She was mistaken for a groupie at her OWN SHOW. 

When we pre-judge artists - for their gender, age, appearance, or background - we all lose out on potential innovation and creativity. This week's guest, Haylee Wood, shares how she went from making bedroom DJ sets during COVID to becoming one of dance music's rising stars, and why maintaining authenticity while navigating industry challenges has been key to her success.

Whether you've been pushed aside, underestimated, or had to prove yourself repeatedly, this conversation offers practical strategies for building confidence and turning challenging situations into opportunities for growth. Because when artists have to spend mental energy proving they belong somewhere, it takes away from the energy they could spend on their art.

Key Takeaways:

• How to maintain confidence when facing industry prejudice
• Practical strategies for commanding respect in professional situations
• Building authentic relationships while maintaining boundaries
• Converting challenging situations into opportunities
• Why creating inclusive spaces benefits everyone's creativity
• The importance of finding champions in the industry
• Balancing authenticity with professional growth

Ready to level up your music career? Join my artist development program on Patreon for exclusive content and direct access to industry expertise: https://patreon.com/oliviamancuso

Follow Haylee's journey on TikTok: @itshayleewood

Stop letting preconceptions hold you back. Hit play now to learn how creating space for authenticity can transform your career in electronic music.

Connect with me on Instagram: @oliviamancuso__

Video editor/audio engineer: James Fixx