Discovering Life’s Purpose, With Jessica Steinweg

Thank you so much for taking time for this interview! Before we dig in, our readers would love to “get to know you” better. Can you share with us the backstory about what brought you to your specific career path?

Since I was a child, I’ve had a passion for telling stories and the television industry. It wasn’t until my career led me to BrandStar Entertainment (The Balancing Act’s parent company) that I discovered my life’s purpose for helping others. My life’s work has become helping people to live their best lives — which is demonstrated through our recent expose on human trafficking, “UPS – Delivering Hope,” which was produced in partnership with The UPS Foundation, Wellspring Living, and Be Strong.

Congratulations on your work with UPS Foundation. Can you tell us more about “Delivering Hope” and what it means to you?

When I was in my early twenties, around 21 or 22, I had a close encounter with a human trafficking incident at a shopping mall. That was an eye-opening experience to the proximity of human trafficking around us…it’s closer than any of us realize. It’s an honor to be a part of a project that, through awareness, can potentially diminish human trafficking and provide resources for victims and families who are already impacted.

Can you share the most interesting story that has happened to you since you started working in the entertainment industry and/or doing such amazing humanitarian work?

Oh my gosh…there are so many! We also produce a wonderful series called “Behind the Mystery” on “The Balancing Act,” in which we explore rare and genetic diseases. It is deeply rewarding to receive messages from viewers sharing how our show has played a crucial role in helping them achieve a rare disease diagnosis, bringing them clarity and hope.

What is next for you, what are you working on?

Our team is in pre-production on our 40^th season of “Military Makeover with Montel,” which will air in the fourth quarter of this year on Lifetime Television. Hosted by talk show legend and military advocate Montel Williams, the show provides hope and support by transforming the homes and lives of military families across the country.

Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that? 

I’ve had many mentors throughout my career, but I’m particularly grateful for the opportunity to work with Nicole Oropesa, President of BrandStar Entertainment. On a personal level, Nicole has become a dear friend and a role model who embodies strong leadership through compassion, kindness, accountability, and deliberation. Leading with these attributes is not always easy, but if you can find your stride, your impact on the world will be rewarded tenfold.

From your experience, what are a few ideas that we can use to effectively offer support to others who want to work in the entertainment industry?

For anyone looking to break into the entertainment industry, it’s crucial to be flexible and humble. Embrace the grunt work for the experience, as it often leads to greater opportunities. Early in my career, I worked on a project for MTV Tres and learned that the Head of Production had initially started as a camera operator, earning well over six figures. He recognized a bigger opportunity to start his own freelance production company and took a pay cut to invest his time in learning the full spectrum of production beyond camerawork.

Can you please give us your favorite ”Life Lesson Quote?” Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?

“If this (points to heart) is empty, this (points to head) doesn’t matter.” — Dicky Fox, “Jerry Maguire”

How can our readers follow you online and help UPS Foundation?

Head to TheBalancingAct.com where you can watch all of the stories that we explore, and you can follow us on social! To learn more and support The UPS Foundation’s work, visit this link.