Gatekeepers
Gatekeepers
This week, I had the pleasure of collaborating with dynamic young influencers who are making a significant impact on the diving community and beyond with their great content.
Andi Cross and Adam Moore from Edges of Earth are next-generation explorers who have taken a unique approach to their work. They are travelling the planet for two years, not just to uncover stories about ocean impact and climate change, but to share positive narratives and support individuals who have dedicated their lives to the water planet. Their conscious exploration is a testament to their creativity and commitment to making a difference.
Chris Foisey is a PADI Ambassadiver and scuba instructor in Ontario, Canada, who strives to share stories about adventure, new gear, and safe diving practices. His popular social media sites Modern Diver, reach thousands of divers who enjoy his relaxed, friendly presentations focused on learning opportunities and having fun.
When I began my career as an underwater explorer and creative professional, (yes before the internet era), creators faced significant barriers to getting their work seen and distributed. Writers, filmmakers, musicians, and artists had to rely on traditional gatekeepers—publishers, studios, record labels, and galleries—to bring their creative work to the public. Securing a deal with these gatekeepers often required connections, advanced degrees, perseverance, and sometimes luck. Many of us struggled to find an audience without a commissioner’s endorsement or a significant entity’s backing.
To get a book published, an author needed a literary agent and a publisher’s approval; filmmakers required studio funding and distribution channels; musicians needed record labels to produce and promote their albums. This dependency on established institutions limited creative freedom and often led to compromises on artistic vision. The lack of direct access to audiences meant that many talented people were overlooked, and only a select few were able to break through the industry’s rigid barriers to find success.
In today’s dynamic world, young people are rewriting the rules of success. Armed with passion, creativity, and digitally savvy, they are courageously carving out careers in unconventional fields without waiting for permission. From filmmakers crafting impactful stories to influencers shaping trends and climate change advocates disseminating crucial information, these fresh new creators harness their unique voices to make a difference, inspiring us all to be bold and courageous in our pursuits.
Self-described filmmakers are no longer bound by traditional studio systems; instead, they are empowered by online platforms to carry their vision. This empowerment allows them to explore diverse narratives and reach global audiences with powerful storytelling while continuing to own their creative content. Influencers have turned social media into their stage and storefront, leveraging their authenticity and niche interests to build engaged communities. Through compelling content, they influence trends, promote products, and advocate for causes they believe in, all while forging partnerships with willing brands. The future of creative careers is bright and full of possibilities, thanks to the empowering nature of digital platforms.
As climate change has become an urgent global issue, new platforms are stepping up as trusted information portals, raising awareness, catalyzing movements and driving real-world change. Individuals like Andi, Adam and Chris are demonstrating the power of initiative and innovation through their unconventional career paths. By embracing their passions and leveraging digital tools, they prove that success is not dependent on age or approval. They are shaping their futures on their terms, inspiring a generation to pursue their dreams boldly and authentically without waiting for anyone’s permission. Their impact is not just in their respective fields, but in inspiring others to take control of their careers and make a difference
Over the past week we plunged into the Ottawa River, exploring shifting baselines and natural ecosystems. We delved into the significance of embracing traditional Indigenous knowledge, gaining profound insights. We witnessed firsthand the impact of invasive species in the St. Lawrence River, experiencing both the alarming transformations and the profound ecological shifts beneath the surface.
In today's world, the traditional gatekeepers have faded into the background. I am optimistic that by supporting and mentoring enthusiastic young divers this week, I can help nurture a future generation of informed advocates committed to safeguarding our water planet. These future leaders will not need to compromise their narrative or stifle their voices. They are poised to inspire and educate a new wave of divers, fostering a collective vision for a brighter and more sustainable future for all.
Book Recommendation - Anything written by Seth Godin
Seth Godin’s influence has shaped many successful authors, filmmakers, musicians and business people. He was one of the first to publish books and blogs advocating the power of harnessing the Internet and new media sources to bypass gatekeepers and simply get your creative work out into the universe. We read his books, subscribed to his blog, and acknowledge his influence on our creative pursuits. When young people ask us “How do I get started?” - We almost always send them a copy of Seth Godin’s “Purple Cow.”
Collaboration - Robert
When was the last time you went to a concert? How about a stage show? Were you were lucky enough to experience a Broadway play?
When you entered the venue there was soft music playing and subtle lighting on the stage. As you settled into your great seats in the sixth row you took it all in: the fabulous theater, the anticipatory energy of the audience - Then the house lights dimmed, the curtains parted and boom! The magic begins!
Or, so it seems...magical.
What you are experiencing required hundreds of people collaborating to bring you that magic moment. Writers, producers, musicians, lighting designers, stagehands, carpenters, electricians, house staff, managers...and many more. Yes, it seems like magic, but in reality, it is hard work coupled with creativity that makes this one of the best nights of your life.
As a young man, I worked as a stage manager for a prominent east coast concert company. We produced live shows in Philadelphia and the surrounding areas. Our crew was the first to present such acts as U2, Madonna, and Boy George to Philly audiences. It was an exciting, and yes, "magical" time. Until I worked these stages, I had no idea how many people and how much collaboration went into producing a concert. Starting with the semi drivers who backed their rigs up to the stage doors, and ending the evening with the house manager turning out the lights and locking the doors, every person involved in making your entertaining night out was important and critical to the show's success.
Yes, the headlining star gets most of the credit, but the production assistant intern is just as essential to a memorable performance.
The next time you go to a show, stand up, turn around, and watch as the lighting operators, sound engineers, ushers, and security people collaborate for your benefit and enjoyment.
And, as you leave the venue with a big grin on your face, smile and thank the event staff that collaborated to make your memorable night...magical.
