Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Seth Francois.
Hi Dr. Seth, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Loma Linda, California. At six months old, my parents James Francois and Fabiola Francois moved to the City of Compton. I was always active in community service, politics, and personal growth. While attending elementary school, I found myself hearing music in my mind and I would seek out a piano and other instruments to replicate what I was hearing. While attending Compton Sr. High School, I was attracted to acting and production development. While in high school, I was afforded an opportunity to attend Compton College in the 11th grade where I enrolled in general electives and Theatre Arts. I found a natural connection to the arts. I was also an intern working with the City of Compton, City Manager’s Office, where I gained much knowledge of internal operation a municipal government. After high school, I attended Morehouse College, where I engaged in acting. I also created and led a student security system as the director (Student Patrol System) at Morehouse College. It appeared that business was my stronghold which I pursued.
During my second year at Morehouse College, I was invited to rejoin the City of Compton which I pursued. No matter how I was rising in my career, music and the arts were part of me. I was part of a songwriting group named “Klean Slate.” During my work career of which included security management, gift and endowment directorship, acting postmaster, chief contract negotiator and field representative, and regional directorship to name a few, my heart was still compelled towards the arts. As life goes, I was injured and disabled on the job and divorced after 25 years of marriage. I needed something to help me mitigate the loss and music was the tool I used to express what I was feeling. A few years later, 2017, Imaginetainment Inc. was born to form a collaborative of the artist and other entertainment talents to form a place where training, development of productions, and the finalization of productions exist. In our key collaboration, we have Sentoria Green, CEO of Live 105.5 Mobile Radio; Deitra Leak, Actress; Craig “Seejai” Erquhart, Writer, Producer, Lyricist; Francis Perdue, Publicist; And Angela Rena, author, counselor, and transformational coach. I am an author and a professor.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The biggest obstacles/challenges being a 501 (c) (3) have been grants and funding to hire full-time staff. We have been fortunate to have great partners and volunteers. The second obstacle/challenge was dealing with COVID-19. Keeping everyone safe has been our top priority. We canceled our office lease because of the difficulty to provide a safe work environment. We are now building our remote capacity to train, develop, and produce. We are making the adjustments and are optimistic we will survive the storm.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am the CEO of Imaginetainment Inc. I am more of a consultant building collaborations, producing two talk-show, The Business of Love and Straight Talk With Dr. Seth and Professor Levy. We are working on publishing literary, music, and production works. I am known for building teams, negotiations, and creating work environments with healthy cultures. What sets me apart from others is my passion for seeing people succeed. I also feel my practical and educational experience is a highlight. I have a BS in Business Management, MA in Human Resources, and a Doctorate of Business Administration with a Specialization in Leadership. My love for the arts, my business background and my education have come together to birth Imaginetainment Inc.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
The industry appears to be open to more independent artists, producers, etc. via the internet and secondary movie houses. Today, you can shoot a great YouTube feature and lay tracks to a song using your iPhone or Android Phone.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: imaginetainment.org
