Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mahmood Mastoor. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Mahmood , appreciate you joining us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

Growing up as an ordinary Afghan boy with big dreams, I was always a bit of an odd one among my peers. While they were drawn to traditional pursuits, I was captivated by movies and fascinated by the art of storytelling. My love for cinema wasn’t just about watching films but about wanting to learn the craft and understand its history deeply.

That curiosity led me on an incredible journey, from dreaming in Afghanistan to studying in prestigious schools like UCLA’s Entertainment Studies Acting Program and Michele Danner Acting Studio. Along the way, I immersed myself in the methods of acting legends like Stella Adler and Stanislavsky, whose philosophies shaped my approach to performance.

Coming to a new country, especially a massive and complex industry hub like Los Angeles, was initially overwhelming. Hollywood felt larger than life. However, as I began working in the business, it became easier to navigate and understand its rhythms. Each experience was a lesson, and I learned that persistence and adaptability are invaluable.

Looking back, the most essential skills I’ve developed are empathy, being in touch with my emotions, having active thoughts while performing, and understanding the dynamics of showbiz. These skills not only elevated my craft but also helped me connect with audiences on a deeper level.

If I could have done anything differently, it would have been to trust myself more and seek out mentorship sooner. I now know how important it is to surround yourself with people who push you creatively and personally. Obstacles are inevitable, but they’re also the greatest teachers.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

As someone who grew up with a deep love and appreciation for movies, I’ve always valued the power of storytelling and its ability to connect people. This passion is what drives me as a performer and filmmaker. My mission is simple: to create work that resonates with audiences, sparks emotions, and leaves a lasting impact. Whether through my films or performances, I seek to connect with people on a deeper level.

Starting my career, I quickly realized the importance of staying active outside the industry to support my acting ambitions. In Los Angeles, I worked in the service industry, and when I moved to Canada, I transitioned into social services. I had the privilege of facilitating mentorship programs, connecting mentors with mentees, and helping newcomers navigate their professional journeys.

Moving to Canada came with its challenges, particularly in understanding the complexities of the job market. After a period of struggle, I found a fulfilling role at a social services NGO, where I helped immigrants find mentorship and employment opportunities. That experience taught me that my skills as an actor — empathy, storytelling, adaptability, and strong communication — could be applied in meaningful ways beyond the entertainment world.

Now, as a Career Development Coach, I continue to use those same skills to help students and newcomers prepare for job interviews, craft compelling elevator pitches, and conduct informational interviews with confidence. I often provide scripts and practical exercises, much like preparing for a role, helping them step into their professional personas. The ability to actively listen, project confidence, and remain present are all tools I borrowed from my acting training that have become invaluable in coaching.

At the same time, I’m reconnecting with my creative roots by collaborating with Afghan and Canadian filmmakers to build meaningful connections in my new homeland. I’ve recently produced a short film and wrapped my first vertical film projects an actor, both of which mark important milestones in my creative journey.

What sets me apart is this blend of creative artistry and real-world experience. My work is about bridging gaps — whether between mentors and mentees, job seekers and employers, or filmmakers and audiences. I’m proud of this journey and excited for what lies ahead, both as a creator and a guide for others on their professional and creative paths.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Several books and resources have significantly shaped my thinking and approach, not just as a creative professional but also in management and entrepreneurial contexts.

One book that stands out is Success and Something Greater. It offers powerful insights into how success can be defined beyond conventional measures, emphasizing the importance of purpose-driven work — something I strive for both in my creative and professional pursuits.

As an actor, Stanislavsky’s An Actor Prepares has been foundational. Beyond its value for acting, it has taught me the importance of preparation, authenticity, and emotional intelligence, which are crucial in managing teams and connecting with people in any professional environment.

Atomic Habits by James Clear has been instrumental in helping me develop better personal and professional routines. It emphasizes the power of small changes compounded over time — a mindset that has helped me stay consistent in both my creative projects and career coaching work.

Lastly, Think Outside the Box Office is a fantastic resource for filmmakers. It provides actionable strategies for independent film marketing and distribution, helping me understand the business side of filmmaking in ways I hadn’t previously considered.

These resources have collectively shaped my approach to problem-solving, personal growth, and leadership, reminding me that creativity and structure are not opposing forces but complementary elements in building a meaningful career.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

One thing non-creatives may struggle to understand about a creative journey is that life isn’t black and white — it’s colorful, filled with countless shades and perspectives. Just as life has variety, so do the characters we play, the stories we tell, and the experiences we live through. Acting taught me that every character, like every person, has a backstory, motivations, and struggles. To portray them authentically, you have to empathize, shift perspectives, and see life through their eyes.

This approach has shaped how I navigate life itself. When things get hard, I’ve learned to be resilient, adaptable, and consistent. Changing perspectives, much like finding new angles to understand a character, is often the key to moving forward. Instead of seeing obstacles as dead ends, I try to view them as opportunities for growth — a lesson the creative field continues to teach me.

Creativity, at its core, offers a way to think beyond conventional limits. That’s a mindset anyone can benefit from, whether they’re in a creative field or not. Life is richer when we allow ourselves to see its colors and embrace its endless possibilities.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: mb_mastoor
• Linkedin: Mahmood Mastoor
• Youtube: Mahmood Mastoor
• Other: LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahmood-mastoor-27824928b/

Image Credits

IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm11152306/?ref_=fn_all_nme_1