Bossing It: Treat Every Job like It’s Your First with Vanessa Lanci

Vanessa Lanci has worked in the industry for 20+ years. She has developed, overseen and contributed to over 200 projects. She has a proven track record in delivering successful, award-winning projects for prestigious brands such as Apple, Amazon, Nike, Land Rover, Samsung, Coca-Cola, and Lexus to name a few and has worked with some of the biggest movie stars and acclaimed filmmakers of our time. Vanessa’s relationships in the industry go far and wide.

She has travelled globally to produce A-list celebrities in music, film, and television for editorial and commercial work. Most recently, Vanessa has been developing and optioning her own properties. She was co-founder of Sunset Lane Media before changing the name to MOIRAI FILMS and adding a commercial arm with a roster of incredibly talented global directors.

Vanessa’s recent feature film 'Secret Daughter' starring Priyanka Chopra and Sienna Miller is in development, as well as the W Series F1 Docuseries and Skeleton Tree, amongst others. Vanessa is passionate about storytelling and creating culturally significant and lasting projects across multiple verticals from campaigns, documentaries, feature films to TV. 

LBB> What was your first experience of leadership? 

Vanessa> I started in the industry in 2002. I would say that was my first experience of true leadership. This industry attracts leaders from all, no matter what your role or position you are in. We are in a freelance industry and if you don’t have leadership skills, it very quickly weeds one out. It’s not for everyone but for those that do stick it out, it’s pretty amazing!

LBB> How did you figure out what kind of leader you wanted to be – or what kind of leader you didn’t want to be?

Vanessa> I was extremely lucky to be mentored by some of the greatest humans I know. I would watch and learn and watch some more and take it all in. How they got what they needed from the way they lead versus others that didn’t.

This is a collaborative industry. We can’t do it all on our own. Every person is vital and important to making a project a success – one missing link brings everything to a halt. I consider the film industry family. We spend so much time together, so you observe and get to know how to uplift your colleagues.

I always knew I wanted to be at the top of my game and get the best results no matter what project I'm on. I work closely with everyone, I am very hands on. I was and still am a sponge, I’m constantly learning, listening, and evolving.

LBB> What experience or moment gave you your biggest lesson in leadership?

Vanessa> I would say my biggest lesson in leadership is treat every job like it’s your first – come with the same energy, the same drive as no matter how long you’ve been doing this for - every job and situation is different and you are only as good as your last job.

LBB> Did you know you always wanted to take on a leadership role? If so how did you work towards it and if not, when did you start realising that you had it in you?

Vanessa> I’ve always known I had it in me. I worked towards it from the outset. I listened to what others thought my best skills were and followed that path. You can quickly see where your talent is and if you don’t fight it – it will lead you on the right path.

LBB> When it comes to 'leadership' as a skill, how much do you think is a natural part of personality, how much can be taught and learned?

Vanessa> I believe it is a natural part of one’s personality and then depending on what industry you are in – the skill of leading in said industry is taught and learned.

LBB> What are the aspects of leadership that you find most personally challenging?

Vanessa> I find giving constructive criticism the most challenging. I always want to come from a place of encouragement but sometimes that’s hard. And how do you work through them? I try to remind myself that I was there once too and if I wasn’t taught how to do better than I would never know I was doing something wrong…

LBB> Have you ever felt like you've failed whilst in charge? Of course. How did you address the issue and what did you learn from it?

Vanessa> Talking through it. Communication is key.

LBB> In terms of leadership and openness, what’s your approach there?

Vanessa> I want to be as inclusive as possible.

LBB> Do you think it’s important to be as transparent as possible in the service of being authentic?

Vanessa> Yes – authenticity in this industry is incredibly important.

LBB> Or is there a value in being careful and considered?

Vanessa> There is value in being considerate but you have to be authentic or it just wont last.

LBB> As you developed your leadership skills did you have a mentor, if so who were/are they and what have you learned?

Vanessa> Yes, I had a few. They are in the US. I learned to be authentic, work hard, put your best self forward, surround yourself with good people always.

LBB> And on the flip side, do you mentor any aspiring leaders and how do you approach that relationship?

Vanessa> Yes – the same way.

LBB> In continually changing market circumstances, how do you cope with the responsibility of leading a team through difficult waters?

Vanessa> Exactly that. This is not new. The market is always changing and has always. Stay positive, work hard, be the best you that you can be and you will always find work.  People want to work with talented, wonderful, good people. That’s it.

LBB> As a leader, what are some of the ways in which you’ve prioritised diversity and inclusion within your workforce?

Vanessa> As a woman – I live for this. I am lucky enough to be in a position that I can mentor and hire people and I make this a number one priority. I believe inclusivity and giving opportunity is a responsibility we all have.

LBB> How important is your company culture to the success of your business?

Vanessa> Extremely important.

LBB> And how have you managed to keep it alive with increases in remote and hybrid working patterns?

Vanessa> Communication, weekly catch ups, making sure we are on brand and all are heard so we are connected and feel connected. Its important for the company culture but also important as creatives. That’s how the magic happens.

LBB> What are the most useful resources you’ve found to help you along your leadership journey? 

Vanessa> For me – it’s really about getting your hands dirty. Being in the environment, boots on the ground, being on set, surrounding yourself with creatives or whatever field you’re in. Being hands on is the best resource.