The Artist Pivot

Never stop learning about the things that you really love, because when you aren't afraid to learn it can give so much clarity. - Dale Novella Anderson-Lee 

On this episode I am joined by the multi-talented Dale Novella Anderson Lee, who happens to be a funk songwriter and teaching artist. Dale shares her journey of navigating the arts world while staying true to her beliefs and community values. From her early passion for music and songwriting inspired by family performances to her exploration of teaching artistry and the therapeutic aspects of the arts, Dale discusses the ups and downs of her creative path. She imparts wisdom on the importance of saying 'no' to opportunities that don't align with personal values and embracing hobbies for a balanced life. She offers candid insights into the pivots and self-discoveries that have shaped her career, and the continuous learning process she champions for artists seeking alignment and success in their journeys.

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Theme Song: Lyrics co-written by Ayana Major Bey and Melissa Victor, with performance by Ayana Major Bey  

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On this episode I am joined by self-proclaimed "Pivot Connoisseur" Micah Dawanyi who has journeyed from being a competitive soccer player to a storyteller, illustrator, novelist, and speaker. Micah opens up about his transformative pivot into the arts following a forced departure from sports due to medical issues. He shares insights into how grief from such life pivots informed his artistic expression and creative journey. Micah also discusses his unique approach to writing, where illustration often precedes the narrative, drawing from his insights into creative expression. As an author of three books, Micah reflects on the slow processing of emotional experiences, the importance of recognizing personal artistic processes, and dealing with vulnerabilities and impostor syndrome. Together we explore themes of artistic resilience, accepting and making space for emotions, and the beauty in the unconventional paths of artistry. My takeaways from this episode are to jump before you can overthink because I sometimes deal with analysis paralysis and to try and find peace in every pivot because you deserve it.

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Theme Song: Lyrics co-written by Ayana Major Bey and Melissa Victor, with performance by Ayana Major Bey  

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On this episode I am joined by art consultant and theological art historian Dr. Quahana Hendree, who has a unique journey that connects the corporate world and artistic community. We dove into her journey from a fearless five-year-old passionate about art to becoming a powerhouse art consultant. She shared how she bridges the gap between the business world and the art world, increasing art IQ while getting artists paid and corporate spaces beautified, and how art not only enhances corporate environments but also nurtures productivity and well-being. Get ready to explore how art consulting can bring alignment between businesses and their visual spaces, fostering a seamless blend of aesthetics and function. Whether you're an artist wanting to expand into corporate spaces or someone intrigued by the transformative power of art, this episode promises a wealth of inspiration and wisdom. My takeaway from this episode is that Dr. Hendree reminded me that every pivot, even the challenging ones, adds to your skills and growth. I would also love to hear your takeaways from this episode, so feel free to send me an email to ayana [at] theartistpivot.com. 

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Theme Song: Lyrics co-written by Ayana Major Bey and Melissa Victor, with performance by Ayana Major Bey  

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Welcome to the 7th season of the award winning The Artist Pivot Podcast! This podcast was created to have conversations with artists, those who work in and around the arts, and arts educators as a way to hear their stories of pivoting and life lessons in their careers. With these conversations the mission is to educate, empower, and celebrate artists so they have no option but to thrive. 

This trailer includes clips from upcoming episodes in the season that feature Art Consultant and Theological Art Historian Dr. Quahana Hendree, Novelist and Illustrator Micah Dawanyi, two-time Emmy® nominated, NAACP Image, and GLAAD award-winning producer, director, and writer Nasir Ferebee, and Funk Songwriter and Teaching Artist Dale Novella. 

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This episode is the finale of Season 6. Yes it’s a wrap on season 6 and what a joy it has been. This season the podcast reached the milestone of 100 episodes and received its first award. I am over the moon to announce that the podcast has been awarded the Bronze and Listener’s Choice 2024 Signal awards in the Artists and Designers Shaping Culture Category! Cheers to more seasons and more awards. 

