Podcast Summary
Insights from LinkedIn and a conversation with Jordan Stevens: LinkedIn offers access to a vast talent pool and valuable conversations like the one with Jordan Stevens emphasize the importance of openness and addressing mental health issues.
LinkedIn is an essential platform for small businesses looking to hire professionals. It offers access to a large pool of potential candidates, many of whom may not be actively seeking new jobs but could be open to the right opportunity. Furthermore, the conversation with Jordan Stevens from Rizzle Kicks provided valuable insights into the realities of fame and success, particularly for those who come into the limelight at a young age. Jordan's experiences highlighted the importance of addressing mental health issues and the need to change the stigma surrounding mental health. Overall, the discussion emphasized the value of openness and honesty, both in personal and professional contexts. So, whether you're looking to hire or seeking inspiration, LinkedIn and conversations like these can provide valuable insights and opportunities.
Unexpected detours can lead to great rewards: Sometimes not following a linear path can lead to discovering hidden passions and unexpected success
Sometimes taking an alternative path can lead to unexpected success. Harley and Jason started a music collaboration after initially planning to pursue football careers. However, the intense pressure and slim chances of making it in professional football led Harley to explore music instead. He had been making music since he was young, inspired by his musical parents. The turning point came when he used music to deal with emotions and express anger, leading to the creation of his first tracks. Although football was his initial dream, the experience of being on the edge of it but not making it ultimately led him to discover his passion for music. It's important to remember that not everyone's journey follows a linear path, and unexpected detours can sometimes lead to great rewards.
Rizzle Kicks' early success fueled by self-motivation and competitions: Winning competitions and self-motivation provided Rizzle Kicks with the funds to start his music career, highlighting the importance of supporting young artists with small investments.
The power of self-motivation and participating in competitions played a significant role in the early success of Rizzle Kicks' career. Growing up in Brighton after experiencing the pressures of London, the artist found joy and creativity in making music. However, his upbeat rap style was mocked by other rappers in Brighton who were emulating the London sound. Undeterred, Rizzle Kicks entered every music competition he could find, eventually winning awards and earning £500 that he used to start his career. This small investment in the arts had a profound impact, showing how crucial even small funding can be in fostering creativity and talent in young people. Unfortunately, the lack of government investment in arts education and programs is a missed opportunity to support the next generation of artists and musicians.
The journey of Rizzle Kicks: talent and serendipity: Success in arts isn't just about money, it's about nurturing talent and seizing opportunities.
The success of artists and the arts industry is not solely dependent on monetary investment, but also on nurturing talent and serendipitous encounters. The example given is the journey of the band Rizzle Kicks, who despite facing funding struggles at their school, went on to create music and gain recognition through their own hard work and a chance encounter with a wedding photographer. Their success didn't come overnight, but through consistent effort and unique approaches, such as rapping over unconventional songs for their mixtape. The arts industry may face funding challenges, but the impact of artists on society and culture is immeasurable and deserves continued investment and support.
From small beginnings to sudden fame: Success in music often requires years of hard work and persistence, even if it eventually leads to sudden fame.
Even what appears to be an overnight success in the music industry often involves years of hard work and groundwork laid beforehand. The speakers, who experienced such success with their song "Down with the Trumpets," were initially shocked by their sudden fame after the song took off on YouTube. They were offered a record deal and, despite initial hesitation, eventually released their album and saw continued success. However, they emphasized that the success came after years of grafting and laying the groundwork, such as playing to small crowds and gaining airplay on BBC Introducing. The speakers also noted that the music industry has changed significantly since their success, with music videos no longer being shown on television as frequently as they once were. Overall, their message is that true success in the music industry often requires persistence and hard work, even if it eventually leads to sudden fame.
Feeling like a 'weirdo' before fame vs. dealing with the pressures of sudden fame: Sudden fame can bring excitement, power, and appeal, but also anxiety, paranoia, drug abuse, and difficulty coping with the influx of information and people.
Gaining fame and attention at a young age, while exciting and full of perks, can also be overwhelming and stressful. The speaker, who became a pop star unexpectedly, shares how they felt like a "weirdo" before fame and enjoyed the power and appeal it brought. However, they also struggled with anxiety, paranoia, and drug abuse due to the sudden influx of external validation and the inability to differentiate between genuine connections and temporary ones. They also emphasized that the rapid change in the amount of information received and the number of people around can make it difficult to cope and even know one's own identity. The speaker acknowledges that they kept a tight circle during their experience, but can imagine how difficult it would be to deal with the changes and the uncertainty of who is there for what in the context of sudden fame.
Social media's impact on self-perception and confidence: Social media can boost confidence but may replace self-knowledge with external validation, leading to identity crises and mental health challenges. Be aware and maintain balance.
Social media can significantly impact self-perception and confidence, especially during formative years. The speaker shared how their growing following on social media during their teenage years initially boosted their confidence but later led to a crisis of identity when external validation replaced self-knowledge. They also mentioned how they initially resisted using Instagram due to privacy concerns but eventually gave in as their music career took off. However, the success and fame came with immense pressure and negative experiences that kept them in a state of adolescence, making it challenging to navigate the outside world. It's essential to be aware of the potential impact of social media on self-perception and mental health and take steps to maintain a healthy balance.
Artistic vision vs industry expectations: Prioritize mental health and artistic vision over industry expectations, take time to grow, and don't be too hard on yourself if you don't achieve instant success.
