Key Moments
Reggie Yates Reveals The Secret To Staying Driven & Reaching Your Potential | E90
The Diary Of A CEOKey Moments
Reggie Yates discusses his journey from a council estate to filmmaking, emphasizing self-awareness, responsibility, and authentic fulfillment.
Key Insights
Growing up in a diverse London estate, Yates recognized class disparities, fueling a drive to define his own path.
Early success in acting exposed him to different environments, creating a hunger to build inclusive spaces for others.
Authenticity and personal fulfillment, not just material success, are key to happiness.
Understanding and integrating one's 'shadow' (worst self) is crucial for growth and managing triggers.
Taking responsibility for one's platform and words, even with good intentions, is vital.
True fulfillment comes from aligning work with passion and purpose, not just chasing external validation or money.
EARLY LIFE AND ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCES
Reggie Yates shares his upbringing in London, born to Ghanaian immigrant parents and raised in council estates. He vividly recalls witnessing a machine gun at nine years old, highlighting the stark realities of his environment. This exposure to disparity, contrasted with his later work on children's television where he dressed similarly to his peers, instilled a deep sense of connection and a desire to bridge the gap between himself and those he represented, a core element of his drive.
THE POWER OF REPRESENTATION AND MENTORSHIP
Yates emphasizes the profound impact of seeing himself reflected on screen, particularly when young people approached him saying he looked and sounded like them. This solidified his understanding of representation's power. Coming from a background where guidance was distant, he now prioritizes creating supportive environments for young talent, aiming to shorten that distance and provide the mentorship he lacked. This mission to empower others is a significant driver in his current work.
NAVIGATING CHILDHOOD TRAUMA AND SELF-DEFINITION
He reflects on the impact of his parents' divorce and his stepfather's presence, acknowledging generational cycles and potential toxic traits. Yates states he no longer fears passing these on, as he defines his present and future. By understanding his childhood trauma and proactively seeking self-definition, he has actively resisted being shaped by his environment, a conscious decision made even as a child to forge a different life for himself and his future children.
THE ROLE OF CULTURE AND VALUES
Yates attributes much of his grounded perspective to his West African upbringing, where education and collective achievement were paramount. His parents' emphasis on creating a better life informed his view of happiness, which stemmed from fulfillment and making loved ones proud, rather than material possessions. This cultural foundation provided values that he believes contribute to a healthy life, irrespective of external circumstances.
FINDING FULFILLMENT THROUGH AUTHENTICITY
He distinguishes between happiness and fulfillment, finding true happiness in being professionally, personally, and creatively satisfied. Yates's career pivot from mainstream television hosting to documentary filmmaking stemmed from a desire to tell meaningful stories that reflect his own passions and values. He stresses that while external success is visible, inner fulfillment is the true pursuit, achieved by aligning work with purpose.
EMBRACING FAILURE AND SELF-AWARENESS
Yates discusses the importance of therapy in understanding his 'shadow' and triggers, particularly when his character is questioned. A significant moment of failure involved public comments that offended the Jewish community. He learned that intentions are secondary to the impact of one's words, leading to a profound understanding of platform responsibility and the necessity of humility and learning from mistakes to foster positive change.
LEADERSHIP, EMPATHY, AND CREATING OPPORTUNITIES
As a filmmaker and director, Yates aims to create environments where everyone feels comfortable and can perform at their best. He acknowledges the challenge of wanting everyone to have a good time but prioritizes people management and understanding actors' needs, drawing from his own experience. His film 'Pirates' highlights his commitment to uplifting talent, providing opportunities for young actors from similar backgrounds to shine.
THE ART OF LISTENING AND BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS
Yates identifies not listening enough as a significant past failure in both personal and professional relationships. He stresses that effective listening, especially when challenged, is crucial for understanding underlying issues and moving forward constructively. This involves managing ego and recognizing that conflict resolution often requires empathy and a willingness to comprehend another's perspective, even if disagreement remains.
THE QUEST FOR MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS
Reflecting on relationships, Yates emphasizes the need for unconditional love, understanding, and empathy. He highlights the importance of shared values and cultural understanding, noting that superficial attraction isn't enough. Romantic relationships require patience, acceptance of imperfections, and the ability to listen without needing to agree. Ultimately, he seeks a partnership built on a foundation of deep friendship and mutual growth.
PARENTING, GENERATIONAL IMPACT, AND SAFETY
He discusses the significant impact of his parents' relationship and decisions on his own life and his views on future family dynamics. Witnessing mentors create safe environments, like a neon sign proclaiming 'Everything is going to be okay,' deeply resonated with him. This reinforced his belief that safety, understanding, and creating a nurturing space are paramount in love and family.
POTENTIAL AND THE POWER OF BELIEF
Yates views his potential as unlimited, driven by a core belief that diligent work and clear intention can manifest desired outcomes. He draws parallels to his mother's belief in innate gifts and his own experiences with vivid dreams turning into reality. This conviction fuels his drive to create, collaborate, and empower others, seeing his journey as a testament to the power of manifestation and self-belief.
BUILDING A PURPOSE-DRIVEN BUSINESS
His current focus is on his company, Five Seven, a people, product, and content business with a strong social mission. Through initiatives like 'Past the Mic,' Yates aims to empower diverse voices and create impactful content and products. He believes that any platform, whether for entertainment or commerce, should be used responsibly to inspire positive change and elevate others, reflecting his core drive to make a meaningful contribution.
