Chasing Dreams with Aimee J.

MC Vikram grew up in a very traditional, South Indian (specifically Malayalee) household where education and church were emphasized greatly. He developed a love for comedy at an early age and decided to take the risk, step out of his cultural comfort zone, and create his own material. Fear of how his content would be received led him to create anonymously, so he could just step away if the reaction wasn’t what he wanted. His leap of faith was worth it as his songs circulated around the world and became extremely popular, changing his life forever.

“Welcome to India”

Are you afraid to open yourself up to criticism? MC created the parody song, “Welcome to India,” back in 2002, which was the pre-social media generation and an entirely different world. Now, he’s making a comeback with a new generation. His comedy is something he loves doing, not just for himself, but to bring laughter and happiness to others. If you think about your next step too much, then you open yourself up to “analysis paralysis.” MC says that not everything you do will be a success, and the moment you put something into the world, you open yourself up to criticism. The key is to keep going.

TWEET: “Stop chasing money and start chasing happiness.” #chasingdreams

Outside the box

Are you comfortable in stepping “outside the box”? MC says that every culture has its expected norms, but Indian culture especially has strict expectations for achievement. His decision to use comedy, stereotypical accents, and rap music to highlight Indian culture was definitely outside the box of these cultural norms. Even though “Welcome to India” was clean, catchy, and something Indian kids could be proud of, MC had to endure his share of criticism. His intention was never to bring a negative light to Indian heritage, but to step out and take a risk with the talents God has given him. He believes that sharing your talents can lead to great things!

TWEET: “You have to think about failure as part of the formula for success.” #chasingdreams

Enjoy the failure!

Are you afraid of failure? MC wishes that people knew how to take baby steps in accomplishing their goals and didn’t dumb down the capabilities that they have. The fear of stepping outside of a comfort zone and the fear of failure keep many people in professions that they think are safe and secure, but they aren’t finding happiness. Failure is part of success, and it doesn’t define you! Stop fearing failure, take the steps forward, and enjoy the risk!

TWEET: “Some people aren’t living their true selves, but are living what’s defined for them.” #chasingdreams

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE:

• [2:39] How MC got in the game
• [5:00] A flashback to 2002
• [6:20] The fusion of comedy and rap
• [8:35] Respect for the Indian culture
• [10:50] Praise and criticism
• [12:33] Making his dreams happen 
• [14:30] Working on a comeback
• [16:45] How MC kept going
• [17:15] Being outside the box
• [20:25] Why MC takes the risk
• [22:43] The intent in moving forward
• [24:37] What MC wishes people knew
• [29:15] Don’t compare yourself to others!
• [32:55] Motivation for the comeback
• [35:33] Taking the chance
• [38:33] Rapid Fire Round

RESOURCES MENTIONED

“Welcome to India” parody song 

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/officialmcvikram/

Watch the episode on YouTube

TWEETS YOU CAN USE: 

TWEET: “You’re never going to please everyone.” #chasingdreams

TWEET: “I wanted my own interests to come...

It’s here! Episode 200! There are no words for the excitement I feel in reaching this milestone. Thank you for whatever part you’ve played in helping us get here, whether you’re a past guest, a faithful supporter, or a brand-new listener. I’m glad you’re on this journey with me!

As we wrap up Season 2 and look toward a new season, there will be inevitable changes as we move forward. One of those will be incorporating bonus material from our Behind-the-Scenes interviews into each show to help you get to know each guest a little better. As a prelude to this change, I’m beginning today’s show by answering some sample questions. You’ll hear what I wished I had learned in school, the number one item on my bucket list, who I would choose for TIME magazine’s person of the year, and what idea of mine might make $1 million one day. 

Speak up!

Are you a “feedback” kind of person? So many people aren’t! They think that they are just one voice that can’t possibly make a difference, but that is SO wrong. The very fact that this podcast has progressed to Episode 200 is a testament to the power of positive feedback. Let someone know if their creation in any form has helped, encouraged, informed, or inspired you. It’s so important, and it may be just the word they need to keep going. You may not think you can make a difference, but, trust me, having “feedback people” in your corner is a godsend. 

