Is there a piece of advice that he's shared with you that you often incorporate into your own career?
I would say I learned a lot just in terms of how this business can be very rewarding if you continue to invest in those things which can help you to continue to graduate. One thing I did learn is it's sink or swim. You can't tread water; you have to actually go somewhere. If you're treading water and imagine yourself out in the middle of the ocean or some large lake, you can only tread water for so long. If you're swimming, you got a chance; you got a shot. You might swim to a log or something or some place where you can catch your breath and keep swimming. So I've learned to keep swimming from this man. He's done so much in his career! I knew him as a big band/jazz arranger, then going into producing Michael Jackson and stuff. Then producing movies. So I've learned from him to place no limits on what I can do. He said, "If you can dream it, then you should go for it." Those are his words, you know. Dream and go for it and go beyond your dreams. Don't place any limits. I've taken that to heart. By no means am I resting on anything I've already done. When I get to be 80, I'll look back and compile it all in one big story. Right now, I'm busy looking forward to my next thing, which is producing for TV and film. As executive producer, I'm coming up with some great content, so look forward to that.
For more information on Ray Chew, visit his official website.
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