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Hello, INfluencers!
I’m thrilled to give you the very first COO Update.
Our INW family is growing!
We have doubled the number of chapters nationally, and joining Hollywood and Atlanta will be Nashville (October) and Orange County (November). Kathleen and I cannot wait to introduce you to our amazing Chapter Coordinators, Kelsey Cooke (Nashville) and Cyndi Galley (Orange County). If you would like to get connected to one of our local chapters, let us know at info@influencelab.com.
New ways to get plugged in!
From webinars and virtual bible studies to casual in-person gatherings and professional networking brunches, we’ve been working hard to give you options and opportunities to build your community and network! Check out our INW Calendar, and get plugged in!
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News
In July 2022, Influence Lab co-founders Phil and Kathleen Cooke were invited to Rome, Italy, to speak at a much-anticipated global conference for church and marketplace leaders.
The conference, privately hosted in a different city each year, keeps the name and invitation-only membership anonymous—a layer of protection set in place for good reason. Throughout the meetings, Phil and Kathleen were particularly moved by the unity between attending Russian and Ukrainian pastors, discussing ways to bring relief to their people amid the ongoing conflict
“Christians are working together to solve these problems,” Kathleen commented. “And we saw that even in the suffering, there is such joy.”
Other remarkable moments of the conference included reports from fellow members sharing their missions’ work as they rescue children from war-torn nations, build homes in the Middle East, and strategize to overcome food shortages.
“Being a part of this global organization of pastors, ministers, non-profits, and marketplace business leaders was inspiring,” Kathleen said.
They weren’t home for long when Phil was the featured speaker for an online event hosted by Christian Media & Arts Australia. The organization of Christian communication and media professionals across that country asked Phil to speak on his new book “Ideas on a Deadline: How to Be Creative When the Clock is Ticking.”
He’s also been on a speaking tour with Christian media conferences in Memphis and Atlanta this past week, discussing his new book and how creativity can transform our effectiveness with the gospel.
Your partnership matters! Your gifts to The Influence Lab help us train Christian leaders worldwide to share the gospel in today’s digital age effectively. The gospel message never changes, but how we share it does. Give here.
As a thank-you for your gift of $35.00 or more, we’re offering partners their choice of several books by Phil and Kathleen Cooke. Find out more here (and consider becoming a monthly partner!)
News
Based in Los Angeles, The Influence Lab kicked off its new Influence Lab Atlanta Women’s chapter with a meeting featuring Netflix showrunner Sheryl J. Anderson of the hit series “Sweet Magnolias.”
Los Angeles, CA (June 16, 2022) – Cofounded by media executives Phil and Kathleen Cooke with a vision to transform culture through media, the Los Angeles-based The Influence Lab extended its impact this past week with the inaugural meeting of the Influence Lab Atlanta Women’s chapter. The in-person June event featured Sheryl J. Anderson, creator and showrunner of the Netflix hit series, “Sweet Magnolias.”
Called the “Hollywood of the South,” Atlanta is a growing hub of film and television production with tax incentives drawing in major Hollywood productions and new studios. With the growing film crew base comes a need for community, which was one of the compelling reasons to launch the new Influence Lab Atlanta Women’s chapter. Anderson’s Netflix show is filming in Atlanta and presented an opportunity to have the seasoned showrunner speak at the event.
“Remember we are living on God’s schedule,” Sheryl encouraged the attending female actors, producers, directors and crew members based in Atlanta. “Figure out your path in this industry and it will come to pass in God’s time.” In an industry that can be prone to “people-pleasing” to advance your career, she admonished the women, “You can never please others at the expense of yourself or your work.”
Flying in from Los Angeles for the event, Kathleen Cooke was accompanied by Influence Lab Women Events director Ayanna Anene. Anna Oakley, the Influence Lab Atlanta Women coordinator and representatives of the Hollywood Prayer Network in Atlanta opened the evening in prayer.
“We heard thank you’s over and over again,” shared Kathleen Cooke after the gathering. “There’s a growing community of women who want to align their faith as they work in the new Atlanta ‘Hollywood South’ industry.”
Watch for the replay of the Atlanta meeting at https://influencelab.com For more information about the Atlanta Influence Lab Women’s chapter or the Hollywood Influence Lab Women’s base, contact info@influencelab.com.
News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Endorsed by Hollywood creatives, media executive Phil Cooke announces his new book, “Ideas On a Deadline: How to Be Creative When the Clock Is Ticking.”
Los Angeles, CA (April 28, 2022) – With the pandemic thrusting the digital age upon us, creativity has become a necessary commodity to stay competitive in the digital world. In response to the heightened need, media executive and producer Phil Cooke announces his new book “Ideas on a Deadline: How to Be Creative When the Clock is Ticking.” Published by The Inspire Collective, the book is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Cooke’s nonprofit The Influence Lab.
