Taking Flight
Join us each month for conversations about continuing education, entertainment industry trends, leadership, art, and more.
Taking Flight is an original online show produced by Full Sail University and hosted by Dr. Heather Dartez, Director of Graduate Programs at Full Sail. In this show, Heather invites industry guest speakers and Full Sail graduates to discuss a wide range of topics, such as the importance of continuing education, entertainment industry trends, leadership, art, and more.
Each episode allows the audience to connect with and learn from others who are established in their careers and currently working in the entertainment industry. The show is streamed live one Thursday a month and it is also accessible on demand after each episode has concluded.
Next Episode: Thursday, June 18 at 1 PM ET
This episode of Taking Flight will explore the role of AI as a support system for brainstorming, creativity, learning, productivity, and professional development — while also examining the risks of over reliance, ethical concerns, and the impact on critical thinking and authentic growth.
Through an engaging panel discussion, guests will share perspectives on how to responsibly incorporate AI into daily work and learning without allowing it to replace curiosity, problem-solving, personal effort, or human connection. The conversation will highlight practical strategies for maintaining balance, creativity, and wellness in an AI-driven world.
Host:
- Dr. Daniel S. Spellman Jr., DBA, PMP - Entertainment Business
Panelists:
- Jacob Buchanan - Filmmaker and Owner of Buchanan Visual Media
- John Velasquez - Music Producer, DJ, and Content Creator
- Matthew Monaco - Experienced Marketing Professional
LIVE on YouTube.
*GPS points available
Dr. Heather Dartez is the Director of Graduate Programs at Full Sail University. During her tenure at Full Sail, she previously served as Program Director for the Entertainment Business Master of Science and Business Intelligence Master of Science, Department Chair and was Course Director for several classes related to digital marketing, brand development, and marketing strategy.
Dartez is also an award-winning professional artist, curator, and art entrepreneur. She specializes in the marketing and promotion of fine art, art education, illustration and book publishing, exhibition curation, and event management. As the Web Director for the National Watercolor Society, she managed the NWS website and oversaw web communications. Prior to joining Full Sail, she worked more than a decade as a sales professional, corporate trainer, marketing consultant, and Internet marketing department manager for a national property management company.
Dr. Heather Dartez has a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from the University of Central Florida, a Master’s in Business Administration from Belhaven University, and a Doctorate in Business Administration from California Southern University.
Full Sail University is an award-winning educational leader for those pursuing careers in entertainment media and emerging technologies. Founded in 1979, Full Sail has received accolades throughout its over 40-year history, including most recently being featured on the 2021 "Top 50 Film Schools and Instructors From Around the World" list by Variety Magazine, named a 2021 "Top Graduate & Undergraduate Schools to Study Game Design" by The Princeton Review, and previously recognized as the "School/College of the Year" by the Florida Association of Postsecondary Schools and Colleges.
Full Sail University is a graduate and undergraduate degree-granting institution offering on-campus and online degree programs in areas related to Art & Design, Business, Film & Television, Games, Media & Communications, Music & Recording, Sports, and Technology. With over 84,000+ graduates worldwide, Full Sail alumni have worked on countless award-winning projects with individual recognition including OSCAR®, Emmy®, GRAMMY®, ADDY®, MTV Video Music Award, and Video Game Award honors.
