Today we’d like to introduce you to Linda Duncombe
Hi Linda, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in government housing and where we had little money, we had so much love and support. My dream from being a 9 year old was to live in New York and my parents supported me. My brother and I were so lucky to have our parents. I have never known a time when I would not try as my parents created a safe and happy home where trying and being curious was encouraged. I am still very much like that today. I started as a typist in a large Australian bank and worked my way through the ranks while doing all of my college education part time. The dream of NY always in my heart. When I joined Citi, I was open with the hope of one day working in the global office located in NY and almost 6 years later, I was in a role based out of New York and having the most incredible experience both professionally and personally. I moved to LA for a new role and had the most amazing five years that also allowed me to be a little closer to my mum and tiny family in Australia. I saw the opportunity to make a huge career change and work with an extraordinary person by the name of Joshua Friedman. Someone I am grateful to call family and a person who is incredibly talented, smart, kind and funny. We are well into post production of a feature film called “The Queen’s Jewels”.
My dad and brother had passed by the time I had made the move to New York and my mum who is still with us today, has the same love, support and positivity that embodies what our family has always been. My parents gave my brother and I the most incredible childhood and I live every day with joy and appreciation.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Every struggle is an opportunity to dig deep and show yourself and others the very fibre of who you are. It shouldn’t be that way but it’s the universe giving you growth, no matter how much it hurts, In every obstacle, challenge, loss…. there is a learning. I focus on that.
Leaving my family, friends and everything I had known my whole life to fulfill a childhood dream was incredibly hard. One of the biggest challenges of my life but I realized my loved ones are always with me and the opportunity was beyond my dreams. I threw everything I am into the opportunity and will always thank Citi and the people who supported me to do that.
Changing industries has been more challenging than it should have been. The number of people that continue to tell me, “this is how it has always been done” is ridiculous. “You’re new to this, that wont ever work”. These statements come from a place of fear for new thinking and innovation. Josh Friedman, the writer, director and heart and soul behind the film I am working on is a walking example of a person who has been in the industry for a long time and has taken those learnings and is innovating with how this film will be completed. I love the opportunity to be a part of something bigger than myself. Get beyond, get around and whatever it is, don’t let negative thinking ever stop you from fulfilling dreams and living your best life.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about TQJ LLC?
I was in the financial services industry for 35 years and made the move into movie making!! People may think this is a huge change in career but not really. I sit on some wonderful boards that have given me insight into the entertainment industry and feel very privileged to be able to do that work. My last corporate executive role was very much involved in the entertainment industry and I got to know so many wonderful people. Not just the talent we see on our screens but all the people behind the camera who bring the magic to life. It inspired me to make the move.
TQJ LLC is a group of investors that are behind the feature film, “The Queen’s Jewels”. This is an independent film and we raised the funds ourselves. We are fully funded and in the final stages of production. Our Writer, Director and the heart of this film is Josh Friedman. A hard working person who is kind, talented and very ethical. It is an honor to work with him.
This film is very deliberately a film that is to entertain the whole family. It makes no religious or political statements. Its a family adventure and the kind of film I loved as a young girl.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love living in the USA, especially in Santa Monica! I run along the beach almost everyday and have a wonderful group of friends. It reminds me so much of home.
The traffic but I really don’t have any dislikes or complaints. I am very fortunate and grateful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thequeensjewelsfilm.com
- Instagram: thequeensjewelsfilm
- LinkedIn: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-duncombe&ved=2ahUKEwihvZvB8s2LAxV4IUQIHel8IoYQFnoECBQQAQ&usg=AOvVaw0I44RTDcodNhEwrVso2nyQ
