20-Year-Old From Model to Multi-million Followers | The Future Leaders Podcast Ep 4

In this episode of the podcast, Chad Hewitt, a successful content creator, actor, and model, shares his journey to amassing nearly half a million followers across social media platforms. Chad's career highlights how he has built and monetized his personal brand, primarily through Instagram, while balancing his passion for acting and modelling. Listeners will learn how Chad's creativity and personal brand have opened doors for him, from working on films and TV shows to engaging with some of the world’s top fashion brands. Throughout the discussion, Chad emphasises the importance of authenticity, teamwork, and patience in finding success, especially in the highly competitive social media landscape.

Chad touches on his early challenges, including dealing with isolation and bullying during his school years, which ultimately helped shape his creative drive. He explains the transition from being a student at TSS to pursuing acting and creating content. His growing Instagram presence allowed him to work with significant brands, but he also highlights that gaining followers isn't the ultimate reward; instead, the satisfaction comes from doing what he loves.

Chad discusses his upcoming film projects, including a short film called Tethered, which explores deep emotional themes like grief and isolation. He explains how his writing process took years of dedication and persistence, offering practical advice for aspiring writers and filmmakers. Chad also delves into the importance of networking, explaining how having a strong team around him has been essential in his career. He wraps up the conversation with thoughts on future goals, the lessons he's learned, and how anyone can improve themselves by following their true passion.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction to Chad Hewitt
02:30 - Chad’s Social Media Journey and Growth
05:50 - Building a Personal Brand and Monetization
09:10 - Chad’s Acting and Modelling Background
12:30 - Family Influence and Early Challenges
18:15 - Key Career Milestones and Collaborations
23:00 - Insights into Writing and Film Projects
29:30 - Networking and Building a Supportive Team
34:45 - Chad’s Thoughts on Social Media and Authenticity
48:00 - Final Thoughts and Advice for Aspiring Creators
Key Topics:

Personal Branding and Social Media Growth
Acting and Modelling Career Insights
Overcoming Challenges (Isolation, Bullying)
Monetizing Content on Instagram
Writing and Filmmaking Process (Tethered Short Film)
Importance of Networking in the Creative Industry
Authenticity in Social Media
Long-Term Career Goals and Achievements
Key Points:

Chad Hewitt shares his journey from a schoolboy with a passion for acting to a successful content creator.
He emphasizes how building an authentic personal brand has opened doors for him in acting and modelling, despite social media fame not being his main goal.
Chad provides insights into monetizing a social media presence, particularly through Instagram, which is central to brand partnerships.
He highlights the importance of surrounding yourself with a supportive team to drive success in creative fields.
Chad discusses his passion for film, his writing process, and how years of effort culminated in projects like his short film Tethered.
The podcast touches on the significance of networking, authenticity, and persistence when pursuing a career in creative industries.
Thought-Provoking Questions:

How can content creators maintain authenticity while growing their personal brand?
What role does a supportive network play in achieving long-term success in creative fields?
How can past challenges, such as isolation or bullying, shape someone’s creative vision and success?
This episode offers valuable insights for aspiring content creators, actors, and filmmakers, shedding light on the importance of authenticity, teamwork, and continuous learning in building a successful career.