We had the good fortune of connecting with Samuel Hand and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Samuel, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
I think the idea of work/life balance is a bit of a lie that we’ve all subconsciously bought into. I’m not sure that true work/life balance is something that actually exists. That sounds extreme, but don’t take what I’m saying to mean that you should ditch your self-care routine and just burn yourself out. Rather, we should be seeking harmony as we balance all our responsibilities in the job, home, personal life, etc.

The most impactful change I’ve applied in my own life in the last year is to change what it is I’m chasing: rather than seeking balance, I’ve started seeking harmony. The reality of life (especially if you’re an entrepreneur) is that the various moving pieces are never totally in balance. In different seasons, different things take priority, and that’s okay. The key is to identify the “majors” in your life, and make sure those are prioritized.

For me, my marriage, my faith, my physical health, and my business are my majors. A “balance mindset” would have me allocate 25% of my energy to each, but the reality is that life simply doesn’t work that way. Sometimes during really busy seasons for the business, I have to cut out one of my workouts or reschedule date night with my wife. But with good communication and deliberate planning, it’s still possible to live a life where my relationships with my wife and with God, my physical health, and my business can all flourish simultaneously.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I’m the co-owner and Creative Director for Phalanx Film Co. We’re a media production company in the business of creating business for our clients, or as we call it, telling Stories That Sell™.

I’m most proud of the way that our media moves the needle for our clients and their businesses. In today’s world, media is more important than ever, and most businesses recognize that they need quality video and photo content to connect with their customer base. Unfortunately, many organizations waste tens of thousands of $$$’s on media, not necessarily because the media is low-quality, but because it’s simply telling the wrong story.

“Stories That Sell” are our answer. Call it what you want: return on investment, content that converts, or production with purpose, what makes Phalanx Film Co. different is our dedication to your success. We win when our clients win.

One of our favorite clients is a Gilbert-based dental education clinic called The Pathway. They specialize in continuing education for dentists and oral surgeons so that clinicians can provide the most up-to-date and cutting edge support to their patients. When we work with them, it’s so much bigger than the media we’re creating — the photo and video we produce for them plays a role in helping thousands of patients. These clinicians are giving people their lives and smiles back, and we get to play a part in that, which is so fulfilling.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m a huge foodie, so that’s automatically where my mind goes. Most people probably anticipate good Mexican-inspired cuisine in the area, and Phoenix doesn’t disappoint. My favorite spot is called Taco Guild — it’s a gastropub off of Osborn that’s in a converted 1800’s church building. The food and drinks are incredible and the atmosphere is one of a kind.

For the pizza lover, Pizzeria Bianco is simply un-missable. It’s debatable whether there’s better pizza to be had this side of the US, and the story of how Chris Bianco came to start his pizzeria in Arizona is fascinating.

If you’re visiting in the summer, Phoenix is frankly too hot after about 10am to do much outdoors, but there’s a great museum scene that’s well worth spending the time on. The Phoenix Art Museum, Heard Museum, and the Musical Instrument Museum are definitely local favorites.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would love to recognize my wife, Sally. Ever since I first suggested to her that I quit my full-time job and go all-in on this self-employment venture, she’s been nothing but supportive. Every entrepreneur can attest that there are ups and downs in business that, when you’re working as an employee for a medium or large company, you really never experience or are aware of. Both relationally and logistically, Sally has truly made it possible for me to pursue my entrepreneurial goals, and I’m deeply grateful to have her as both a business and life partner.

Website: https://phalanxfilm.com

Instagram: @phalanxfilmco

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@phalanxfilmco

Image Credits
Not applicable — all images owned by or otherwise licensed to Phalanx Film Co

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