“As the world accelerates, the demand for creative works grows,” states Phil Cooke. “Contrary to closely held views, you don’t have to lower your creative excellence just because time is running out and you need to deliver.”
A media producer based in Los Angeles, Cooke speaks from the seasoned vantage point of needing to deliver creative ideas on time with a client list that includes Hollywood studios Walt Disney and Dreamworks along with USA Network and major non-profit organizations and ministries. His new book covers the mindset, motivation and method behind the creative process with a bonus section dedicated to the art of leading creative people.
Endorsed by Hollywood producers Mark Burnett and Roma Downey, they share, “Phil’s book is a masterclass on how to develop amazing ideas under pressure…”
Craig Murray, founder/CEO of MOCEAN and 3x North American “Entertainment Advertising Agency of the Year” with clients including Disney and Marvel Studios adds, “Brilliantly honest, insightful, informative and entertaining, this is the book guaranteed to help anyone trying to come up with ideas in this crazy, chaotic, work-from-home world.”
“Whether you’re a creative professional, a pastor, teacher, coach or business leader,” Cooke states, “‘Ideas on a Deadline’ is packed with proven techniques to help you deliver great ideas when you need them most.” Find out more at https://www.philcooke.com/ideasonadeadline/
About Phil Cooke, Ph.D
Co-founder and CEO of Cooke Media Group in Los Angeles, Phil Cooke has produced media programming in nearly 70 countries and created many of the most influential inspirational TV programs in history with a client list that includes Hollywood studios, major nonprofit organizations, and many of the most respected churches and ministries in the world. His latest book is: “Ideas on a Deadline: How to Be Creative When the Clock Is Ticking.” He’s been called “one of the most innovative communicators of our generation.” Find out more at https://philcooke.com
Find out more about The Inspire Collective at https://inspirecollective.com
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News
Recently, Phil and Kathleen Cooke, co-founders of The Influence Lab, were on the move in Nashville at the annual National Religious Broadcasters Convention (NRB). NRB is an international association of Christian communicators with more than 1,100 member organizations reaching millions with the use of media. Each year Christian media and entertainment leaders meet in a national city to teach leadership and technical workshops, share updates on media policies, listen to inspirational speakers, receive media and entertainment awards, and provide communicators with the opportunity to connect over their most recent content and projects.
Phil and Kathleen were hosted on several national radio programs, podcasts and TV shows. They also met with a number of national and global leaders to talk about the mission and vision of The Influence Lab and Influence Lab Women. (Read more here: Industry Experts Talk About the Power of Documentaries.)
What is the mission and vision of The Influence Lab?
Our Mission
Recognizing we live in a media-driven culture dominated by the influence of Hollywood, we engage Christians who are involved in media, entertainment, leadership, and the arts to encourage them to align their faith with God’s Kingdom purposes and become influencers and to use their talents and skills effectively to change the global culture.
Our Vision
To cultivate Christian thought leaders involved in media, entertainment, leadership, and the arts who are passionate to elevate the voice of God’s purposes and callings and bring about positive global change for the Church and the world.
What is coming next?
Save the date for April 29th in Los Angeles and June 10th in Atlanta for the next in-person Influence Lab Women gatherings. Details coming soon!
News
We’re growing! Influence Lab Women is expanding into the hub of film and television production in Atlanta. “Hollywood and New York are no longer the only epicenters of media production,” shares Kathleen Cooke. “Influence Lab Women is thrilled to introduce you to the new Atlanta Influence Lab coordinator, Anna Oakley.”
The kick-off of the Atlanta group will be an in-person watch party of the Influence Lab Women’s online event featuring guest Cindy Bond, producer of “Redeeming Love” and the box-office hit, “I Can Only Imagine.” If you live in the Atlanta area, sign up here to join us for this event. (Not in Atlanta? Sign up here for the free webinar.)
And now, meet Anna Oakley…
Hi! My name is Anna Elizabeth Oakley, and I’m an actor, puppeteer, and children’s coach living in what has come to be known as the “Hollywood of the South” – Atlanta, Georgia. In December 2021, I journeyed to LA to hear actress and producer Jessica Oyelowo speak at The Influence Lab Women’s Christmas Gathering. I didn’t know anything about The Influence Lab and little did I know what God truly had in store for me that night. After a long desert season of almost two years due to the pandemic, the gathering blew me away and filled my soul. It was not only an evening filled with new connections, friendships, and empowering prayer but of being strengthened and mentored in faith and career excellence. I was inspired to press on and into what and where God had purposed for my life.
My immediate question when I met Kathleen was, have you thought of bringing this to Atlanta?
It turns out she had! The Influence Lab team had been praying about expanding into Atlanta. They, too, knew that Atlanta had grown into a strong industry community and had become a major hub for TV and film production. The Influence Lab had felt an urgency to expand, encourage and empower professionals there. But how? It was a matter of God’s timing. That night I felt God tapping me on the shoulder and calling me into action. (more…)
