When I look back over my career—starting from the early days on Martin to now producing and directing shows like Millennials and Family Time—one thing stands out: staying relevant in Hollywood isn’t easy. It takes more than talent. It takes hustle, adaptability, patience, and most importantly, knowing who you are and what you want to say.

Hollywood is an ever-changing industry. The way we create, distribute, and consume content today looks very different from 30 years ago when I first got started. If you want to build a career that lasts decades, you’ve got to learn how to evolve without losing your core. That’s what I want to talk about here—what I’ve learned from being in this game for so long and how you can build your own path that stands the test of time.

Embrace Change, Don’t Fear It

When I started out, television was dominated by a few big networks, and the way we told stories was very different. Shows were scripted in a traditional format, and you had to work your way up through established gatekeepers. Fast forward to today, and we have streaming platforms, social media, and a global audience that consumes content on their own terms. The playing field has completely shifted.

The key to staying relevant is not resisting change but embracing it. I’ve always tried to keep an open mind—whether that meant learning new technologies, trying out fresh storytelling formats, or partnering with emerging platforms like Bounce TV and ALLBLK. These new outlets gave me creative freedom to produce stories that reflect real Black life and culture in ways that weren’t always possible on mainstream networks.

Adapting also means listening to new voices and perspectives. The world keeps moving forward, and if you want to stay connected, you have to keep up with the culture, the trends, and the way people talk and think today. That’s why projects like Millennials are so important—they speak directly to younger audiences with humor and honesty that resonates.

Stay True to Your Voice

While it’s crucial to adapt, it’s equally important to stay true to yourself. When I first started writing, I knew I wanted to tell stories that felt authentic—stories about Black people that showed our humor, complexity, and heart. Over the years, that hasn’t changed.

Hollywood can sometimes pressure creators to water down their work or fit into a mold that sells. But the most enduring projects are the ones that stay real to their vision. I’ve learned that when you hold on to your voice and your truth, your work will find its audience. It might not always be mainstream at first, but it will resonate deeply and create loyal fans who keep coming back.

This balance between adaptation and authenticity is what’s kept me in the game. I evolve with the times but never lose sight of the stories I want to tell and the culture I represent.

Build Relationships, Not Just Contacts

One of the things people often overlook is the importance of genuine relationships in this industry. It’s not about just networking to get a job. It’s about building trust, respect, and partnerships that last.

I’ve been fortunate to work with amazing talents like Martin Lawrence and Jamie Foxx, and to collaborate with family members who bring their own passion and creativity to the table. These relationships aren’t just professional—they’re personal. We support each other, challenge each other, and grow together.

Long-term success comes from being reliable, showing up with your best work, and treating people with respect. The industry is small, and your reputation follows you. That’s why I invest in mentoring new talent and helping others break in. It’s about paying it forward and building a community that lifts each other up.

Keep Learning and Growing

No matter how long you’ve been in this business, you can never stop learning. When I first started, I didn’t know much about producing or directing. I had to learn on the job, make mistakes, and figure things out the hard way.

Now, with decades of experience, I’m still learning every day—whether it’s about new storytelling tools, shifts in audience preferences, or the business side of Hollywood like contracts and ownership. That’s part of what I’ll be sharing in my upcoming book, The Hollywood Blueprint. I want people to know that this industry isn’t glamorous all the time. It’s a rollercoaster. But if you keep learning and stay persistent, you can navigate it.

Growth also means expanding your skill set and not being afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Whether it’s directing a new kind of show or exploring different genres, pushing yourself keeps your work fresh and keeps you excited about what you do.

Know Your Why

At the end of the day, what keeps me going is knowing why I do this work. For me, it’s about storytelling that honors my culture, my family, and my community. It’s about creating opportunities for Black creatives and making sure our stories are told on our terms.

That “why” becomes your fuel when things get tough—because trust me, they will. The industry can be challenging, and rejection is part of the process. But if you have a clear purpose, it helps you stay focused and motivated.

Staying relevant in Hollywood for 30 years isn’t about luck. It’s about embracing change while staying true to your voice, building real relationships, committing to lifelong learning, and knowing why you do what you do. It’s not an easy path, but it’s a rewarding one.

If you’re starting out or trying to find your place in this business, remember that it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Keep pushing, stay open, and never lose sight of the stories only you can tell.

Thanks for reading, and here’s to many more years of storytelling ahead.