SEPTEMBER 2024 | DRIVE’S DOSSIER
Greetings from Raquel
Hello Fellow Creative Souls!
As much as I work as a producer in the creative space, technology is still a learning curve over here— unless you are talking about vinyl records and DJ’ing! Well that, is a much different story.
But when it comes to email marketing, I would rather listen to a skipping record.
Kidding aside, we have been building and producing all sorts of fun content, managing an Icon and her band, creating mindfulness and Ikigai through life purpose coaching, following industry musings, and a lot of other amazing creative tenets under the Drive umbrella.
We would love to share them with you via Drive’s Dossier in MailChimp but in order to do that, we need to make sure that you know that we are NOT spambots taking over the world.. at least not yet. We have a newsletter we are going to launch right after the holiday that our design expert Caitlin Penny from Copper Theory has created! (Shout out to Erin Marcus for the intro!)
Isn’t technology fun?! Let’s THRIVE together!
Join us here for some camaraderie, partnerships, and abundance for all of our futures!
Back in February, I had a life-changing trip to Japan that mirrored all of the spiritual tenets that have always been in alignment with who I am at the core of my being. I had the amazing opportunity to be the Senior Talent Producer for Crunchyroll’s Anime Awards and before I arrived I knew that this was going to be a major influence on my life. I booked Megan Thee Stallion as our closing presenter and this too, was her first time in Japan. I was thrilled to be a part of the team that brought her to a place that was such a strong influence on her style, as it has always been on mine. From an early age, one of my first close friends, was a Japanese girl who transferred to the U.S. because of her dad’s work. We became fast friends as she introduced me to Sanrio, Shumai, and Space Invaders. We would exchange Little Twin Stars and Monchichi dolls in between studying and I admired her tenacity and poise she brought to any task she faced. Something I strive for even to this day. I had always dreamed of being able to visit Japan one day, and I was so incredibly grateful that the opportunity presented itself in the form of work. The moment I arrived in Tokyo, I knew that I found the place that would bring me peace and was in alignment with my soul’s purpose. Everything about Japan mirrored who I am: the love of pop culture living side by side with the aspect of spirituality. The cleanliness and respect for the city streets that also housed beautiful quiet parks, common courtesy for people around you on trains or in restaurants, as well as sitting with intent in whatever moment you are in, truly spoke to me.
Since my trip to Japan, I have become a changed person and fell into alignment with how I’ve always felt. The combination of now being a parent of two coupled with an uncertainty of a media business that I have spent most of my lifetime in, forced me to make a choice. I could sit in fear of the major changes in our industry, or embrace change as I had done 18 years earlier when I created Drive. It was time to get off the battlefield and grow into the role of helping others through life purpose coaching, or as the Japanese call, Ikigai: a reason to live. There is no direct translation for the term, but the essence of it, for me, is what brings your authentic life meaning. What are you drawn to? What is your passion? With all that we have been through these past few years, I go back to what I have always believed in: living with your authentic voice. What is YOUR Carpe Diem? How can you live your best life TODAY… and not wait for TOMORROW?
We still have many production & management projects under the Drive umbrella, but I am now proud to build this next journey for my company. Since coming back from the trip, I have gotten certified in Life Purpose, Ikigai & Spiritual Life Coaching: all principles that speak to my genuine soul.
My passion & purpose is to help others find their authentic voice so that they live with as much joy to fulfill their soul’s mission. What DRIVES you to be the best version of yourself? Let’s raise our Ikigai together and create a better world filled with abundance and opportunity.
From MTV to Entrepreneurship: Raquel Bruno’s Journey to Success and Joy
Ready to turn your passion into a thriving business? On this episode of the Second Act Success Career Podcast, host Shannon Russell interviews Raquel Bruno, a former MTV Networks executive who took the leap to start her own entertainment company, Drive Entertainment Group. Raquel shares her inspiring journey from the fast-paced world of Viacom to becoming a successful entrepreneur, executive producer, and DJ on Twitch. Learn how she balanced motherhood, built a thriving career in talent production, and found true joy in her second act. Tune in to Episode #159 for actionable insights on quitting your 9-to-5 and starting a business that lights you up!
