We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Patrick Strøm. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Patrick below.

Alright, Patrick thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you tell us about an important lesson you learned while working at a prior job?

In my 19-year journey within the Entertainment industry, spanning from my three-year service as an officer in the army to my current role as the Co-founder and CEO of Cultivate Entertainment, I’ve encountered a spectrum of experiences. A pivotal moment from nearly two decades ago perfectly encapsulates my transition. What initially seemed like a major crisis in the production office turned out to be a humorous and enlightening experience. A colleague, in a state of panic, rushed in, proclaiming a significant crisis. Instantly shifting into military mode, I quickly discerned that it was just the catering truck running a mere 20 minutes late. This incident served as a crucial lesson, underlining the necessity to adapt my leadership style to the unique challenges of the entertainment world. While my three years as an officer in the army instilled discipline and decisiveness, I’ve since embraced the value of a milder, more adaptable approach in navigating the dynamic business landscape. This lesson remains integral to my leadership philosophy, enabling me to lead with precision when necessary, yet with the flexibility to address unexpected challenges with a sense of humor and a milder touch.

Patrick , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My life story is a tapestry of unconventional twists. Growing up in Oslo, Norway, amidst a divorced family with four siblings, I never quite embraced the conventional student life. My journey into the entertainment realm began at the tender age of 12, venturing into the world of child acting. In 2016, I embarked on a significant chapter by making a leap across the Atlantic to the US.

Before this pivotal move, I had already achieved milestones—hosting over 1000 TV game shows, writing comedy, and establishing my mark as a director and producer with 1,500+ hours of television content across the globe, including countries like Dubai, Thailand, Vietnam, Sweden, Spain, Hong Kong, Macau, and Norway.

In 2019, alongside my partner Sean Butler, I co-founded Cultivate Entertainment, a testament to resilience, creativity, and unwavering dedication. Our journey, though not without its challenges—a two-year battle with Covid and an eight-month strike within our first five years—reflects our commitment to our long-term vision. Today, Cultivate Entertainment stands as a thriving production and management company with over 130 clients, spanning actors, writers, and directors. Our creations, from television and films to podcasts, resonate globally.

I owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to my wife, whose unwavering support has been my bedrock throughout this extraordinary journey. What fills me with the utmost pride isn’t merely the projects we’ve brought to life; it’s the journey itself.

Have you ever had to pivot?

After years in the US working for another company, I faced a decisive moment – return to Norway or venture into starting my own company. This choice wasn’t just a professional crossroads; it demanded a leap of faith and a recalibration of my aspirations. Originating from a non-entrepreneurial family, the idea of launching my own business felt like uncharted territory, with doubts about my capabilities lingering. It was my mentor, Carl Bressler, who illuminated the entrepreneurial path, emphasizing that you don’t need to know everything; rather, find those who complement your strengths. Confronting fear was daunting, but drawing on my military background, where leadership and encouragement were my forte, I recognized the value in exploring this uncharted territory. The pull to return to the safety of my life in Norway was strong, but facing fear sparked a transformative process—one I’ll never regret. This journey unveiled a fundamental truth – progress thrives outside the comfort zone. Embracing uncertainty and stepping into entrepreneurship initiated an endeavor I’m immensely proud of. Reflecting on this pivotal moment reinforces the notion that true fulfillment arises from confronting the unknown.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Establishing our reputation in the market was a deliberate and personal effort. In the initial years of Cultivate, Sean and I, coming from different backgrounds, prioritized making connections. We met with several hundred individuals in our first year, spanning production companies, management, agencies, and studios, aiming to introduce ourselves and our company. One memorable meeting with a vice president in an award-winning production company stood out. Despite focusing more on personal discussions than business, it underscored a crucial lesson—we realized that, regardless of one’s resume, working with kind and smart people is key. Surrounding ourselves with positive contributors who enjoy the journey has been our priority.
Our philosophy is clear—welcome discussions about problems but emphasize the importance of presenting solutions. This approach has been pivotal in building a positive and productive reputation within our market.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.cultivate-entertainment.com
• Instagram: @Patrick_strom
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-strøm-8ab13344/

Image Credits
Photo credit: Private