Bossing It: How Marco D'Angelo Sculpted His Leadership Style

Marco is the founder and EP of Impossible Studios, a production company based out of Toronto, Canada  that represents an award-winning roster of directors and photographers. Marco brings nearly 15 years experience in advertising and production, and has been at the helm of projects for a broad range of clients, including Bud Light, Mazda, CNN, Remax, The Toronto Raptors, ESPN and more. His diverse expertise, having worked at agencies, in-house and in production, have allowed him to bring a unique POV to his leadership at Impossible Studios, which has helped foster the growth of the directors and photographers on the team. 

LBB> How did you figure out what kind of leader you wanted to be?

Marco> Navigating the highs and lows of the production scene, from freelance gigs to leading projects, sculpted my leadership style. I learned the value of empathy, the strength of decisiveness, and the necessity of humour in the face of tension. It's about blending the best practices I've observed with a keen sense of what to avoid, ensuring I lead with a mix of humility and confidence.

LBB> What experience or moment gave you your biggest lesson in leadership?

Marco> I can’t put my finger on one experience, or one moment. Failures and challenges have been my greatest teachers. Embracing mistakes, learning from them, and not repeating them has been crucial. It's about taking responsibility, being able to make tough calls, all while maintaining transparency and authenticity with my team.

LBB> Did you know you always wanted to take on a leadership role?

Marco> My path to leadership was driven by a desire to create and collaborate, recognising the potential in bringing together talented individuals. This drive led me to establish Impossible Studios.

LBB> How much of 'leadership' do you believe is innate versus learned?

Marco> While some aspects of leadership may come naturally, the majority of effective leadership skills are honed through experience, feedback, and a willingness to adapt. It's a continuous journey of learning, growing, and refining your abilities.

LBB> What are the most challenging aspects of leadership for you?

Marco> Balancing the freedom for creativity with the necessity of guidance, and managing the diverse needs of a talented team, poses unique challenges. It's about knowing when to step in and when to let the team do their thing, all while ensuring everyone feels supported and valued.

LBB> How have mentors influenced your leadership style?

Marco> While I've gleaned insights from many, my leadership style is largely self-taught, shaped by observing a wide range of leaders I’ve had over the years. I aim to emulate the best while avoiding the pitfalls I've witnessed. I’d go so far as to even say that my leadership style is constantly evolving as a result of all this.

LBB> In the face of continual market changes, how do you lead?

Marco> Adaptability and resilience are key. We focus on staying agile, embracing innovation, and maintaining a positive outlook, no matter the challenges. This mindset has been essential in navigating the ever-evolving landscape of production.

LBB> What are your ambitions for Impossible Studios?

Marco> We aim to continue growing as a creative collective that champions innovation, diversity, and excellence. My vision is to push the boundaries of what's possible, making Impossible Studios not just a name, but a testament to what production should be. But more simply: we just want to keep making cool work, and that’s that. 

LBB> How important is company culture to your success?

Marco> Our culture is integral to our success. It's about building a community where everyone feels inspired, valued, and motivated to contribute their best. We've cultivated an environment that encourages creativity, respects diversity, and fosters personal and professional growth. Our team is small and curated, we’re able to tend to the needs of everyone on our roster of artists which lends itself to our family-like culture.