TWEET: There have been moments when I didn’t think anyone was listening to the podcast. #chasingdreams

Motivation, not money

Have you ever thought about what it takes to secure guests for a podcast? It’s not an easy thing to do! I noticed (on our way to #200) that I had an abundance of guests talking about their businesses, and I realized that that’s not what I intend the show to be about. I don’t want to have a guest simply for the sake of filling a spot on the show, but I want to feature people who are chasing their dreams---not just chasing money. My purpose is to highlight the motivation that it takes to pursue a dream.

TWEET: Financial accounting and management should be taught in high school, not college. #chasingdreams

Top 5 lessons from our guests

As we looked back over 200 episodes, what are the best pieces of advice given by our guests? We put together a list of the top 5---and here they are!

5. Mentorship: the need for someone to guide and help

4. (tie) Stay true to yourself: be honest about your dream

3. Write down your dreams: this makes it more real

2. Have courage: this is easy to say, but tough to do

1. Go for it: the world needs what you have to offer

TWEET: Every dream starts with a small step: don’t think you have to begin with a big jump! #chasingdreams

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE:

• [1:33] My answers to behind-the-scenes questions
• [5:56] When I felt like quitting
• [9:25] The journey to 200
• [11:14] Chasing dreams--not money
• [12:53] What I’ve learned from my guests
• [21:35] A time and a season for change

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Aimee on Facebook

Aimee on Twitter

Aimee on Instagram

Aimee on LinkedIn

TWEETS YOU CAN USE:

TWEET: Compliments and feedback are fuel for the fire to keep going. #chasingdreams

TWEET: Rethinking and making changes are part of life. #chasingdreams

TWEET: It’s not about the destination, but about the journey and the purpose. #chasingdreams

https://youtu.be/N3K_cWSK1Og

One of the key components in chasing your dream is not to let yourself get distracted by the long-term vision or the successes that others may enjoy. Chasing YOUR dream means owning YOUR journey--however long that may be. 

Tiffany Southerland is a lawyer by training and a change agent at heart. As a career confidence coach and facilitator, she helps students and professionals leverage their stories and strengths so they can maximize their career success. Tiffany also hosts “How Does She Do It?” which is a podcast dedicated to sharing practical advice on the intersection of faith, personal growth, and professional development. Tiffany has been a featured TEDx speaker and has served as a panelist, moderator, speaker, and facilitator on topics including professional development, diversity and inclusion, career transitions, overcoming trauma, and balancing personal values and career goals.

Feeling the frustration

What drives your dream chase? Tiffany thinks back to a time when she was frustrated with her podcast back in March 2018. She wasn’t receiving any feedback and honestly didn’t think anyone was even listening. She questioned why she was even putting forth the effort, but then she realized she needed to shift her mindset. Her long-term vision stayed the same, but she had to change the way she viewed her target and the way she measured her success. Her advice is to adjust your lens, which can shift your perspective. Your vision is what keeps driving you.

TWEET: Your imperfections do not detract from your message the way it does inside your head. @tiffsouth #chasingdreams

Take the risk

Are you a risk taker? Tiffany explains that progress requires a certain amount of risk, which is something she learned from a mentor. To grow, we have to risk failure---and those are the moments in which we learn. We have to take chances. Not taking risks is a way of hiding yourself from what might happen on the other side of the risk. Fear hardly ever materializes the way we build it up in our minds. Tiffany says that the reward will outweigh the risk.

TWEET: There are people NOT doing what you are doing, which means you are already brave. @tiffsouth #chasingdreams

Your vision requires a choice

Are you ready to choose between your opportunities? Tiffany explains that a talented person will always have interesting opportunities, but at some point, a choice will have to be made. One thing or the other will begin to suffer. Tiffany recognizes that a decision will have to be made at some time in her future about which path she will follow, but one thing to guard against is comparing your path to someone else’s. Others may have success that we see, but we don’t see all the struggles and obstacles they have endured. She says, “We have to be mindful of creating our blueprint based on someone else’s building.”

