Rachel Barclay, MA

I attribute my success to being a strong listener, building genuine relationships, and earning the trust of those around me. While I consider myself an introverted extrovert, I have learned to connect with people in meaningful ways and cultivate relationships that have grown and strengthened over time. I am dependable and follow through on my commitments, which has helped me establish a reputation for being someone others can count on. I believe that consistently nurturing relationships, communicating authentically, and following through on my word have been key to my long-term success.

The best career advice I have received is to always know your North Star, or the deeper purpose behind why I chose to be in my industry. There are times when challenges or changes can make it easy to lose sight of that purpose, so I remind myself why I am here: to connect filmmakers with audiences, champion artists, and create meaningful opportunities for people from marginalized communities. Staying connected to that purpose helps me remain focused, resilient, and intentional throughout my career.

My advice to young women entering the industry is to embrace the challenges and understand that every production will be different. Things will inevitably go wrong, and you will constantly need to adapt, problem-solve, and pivot. Don’t give up when you feel like the walls are closing in; keep learning, trying new approaches, and working with different people. Most importantly, don’t make yourself smaller to fit into a space. Be confident in your abilities while also being realistic about what you can take on, and set boundaries that help you avoid burnout and sustain a long, successful career.

One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is the risk of burnout and overwork. The industry has faced several difficult years, with limited job opportunities, the lasting effects of the pandemic, strikes, and the rapid emergence of AI creating significant change and uncertainty. At the same time, these challenges present opportunities to adapt, grow, and find new ways of working. The industry is constantly evolving, so it is important to remain flexible and comfortable with change. I also believe in advocating for what I need, even when doing so may mean passing up certain opportunities, because maintaining a sustainable career and avoiding burnout is essential to long-term success.

The values that are most important to me are humility, honesty, reliability, and creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels respected and valued. I believe there is always room to learn and that no one should ever act as though they are better than someone else. I also value being honest about what I can and cannot do, setting healthy boundaries that allow me time to recharge, and recognizing that actions speak louder than words. To me, character is demonstrated through what you do, not simply what you say, and I strive to be someone others can trust to follow through on my commitments.