OurBlk Woman Spotlight: Dr. Catrina Pullum
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- November 17, 2021
A Louisiana native making a global impact as “The Chain Breaker®”. An entertainment executive & visionary who is known as “The Whisperer” and “The Negotiator” in the industry. Dr. Catrina’s life mission is to help individuals walk in their purpose by creating, igniting, and influencing them to unleash and embrace their power. As a film, television (TV), and theatrical producer, she creates a platform for individuals to share their stories of triumph through the Arts.
As an Entertainment Executive, she is one-fifth negotiator, one-fifth therapist, one-fifth networker, and two-fifths entrepreneur.
As the Chief Creative Officer of Puissance Maison Productions, she leads a collective of creatives, producers, and strategists based across the globe in LA, New York, New Orleans, Texas, Miami, Atlanta, Argentina, Africa and beyond. The group includes experts on music, arts, hospitality, festivals, publishing, film, and television. This organization was established to create and support a platform of opportunities in the entertainment industry. www.puissancemaison.com
As the President and Co-Creator of PullCorp Media & Business Consulting Group (PMG), she oversees a variety of public relations and business development efforts for the firm’s clientele. PMG is a full-service publicity boutique specializing in executive and talent visibility; television and film media pitches; red carpet premieres; and special events. Www.pullcorp.com
Dr. Catrina has been featured in Essence, O, Sheen, Rolling Out & Black Enterprise Magazines to name a few. Dr. Catrina has received honors from President Barak Obama, Congress members, State Representatives, and others. Dr. Catrina’s work has included working with Lifetime Television, NBC, OWN, Discovery Channel, BET, Now You See National Campaign, Just US organization, Junior League, Women In Film, RAINN & etc. And OBW was able to spend some time speaking with Dr. Pullum.
OBW: Why is it important to embrace who you are?
Women are often underestimated. That is why we must remember who we are. We are strong, beautiful, brilliant, innovators who continue to change the world. This is who we’ve always been. I personally come from a long line of praying women who defied the odds so that I could thrive. Therefore, I refuse allow any circumstance, including a life-changing brain injury, to discourage me from creating a legacy and fulling my purpose. I’m living proof that you can be successful in spite of your circumstances. I am a survivor, wife, mother, CEO, visionary, advocate, producer, philanthropist and so much more.
You must understand that you cannot walk in your purpose if you do not know who you are. You must realize people can and will detect when you are not your authentic self. You must know that you cannot sell or market a brand that does not represent you, effectively. You might be able to generate some business or sales, but if you don’t internalize the brand, it will come to the surface.
But we, as a people, sometimes get complacent thinking we have arrived at a destination when it really just meant to be a layover. We want to stop at a comfortable plateau, when there is still a lot more mountain to climb.
Dr. Catrina Pullum
OBW: How does your brand or what you do cultivate female empowerment?
My life’s mission is to help individuals walk in their purpose by creating, igniting, and influencing them to unleash and embrace their power. As a film, television (TV), and theatrical producer, I create a platform for individuals to share their stories of triumph through the Arts.
I have a registered trademark and I’m nationally known as The Chain Breaker. I teach individuals especially women how their pain had a purpose, to lead them into their promise, while breaking all of the negative mental and emotional chains in their lives.
I also have a female empowerment movement called The D.O.P.E. Girlfriend Movement,(dopegirlfriend.com) which reminds women how D.O.P.E. they really are. D.O.P.E Girlfriend is committed to becoming your preferred lifestyle brand that defines style and creates the most enjoyable experience with elegant gift boxes, masterclasses and products that inspire you to put your best self forward every day.
OBW: What is your leadership style?
My leadership style is Coaching shared with an Authoritative Style. As an authoritative leader, I map the way and set expectations, while engaging and energizing my team along the way.
But everybody is not always ready to be coached. Sometimes you have to adopt other hats and leadership styles based on the situation. I believe that if your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.
OBW: In your opinion, how can we as a culture work together to banish prejudices and social clichés?
We have to take a hard honest look at ourselves and the world around us and be courageous enough to speak truth to power. If the wrongs are not called out when they happen, things will never change for the better. We also cannot blame others entirely for the positions we are in. Yes, there have been challenges to hold us back or slow our progress. We have to continue to address those. But we, as a people, sometimes get complacent thinking we have arrived at a destination when it really just meant to be a layover. We want to stop at a comfortable plateau, when there is still a lot more mountain to climb.
OBW: What are some things you are most proud of?
Watching my family and those attached to me WIN!
I am proud to have my eyes travel the country as a part of the Now You See National Campaign. A Celebration of Courageous Kids (NYS) is an ever-growing art exhibit and child abuse awareness campaign. NYS seeks to empower survivors to talk about their experiences and to be proud of their resilience and strength. Most importantly, these photos and words help us all move beyond the silence and secrecy that so often surrounds and enables child abuse.
The global impact that I have made through my active board membership for various charitable organizations such as Hip-Hop Legend & Philanthropist, MC Lyte’s Hip Hop Sisters Foundation, Center of Empowerment For Families & Youth, Inc. (Board Chair), Vice President of the board for LIFT- Ladies In Film & Television, Vice President of The Lady General Foundation, Board Of Directors for Target Evolution, Charter & Board Member of National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Board Member of National Association of Black Journalists DFW Chapter and a few others.
OBW: What have you been up to and what can we look forward to seeing from you?
I am preparing to release my second book of my children’s book series, Growing With Grace (www.growingwithgrace.biz), which is focused on helping children (and their families) deal with grief.
We are currently in production for our show, Meet The Pullums: The Ultimate Merger Still Stands. To learn more, please visit www.meetthepullums.com
I am looking forward to the release of Boss Babes Who Pray: Exposing The Lie Of The Enemy book & documentary January 2022.
I am looking forward to filming my From Book To Script Masterclass with my writing partner, Creative Writer & Consultant, Lamar Faulk in February 2022 produced by Puissance Maison Productions.
The D.O.P.E. Girlfriend Movement is growing and expanding. We are looking forward to celebrating a few hidden gems in March 2022 for Women’s History Month in Dallas, Texas & Atlanta, GA.
I am looking forward to serving in Executive Leadership for one of my favorite events, Black Media Honors, August 2022.
There is so much to come in 2022.
Advice For Entrepreneurs in 2022
In today’s industry, individuals can encounter many challenges pursuing a career in entertainment. The primary question I often hear is, “How do I stand out?” I share one of my favorite mantras in response to this question. “I am not looking for the IT FACTOR, I am SHE and SHE is ME!” Being exactly who you were created to be is your superpower and it will resonate with the right audience. In addition to being authentic, one must be confident and have faith in their abilities.
Dr. Catrina www.dopegirlfriend.com www.growingwithgrace.biz @drcatrina – IG @ Dr Catrina – Facebook