Soberness with Cat Greenleaf
We are pleased to announce that we are now working on a new project with Cat Greenleaf, multi-Emmy Award winning creator and host of long running NBC series Talk Stoop. Sober for over 10 years, Cat is launching a new celebrity interview podcast, Soberness with Cat Greenleaf highlighting the challenges, triumphs, and transformative power of living a sober life, whatever that means to her guests. If you work with a musician, actor, or any other talent who has a story to share, please let us know! Podcast launches at the end of September and we conduct our interviews at the iconic roundtable at The Algonquin Hotel or virtually.
Martha Davis & The Motels
I’ve known Martha Davis for over 20 years and I’m thrilled to be stepping into a management role for her and The Motels. She has been an icon to me ever since I saw the video “Only The Lonely” and she has been a major influence on me ever since. The band will be announcing upcoming dates for 2024-2025 plus she will be releasing a kids book, new music, celebrating 40 years of Shock in the new year—all while running her own farm with alpacas, cows and goats! If you work with any artists who would like to cover any Martha/Motels tracks, please let us know. Watch this space- more exciting news soon!
In 1971, a young Martha Davis joined The Warfield Foxes, a band from Berkeley California. In 1975 they moved to Los Angeles and changed the band name to The Motels.
The new name was inspired on the way to the band’s first show at Barney’s Beanery. Guitarist Dean Chamberlain noted the motor inns as they drove down Santa Monica Boulevard and suggested “What about The Motels?”
The band broke up then reformed in 1978 with guitarist Jeff Jourard who brought in his brother Marty on keyboards and saxophone. Michael Goodroe on bass and Brian Glascock on drums rounded out the quintet. This lineup played around L.A. for six months before signing with Capitol Records on May 13, 1979—Mother’s Day.
The Motels released five albums on Capitol Records between 1979 and 1985, two of them earning gold record status and generating two Top Ten singles, “Only the Lonely”
and “Suddenly Last Summer.” When the band broke up in 1987 Martha released Policy, a solo album that charted in Australia.
After leaving Capitol Davis spent years working in different musical genres with multitudes of players. Recently it became apparent that one particular configuration generated the same feeling as the original band concept.
The new lineup includes guitarist Clint Walsh, drummer Eric Gardner, bassist Nic Johns and as of 2011, original member Marty Jourard. Apocalypso, a previously unreleased version of 1982’s All Four One was released in 2011 on Omnivore Records, thirty years to the day after the intended original date.
The band is currently working on their 9th studio album.
Motels Discography
Motels 1979
Careful 1980
All Four One 1982
Little Robbers 1984
Shock 1985
This 2008
Apocalypso 2011
Last Few Beautiful Days 2018
New Headshot, Who Dis?
A lot different than the one you see above right? Recently I was at Erin Marcus’ Brand Amplifier Retreat in Evanstown, Illinois, and I got these wonderful headshots done by the amazing Meka Hemmons of SpiderMeka Portraits. She is everything you are looking for in a kickass photographer. It was incredibly empowering and I had such a great experience.
Hello In The Mix’ers!
I will be hosting In The Mix once a quarter and I’m excited for our guest coming up on September 24th at Noon! This is a Save The Date and I will be announcing the guest soon! If you want to reserve a space on zoom (remember this is a free gathering!), please reach out to me and I will add you to the list.
Also, as a reminder, I offer Thrive With Drive Mastermind Group every week as well as 1:1 life purpose and Ikigai coaching!
I’m looking forward to seeing all of you creatives on September 24th!
New Drive Website
As our industry has shifted, I’ve decided to add another element to my business: Thrive With Drive which includes Life Purpose and Ikigai coaching. On our new website you will see some of the inspiration behind the design and what we are offering under the Drive Umbrella. If you want to find your true authentic voice and passion, we can help you get there through our Mastermind Group or 1:1 Coaching.
Check it out:
Ken Honda
Recently I watched Ken Honda’s masterclass for ways to level up in life and financial stability.
For some mindfulness, listen to Ken Honda’s Master True Wealth and Ignite Joyful Financial Freedom Mastmerind on Friday.
IN THE MIX
A safe space for creatives and creators to come together to meet and talk about all of the changes that are going on in media and the entertainment industries.
1-2-1 COACHING
With our mentorship and coaching services, you’ll gain the tools, tips, and tricks you need to navigate this crazy, competitive industry like a pro!
Brands We Work With
