Ava Duvernay’s Advice For Those Starting Something New: 'Work Without Permission'

For years, Ava Duvernay had a successful career in public relations  before transitioning into become an award-winning storyteller and director.

So when asked for advice from those who are transitioning careers, or chasing their dreams, her answer was simple: Work without permission.

“I always say the same thing– work without permission,” she said in a video posted on Twitter. “So many of us work from a permission-based place, and we don’t even know it. We are waiting for someone to say it’s ok, waiting for someone to give us the greenlight, give us money, tell us how to do it, shepherd us through…”

She added: “Some people get lucky. But most of us have to do it for ourselves. And the sooner you realize that. The sooner you step out and begin…just begin! You’ll start to find your momentum.”

And she did just that when she started making movies. Duvernay is currently working on the post-production for Disney’s A Wrinkle in Time, which is scheduled for a spring 2018 release. 

“It’s a very simple piece of advice but so often I hear people saying, ‘Oh how do i get started? How do i do this?’”she added. “How do you do it? You just start. You have to begin. And it won’t be perfect. And it’ll be messy, and it’ll be hard. But you’re doing something and you’ll be on your way.”

Great advice!