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Proximity Media founders Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, and Sev Ohanian have been working together since Ryan and Ohanian’s student days at University of Southern California’s School for Cinematic Arts.
In 2018, the trio founded their production company following Ryan’s catalytic success as the writer and director of “Fruitvale Station,” “Creed,” and “Black Panther.”
Since then, the company has grown to some 20 people who work across its film, television, audio, music, and unscripted divisions. Proximity has produced a handful of feature films, documentaries, and television shows, though the record-breaking, award-winning “Sinners” is its first feature film written and directed by Ryan himself.
Proximity’s achievements come at a time when theatrical releases are under increasing threat. But with “Sinners,” Proximity found a way to create not just a film but a genuine event. The film surpassed $350 million in global box office, drove audiences into IMAX theaters, and took home four Academy Awards—including for best screenplay and best actor—this past Sunday.
3 science-backed ways to practice optimism at work (that aren’t phony or forced)
Optimism has a branding problem at work. It often shows up as pressure to stay upbeat in meetings, reassurance that everything will work out, or encouragement to find the silver lining when pressure mounts. When things feel uncertain, that approach tends to backfire.
As a clinical psychologist, I’ve seen how well-intentioned positivity can actually make work more strenuous. When you’re already stretched thin, being told to “stay positive” doesn’t help you reset. Research shows that when people feel pressure to suppress stress or override difficult emotions, the nervous system stays in a heightened threat state, reducing activity in the prefrontal cortex–the part of the brain responsible for focus, planning, and decision-making. In other words, forced positivity keeps the brain on high alert, narrowing thinking rather than expanding it and making it harder to focus on what actually matters
Real optimism operates differently. It helps you stay engaged and mentally flexible when outcomes aren’t clear. At work, it shows up through small, practical behaviors that reduce friction and keep you cognitively present instead of overwhelmed.
