After serving four years as the head of the Illinois Film Office, Brenda created Chicago Link Productions (CLP) in 2007. The mission of CLP is to connect people in business, media, politics and the arts through compelling events in the areas of film, fashion and wellness.
In April 2003, Brenda was appointed by Governor Rod Blagojevich to head the Illinois Film Office. Brenda tripled revenues from a rock bottom of $25 million to $77 million in her first full year in office. Revenues continue to soar—2008 had the highest revenues ever for the state, a record $150 million. Projects she brought into Illinois included: Batman Begins, The Weather Man, Ice Harvest, The Break Up, the TV series Prison Break, Wanted, The Dark Knight, Grace Is Gone and many others.
Brenda credits much of this success to the high-profile reunion events she hosted in LA.
Brenda recently was awarded a “Thumbs Up” from Roger Ebert for her support of film, the Lawyers For the Creative Arts in Chicago selected Brenda as their award recipient for outstanding supporter of the arts for 2005 and the Chicago Tribune chose Brenda as a Chicagoan of the Year for 2005. In 2007 the Mayor of Chicago awarded Brenda a City Resolution acknowledging her contribution to reinvigorating Chicago’s film and television industry.
Brenda was named a Crain’s 40 under 40, is a member of the Economic Club of Chicago and has numerous volunteer and charitable affiliations. She received her MBA from the American Graduate School of International Management in 1980 with honors. Her undergraduate studies were in Japan, France and at University of Denver.
Brenda is very busy planning another reunion event in Los Angeles, but took the time to answer my questions, "What has made you successful and what advice would you give this year's graduating seniors?" She responded:
I think what has made me successful in my career is perseverance and determination. If you don’t give up I think you are 90% likely to achieve your goals—and of course, if you do give up you’re 100% likely not to achieve your goals!
I think successful people in general have great people skills that come from having a good attitude and from having worked and lived in a variety of environments.
I would recommend to a graduating senior that they create a great experience for themselves, whether it’s the Peace Corp or working in a paying job that really interests them. They should be free and creative and be willing to try something adventurous. Now is the easiest time in your life to do that and it will serve you in your years ahead.
I had a difficult time finding a job out of college, so I ended up going to France and doing volunteer work for a year in exchange for room and board. I was broke and completely supporting myself on my very meager savings, but I didn’t care so much about not having any money. I had such amazing experiences there. It was probably the richest year of my life. Not only did I learn to speak French fluently, but I was even a vegetarian cook in a Maharishi Mahesh Yogi chateau in rural France. When I came back to the States I decided to go to graduate school for International Business. Luckily I got a scholarship!
I think a turning point for me was when I graduated business school I was set on getting into the exciting, creative world of advertising. I landed a great job at Ogilvy and Mather in New York as an account executive and was all set to soar to glorious heights. Well, after two weeks I knew that I was not meant to spend my life as an account executive. I struggled through one, very long, very unhappy year, pretty miserable in my job everyday. I quit after 12 months and bought a book called “What Color Is Your Parachute” which is still available today. It is a workbook to help you decide what type of work you are best suited for. I religiously went through that book, made my lists of what I liked and didn’t like and it lead me directly to a perfect job for me. I became a commercial real estate broker. It doesn’t sound exciting, but it was and it was perfect for me. I negotiated large real estate transactions around the country for major blue chip corporations. I had lots of freedom, it was very creative and strategic, and it was very lucrative. I was able to retire at 40! Since then I have been in the truly creative and exciting world of film and television, and event producing, which I am loving.
Life is a journey. I didn’t expect to end up working on glamorous movie premieres and producing a TV special, and a big Hollywood event, which is what I am doing right now. And who knows what is next—it is all a very exciting and rewarding adventure.
This summer I was fortunate enough to attend Brenda's "Julie & Julia" event, and it was phenomenal! She has such a hard working attitude and kind heart; it’s hard not to gravitate towards her. Thank you so much Brenda for helping me with this project, I really appreciate it!
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