TWEET: You have to run YOUR own race. @tiffsouth #chasingdreams

Guest Recommendation: ONE action for a dream chaser to take: “Take one step every single day and don’t let the brightness of your vision distract you.”

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE:

• [1:09] Catching up with Tiffany
• [3:28] When you feel like detouring from your dream
• [5:55] Maintaining your fire
• [9:22] How to receive a compliment
• [12:01] Stepping outside your comfort zone
• [15:45] The fear of low results
• [19:52] The impact of your authenticity
• [21:41] Someone who has inspired Tiffany
• [23:43] A mentor’s advice
• [27:20] Don’t measure yourself by someone else
• [31:19] You don’t see everything
• [34:35] What’s next for Tiffany
• [36:10] ONE action for a dream chaser

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Find Tiffany on social media:

Everyone dreams of taking their passion and turning it into something profitable. It’s the situation in which your “work” becomes so much more than work. Such is the story of today’s guest. Listen in to hear how she turned a childhood hobby into a serious profession.

Tamara Thompson founded Serious Take Productions in 2012 and has built her creative video agency nationwide. She received her degree in filmmaking and pursued her passion for bringing stories to life in a creative, emotional, and impactful way. Tamara has won awards for her documentary films produced for large corporations such as Microsoft, Starbucks, Safeway, and Gabriel Cosmetics to working with musicians from top TV reality shows like American Idol and NBC’s The Voice. She is known for her attention to detail, her creative vision to help you pull the right story for your brand, and helping people gain the confidence to Broadcast Your Authority with video productions. Tamara enjoys cultivating relationships in the entrepreneurial space to provide meaningful introductions to influencers who are giving back. She lights up knowing each video her team has produced is meant to create a bigger impact and drive results by building rapport with an ideal clientele.

Turning passion into profit

What did you love doing when you were a kid? Tamara started playing around with her dad’s camcorder when she was about 7, and video has been a huge part of her life ever since. She figured out how to turn her passion into profit and found the strategies and systems she needed to put everything in place for her production company. She became a silly YouTuber in 2005 but wanted to be seen as a serious filmmaker. She went away from YouTube for a while but now helps her clients use it in “not-so-silly” ways. Film school taught Tamara how to make inspiring and emotional documentaries that focused on stories of people, along with epic brand-story trailers that share the story of her clients’ brands.

TWEET: Pause your life and take some time for yourself. @seriouspro #chasingdreams

Commonalities among people

What does it take to find someone’s story? Most of what Tamara does involves sharing people’s stories. She believes she is gifted in knowing when someone isn’t sharing enough of the back story. Some people have gone through traumatic experiences, and these are the stories that inspire others. Most of us fear being vulnerable in sharing our past, but telling our stories leads to authenticity and helps others see your WHY. Tamara has become experienced in asking the right questions that will dig deep and reveal the hidden parts of the story.

TWEET: I’ve become very purposeful in finding people who are in alignment with my mission. @seriouspro #chasingdreams

Manifesting your destiny

How much control do you have over your destiny? Tamara says that you have to take action by putting the vision out there in the future and create the action path to get there. Focusing on what you want to be a part of will help you set the intention. Having connections and building relationships are part of the pathway to success. She says to trust your intuition about who you need to connect and collaborate with. We all go further when we connect with others.

TWEET: What is it about your story that will resonate with others? @seriouspro #chasingdreams

Guest Recommendation: ONE action for a dream chaser to take: If something gets in your way, find your way around it. Find a way to get where you need to be. 

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE:

• [:07] Tamara’s passion
• [4:29] Being inspired by documentaries
• [7:16] Starting out on YouTube
• [9:52] Videography as a creative outlet
• [10:54] Making this “my future”
• [16:26] Being vulnerable in sharing your story
• [20:01] Finding truth in your...