Rushing into success and adhering too strictly to industry expectations can negatively impact mental health and artistic creativity. The speaker shares his experience of making music, where he prioritized staying true to his artistic vision over commercial success, which led to rejection from labels and a break from the industry. He advises young artists to take their time, focus on their mental health, and not be too hard on themselves if they don't achieve instant success. The landscape of the arts industry has changed significantly, with constant marketing and promotion being expected, making it even more challenging for artists to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Overcoming Personal Struggles through Self-Discovery and Focus on Self-Improvement: Self-love, self-discovery, and a focus on self-improvement can help individuals overcome personal struggles like addiction. Prioritize your well-being, especially for entertainers in high-pressure industries.
Personal struggles, such as addiction, can be overcome through self-discovery and a focus on self-improvement. The speaker shares how they got into a cycle of substance abuse and how their obsession with fitness helped them break free from it. This transformation took place during their first stint of sobriety, which they achieved independently. The speaker emphasizes the importance of self-love and listening to one's body's needs. They also mention the challenges faced by entertainers in the music industry, which can contribute to mental and spiritual turmoil, making it essential for individuals to prioritize their well-being.
The music industry exploits artists by placing pressure to constantly produce and monetize their existence: Artists face immense pressure to create and monetize their every moment, with little support for their well-being or career development. The trend towards self-marketing and content creation intensifies this pressure, while labels prioritize profit over artist support.
The music industry places a heavy burden on artists to produce constant content and monetize every moment of their existence, while offering little support for their well-being or career development. Azenia Banks pointed out on Instagram that employees at companies like Spotify have stable salaries and benefits, while artists lack such infrastructure and are often exploited due to their focus on creating art. The trend towards self-marketing and content creation has only intensified this pressure, as everything is labeled as "content" and monetized. This can lead artists to feel they must output at every moment, neglecting their own needs and mental health. The role of labels has also shifted, with less emphasis on supporting artists and more on exploiting their potential for profit. Ultimately, the system puts the entire burden on the artist to produce and market their art, while offering little in return.
Power dynamics in music and social media: ADHD diagnosis late in life, importance of self-care, societal norms contribute to mental health issues
Power dynamics exist in various forms, including the music industry and social media. The upside of social media is the potential for independence and success, but it also requires constant effort and adaptation to new platforms. The speaker's ADHD diagnosis came late in life due to a lack of understanding about the condition and its symptoms. Medication helped them focus, but they eventually chose to come off it and focus on other methods of managing their symptoms. The speaker also emphasized the importance of self-care and understanding the complexities of ADHD and its relationship to mental and physical health. They also criticized societal norms that encourage unhealthy behaviors and contribute to mental health issues.
The complex relationship between food, health, and societal influences: Societal pressures and easy access to unhealthy food make maintaining a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle challenging, especially for those from lower income backgrounds. Prioritizing mental and physical well-being and creating accessible resources for healthy food and education can help break this cycle.
Our relationship with food and health is complex and influenced by various factors, including social norms, economic conditions, and personal experiences. While fasting can have scientifically proven benefits for the body, societal pressures and easy access to unhealthy food make maintaining a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle a challenge, especially for those from lower income backgrounds. The value placed on certain foods and the availability of healthy options are significant factors perpetuating this cycle. Encouraging individuals to focus on their mental and physical well-being and creating accessible resources for healthy food and education can help break this cycle. Ultimately, it's essential to recognize the importance of prioritizing our health and understanding the impact of societal and personal influences on our choices.
Maintaining Balance and Self-Awareness for Health: Eliminate unhealthy habits, recognize personal vices, find balance, and focus on strengths for better relationships and overall well-being
Maintaining both physical and mental health requires balance and self-awareness. In football and in life, we are constantly bombarded with distractions, especially through social media, which can consume our attention. To keep a healthy mind, it's essential to eliminate unhealthy habits, such as excessive coffee consumption or smoking. It's also important to recognize our personal vices and allow ourselves moments of indulgence while staying compassionate towards ourselves. Self-destructive cycles of failure and harsh self-criticism can lead to further unhealthy behaviors, so it's crucial to find a balance and understand that perfection is not attainable. By being aware of our limitations and focusing on our strengths, we can foster healthier relationships and overall well-being.
Overcoming Challenges and Finding Happiness: Learn from past struggles, understand needs vs wants, and find joy in the present moment. Streamline processes for productivity.
The artist opened up about the challenges he faced during his rise to fame, including struggling to maintain relationships and dealing with his own obsession with completion. He shared how he learned valuable lessons from these experiences and applied them to writing a children's book about a girl who learns to be content with the journey rather than always focusing on the end goal. The artist emphasized the importance of understanding the difference between needs and wants and finding happiness in the present moment. This insight can be applied to anyone, regardless of their personal or professional circumstances. Additionally, the artist highlighted the importance of finding efficient solutions for business needs, using the example of Stamps.com to streamline mailing and shipping processes. Overall, the conversation touched on themes of personal growth, mindfulness, and productivity.
Finding happiness in the journey, not just the end goal: Shift focus from end goal to enjoying the process for greater fulfillment and satisfaction
Focusing solely on the end goal for happiness and self-worth can be detrimental, as the end goal keeps moving, leaving us feeling unfulfilled. Instead, it's essential to find joy in the process of achieving our goals. This means allowing ourselves to enjoy the present moment and find happiness in the journey itself, rather than constantly striving for the next achievement. By doing so, we can avoid the cycle of never truly reaching satisfaction and instead find contentment in the progress we make towards our goals. This perspective shift can lead to a more fulfilling and enjoyable life, even as our goals continue to evolve.
