morning. There’s seldom a single right way to do anything, and under the right circumstances, rules can be broken.

I’ve been an actor since the age of 18. Over time, I’ve come to see that the risk I took wasn’t just about entering an industry where over 80% of our own union members don’t earn a living wage. I’ve had many roles throughout my life. I no longer confine myself to the label of “actor.” I see myself as a Creator, as we all are. I’m an Author, Father, Filmmaker, Podcast Host, Mentor, Coach, and even a partner in a Contracting company. The list of roles I take on is endless, but I don’t define myself by any single label. I recognize that I am a creator in a constant state of change.

One thing I can promise is that life will continue to evolve, and no matter your chosen career or path, you will face challenges. The key is to keep moving forward, allowing the ever-changing flow of life to inspire your actions. Who knows what’s next? Embrace the risk, and you might just discover the most remarkable opportunities.

Podcast: The Dean West Perspective

Dean , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My overarching mission is to leave the world in a better state by actively participating as a co-creator within it. My journey led me to acting because it allowed me to experience the joy of bringing smiles and laughter to people’s faces, and to help them connect with emotions they might have struggled to access in their own lives.

Through my acting experience, I discovered a valuable approach to assist my students in understanding what it means to “be yourself.” Much of this understanding comes from delving into the world of acting and self-exploration. I understand that not everyone I coach will pursue a career as an actor, but my aim is for each person to depart with an enlightening experience that empowers them to express themselves more fully in their daily lives.

I employ acting and “Character building” techniques as a unique combination to help individuals manifest and shape the future version of themselves, along with the life experiences they aspire to create. However, it’s worth noting that my coaching isn’t exclusively for actors. I work with individuals who are keen on enhancing their sense of self by developing positive habits and impacting their everyday lives through a blend of acting techniques and life philosophy.

You can explore a wealth of resources, including books and courses, on my website. Additionally, you’ll find links to my podcast, “The Dean West Perspective,” where I delve deeper into these transformative ideas and experiences.

www.Thedeanwest.com

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Resilience is cultivated by placing trust in and embracing the natural ebb and flow of life’s ups and downs. Trust me, the Universe operates in cycles and seasons, and you will encounter the inevitable ebbs and flows that accompany it.

Our film industry experienced a significant slowdown, much like other industries, and it necessitated the adoption of experimental MRNA therapeutics. While I possess a certain level of knowledge about our medical industry and government, and I’m aware that they typically uncover the health effects of a product 5-10 years after its market release, I wasn’t eager to hastily embrace a newly developed product. However, this didn’t deter me; in fact, it inspired me to fill my time with other passions.

Subsequently, we faced a writers’ strike, followed by an actors’ strike. If these strikes hadn’t occurred, I might never have written my first book, “The Actor’s Guide to Manifestation.” I now have two more books in progress. It’s likely that I wouldn’t have completed the course designed to help both actors and non-actors utilize acting techniques to explore the co-creative approach to shaping their world and future.

Remember to trust the process and go with the flow. Understand that struggle is a normal part of the journey, not a detriment. Be open to the gentle nudges you may receive from your inner guide. Most importantly, take a moment to appreciate what you have.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

We live in a rapidly evolving world, and there are ever-flowing opportunities to secure our financial sustenance if we can create the right streams. If you happen to have a favorite actor, painter, writer, dancer, or any kind of creator, you can easily follow them on their preferred social media platforms. Most of them offer ways for you to subscribe or send tips through these channels, providing a fantastic means to support your favorite artists.

You don’t have to contribute a substantial amount, but it’s heartening to see subscribers who send just $4.99 monthly via Instagram. I don’t always provide exclusive content just for them, but they support me in appreciation of what I share and create, be it for entertainment or to uplift and brighten people’s moods.

So, seek out these little ways to offer your support. Utilize their referral codes, purchase their creations, and engage with their work. In this new world, we can discover fresh methods to embrace and spread love.

Contact Info:

• Website: Thedeanwest.com
• Instagram: @TheDeanWest @dwactingstudio however the studio page may shift to @Thedeanwestperspective if I can for the new podcast :)
• Facebook: @thedeanwest and @Iamdeanwest
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deanwest/
• Twitter: @Thedeanwest
• Youtube: @deanwestnow

Image Credits
personal