Meet Laura McCorkindale | Mayor & Producer & Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Laura McCorkindale and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Laura, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?

I learned about perseverance early on, so I rarely give up. I’d like to think I’m willing to pivot when circumstances charge or new information surfaces, but if I believe in something it’s not my nature to abandon a cause or project. When I was making my first movie in my early 20’s, I remember wanting only one song — John Mellencamp’s PINK HOUSES for the opening credits. John’s publisher, manager, music agent, and lawyer — all turned me down. I kept going at it and finally found a way to get a personal letter to John. Not only did he let me use the song, he gave me a license for festivals for free which paved the way for me to put together a soundtrack with dozens of top artists, all who followed his lead. So I credit John Mellencamp, in part, for teaching me early in my career to never give up.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Being an elected official is vastly different than my experiences in the private sector. I started my career as an investigative reporter, moved into the entertainment world as a studio executive & producer and most recently ended up as a music manager. There’s little in common with these positions except perhaps my desire to initiate change and inspire some positive reform along the way. The lessons learned, since you asked, have some commonality:

• Do things with love, even the small things.
• Don’t be afraid to imagine & propose ideas that haven’t yet been imagined.
• There are two truths in almost every situation.
• Be willing to put in the time & do the work.
• Inspiring people is easy when your motives are pure.
• Stay open-hearted enough to hold many different perspectives & possibilities.
• Giving to others is the best gift you can give yourself.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Now that I’m in Hidden Hills, I spend more time in Malibu, often at Soho House, but I also love the Malibu Pier and Westward Beach. I always take my visitors for a walk down Long Valley in Hidden Hills to meet all the animals, followed by a drive through Hidden Valley to look at the stunning beauty of the open space. If I’m venturing a bit further, I’’ll hit downtown in the Art’s District, and a bit of roaming and shopping near Melrose Place, which to me, is the kinetic heart of the LA.

Favorite restaurants: Angelini on Beverly Blvd, Toscana in Brentwood.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’m an avid listener and reader and garner inspiration from so many sources, from pioneers like Peter Diamandis to true artisans like my former client musician Dwight Yoakam to law enforcement leaders looking to reinvent public safety. People who are future-oriented innovators. Now that I’m in the world of public service, I’ve been sustained by courageous individuals and groups leading the way with alternative water, technology and the environment. Also people willing to take a stand against the consensus in the name of truth. Bill Maher comes to mind of late as I often find myself cheering on his willingness to speak intelligently on uncomfortable topics, encouraging more independent thinking and balance in terribly polarized times.

Website: www.thepeanutpeople.com

Instagram: @laura.mccorkindale

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/laura-mccorkindale-b402659

Twitter: @TheTwoTruths

Facebook: www.facebook.com/LauraMcCorkindale