Mentioned in This Episode
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Common Questions
Reggie Yates was born on Tottenham Court Road, London, and raised in Holloway, later moving to South East London. His parents were Ghanaian immigrants who instilled in him values of education and happiness derived from achievement rather than material goods.
Topics
Mentioned in this video
The city where Reggie Yates was born (Tottenham Court Road) and raised (Holloway, then South East London), which he now calls home.
A city in Ghana mentioned as an area with a significant English contingent due to trading and gold, impacting Reggie's family history.
The birth country of Reggie Yates's parents, whose cultural values greatly influenced his upbringing and outlook on life.
The host, Steven Bartlett, mentions his connection to Nigeria, drawing a cultural parallel with Reggie's Ghanaian heritage.
Mentioned in the context of Ghana's past, and how it influenced Reggie's family legacy, particularly the mixing of different European origins in Ghana.
Ghana's historical association with the Commonwealth, part of the context for Reggie's family's mixed heritage.
A British pop group Reggie interviewed at the age of 12, through whom he observed the cycle of fame from peak to fallout.
A community Reggie once publicly offended, leading to a significant learning experience about the power of his platform and the importance of accountability.
A charity organization through which Reggie met Richard Curtis and Emma Freud when he was 18.
The broadcast platform where Reggie Yates worked as a presenter and later made documentaries and dramas, including 'Make Me Famous'.
An actor Reggie worked with early in his career, mentioned in the context of working with well-known individuals at a young age.
An actor Reggie worked with early in his career, highlighting his experience working with established professionals.
Reggie's first mentor in television, from the Jewish community, highlighting his personal connection to the community he inadvertently offended.
A basketball player mentioned by Reggie when he describes his own 'unlimited potential', using LeBron's physical ability as a humorous contrast.
An actor who shared an insightful analogy with Reggie about golf balls and dents, meaning challenges can make one go further and stronger.
Richard Curtis's wife, a part of the amazing couple who mentored Reggie and offered their home as a writing retreat.
Critically acclaimed filmmaker, writer, director, entrepreneur, and the focus of this conversation, known for his diverse career in television and documentaries.
Mentioned as an example of a social media 'tough love guy' whose advice can be beneficial for some, particularly young men.
A boy band Reggie interviewed, illustrating the cycle of fame and changing attitudes of artists over time.
An actor mentioned by Reggie as someone in a film who taught his son how to shave, illustrating the profound impact of films on his life.
An astrophysicist and science communicator mentioned by the host for his quote on the importance of educating the electorate.
Author of 'Leaders Eat Last' mentioned by the host. Reggie indirectly references his work.
Reggie's 'TV dad', a producer he met at Disney at age 12, who provided professional guidance.
Writer and director of films like 'Notting Hill' and 'Love Actually', and a mentor to Reggie, who inspired him and provided a space for writing.
A UK Garage group mentioned in the context of the music in Reggie's film 'Pirates'.
A book mentioned as an example of self-help content that can remind people of important messages when constant personal reminders are not available.
A book mentioned by Reggie as having taught him a lot about leadership and its true meaning, especially regarding the 'unnatural thing' of allowing others to find answers with guidance.
A book mentioned by the host as a relevant read for understanding and managing ego in leadership and personal growth.
A book mentioned by the host as a valuable resource for leadership and personal understanding.
A working title for Reggie Yates's upcoming book, which explores his experience of learning about being a good man from various male mentors, rather than a single father figure.
Retailer where Reggie's dairy-free ice cream product (Blue Skies) is sold, mentioned by him as a success indicator for his business.
The platform where Reggie's documentary 'The Millionaire Preacher' was shown, extending its reach globally.
Retailer where Reggie's dairy-free ice cream product (Blue Skies) is sold, along with Waitrose.
The production company where Reggie got his first acting job at age eight, on the show 'Desmond's'.
Reggie Yates's own company, a people, product, and content business with a cause arm, making everything from feature films and TV shows to products like Blue Skies ice cream.
A film written by Richard Curtis, mentioned as an influential work and a reference point for Reggie Yates's mentor.
A film written by Richard Curtis, mentioned as a work by Reggie Yates's mentor.
A standalone one-hour drama Reggie created for the BBC, exploring the relationship between fame, social media, and suicide, specifically through the experience of a reality TV star whose fame fades.
A BBC One show Reggie participated in, where he reconnected with his biological father and learned about his family's mixed heritage, including connections to the British Empire and Ghanaian independence.
American sitcom where Reggie looked up to 'Uncle Phil' as a father figure, highlighting his childhood longing for a particular type of paternal guidance.
Channel 4's longest-running sitcom, about a Black family in Peckham. This was Reggie's first acting job at age eight, which taught him that work could be enjoyable and fulfilling.
A reality TV show mentioned as an example of the accelerated cycle of fame and irrelevance in the modern 'microwave era'.
A film written by Richard Curtis, mentioned as having been written at the same desk where Reggie Yates worked on his film 'Pirates'.
Reggie Yates's first feature film as a writer and director, about three 18-year-old men of color trying to get into a New Year's Eve party in 1999, set to a UK garage soundtrack.
A documentary Reggie made about a wealthy South African preacher who exploited his poor congregation, teaching Reggie the importance of focusing on the issue over personal experience.
A dairy-free ice cream product for which Reggie Yates is a creative director and business partner. It's made in Ghana, employs over 3000 people, and has a positive community impact.
The car the characters in Reggie's film 'Pirates' drive, trying to get from North to South London for a New Year's Eve party.
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