Now on today’s show you are in for a real treat because you have two Jersey girls, with Caribbean mothers, and theater backgrounds on the microphone. It was such a pleasure to sit down with none other than actorprenuer Lori Tishfield, who now resides in Toronto. We discuss how important it is to maintain a sense of self beyond your professional identity and sitting in a place of balance between internal validation and the need for external affirmation from the industry. We touch upon overcoming self doubt and societal conditioning so you can own your confidence and move through your career, business and life with agency. Reminiscing on how the regalness of the black actresses we grow up on and their mere presence was empowering and unapologetic, teaching us we are expensive. Our thoughts, feelings, and contributions to this world especially as black women are expensive and we should act accordingly. We dissect how rejection is protection, the need to sometimes pull the receipts from past experiences to remember things that have worked out before and not forcing doors shut before their time. This episode boils down to trusting your intuition as your compass, understanding that your path is uniquely yours, and pivoting with grace so you can see where the journey takes you. 

Lori Tishfield is an Actorpreneur simultaneously based in Brooklyn and Toronto. Lori’s most recent live performances have been as a featured vocalist in André De Shields’ concert series and in her recent and first solo show, Audra on a Budget, at Green Room 42. On television, Lori can also be found in Orange is the New Black and FBI: Most Wanted. Aside from the arts, Lori is the Founder of Natural Talent, an experiential staffing agency exclusively staffing actors in brand ambassador work. In the last 9 years, Natural Talent has partnered with over 300 brands and provided “survival jobs” for over 500 actors nationwide. This Fall, Lori has stepped in as the national facilitator of the Creative Entrepreneurship Project for the Entertainment Community Fund, educating artists nationwide on how to start their own businesses.

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Theme Song: Lyrics co-written by Ayana Major Bey and Melissa Victor, with performance by Ayana Major Bey  

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On today's episode we are taking a deep dive into the creative journeys of my guests Marci J. Duncan and Kerry Sandell. We discuss non-linear career paths and making peace with one’s decisions, the significance of discovering personal passions and how viewing industry changes as opportunities to create authentic storytelling. We touch upon the dichotomy of fear preventing people from pursuing opportunities or keeping them trapped in unfulfilling paths and gain insight into their personal career pivots—from delayed dreams to embracing those nonlinear paths in the arts. We explore the organic beginnings of their collaborative play "Dissonance," a powerful narrative about interracial friendship and candid conversations on race. They share about the safe, vulnerable space they created for honest artistry and the emotional impact of their play on diverse audiences, including heartfelt revelations from viewers and thought-provoking discussions that were sparked. This episode is an exploration of artistry, authenticity, and meaningful connections through the lens of theater.

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Theme Song: Lyrics co-written by Ayana Major Bey and Melissa Victor, with performance by Ayana Major Bey  

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On today's episode we're diving deep into the art of creative resilience and the power of community with two incredible guests: Creativity Coaches and Co-Hosts of The Spark File podcast Susan Blackwell and Laura Camien. These originating artists share their transformative journeys, from interpreting others' creative visions to defining their own. Laura emphasizes the importance of focusing on strengths and navigating fears to pivot toward joy and innovation in your craft. Susan offers invaluable advice on managing both your creative output and its promotion, reminding us that every artist must wear multiple hats.We'll explore personal stories of overcoming self-doubt, the significance of supportive relationships, and the courage to take creative risks. We dissect how to handle rejections, make thoughtful collaboration requests, and maintain an egalitarian approach in a hierarchical world.We unpack valuable lessons on persistence and tenacity, discuss the birth of "The Spark File", and encourage you to embrace your creative potential and pivot toward growth and fulfillment. 

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Theme Song: Lyrics co-written by Ayana Major Bey and Melissa Victor, with performance by Ayana Major Bey  

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On today’s episode we have an inspiring conversation with Author, Musician, and Coach for High-Performing Creatives Kate Kayaian. In this special dual episode, recorded in collaboration with Kate's podcast "Tales from the Lane," we dive deep into themes of self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and the ever-evolving nature of personal and professional growth.

Kate shares her journey from a busy freelance cellist in Boston to making the brave decision to pivot her career towards coaching and entrepreneurship. We discuss the importance of setting aside personal time, even amidst the hustle, and how creative problem-solving can be boosted by shifting from a "no because" to a "yes if" mindset. We'll also touch on the challenges and emotions surrounding career pivots, the value of self-care, and the necessity of adaptability in the arts. You will hear about how the pandemic forced diversification but also the change in our artistic social circles. Ultimately this episode is about shifting your mindset, aligning with your personal goals, and blooming where you are planted. Let’s dive in. 

A graduate of the prestigious New England Conservatory of Music, and a New World Symphony fellow,  Kate has performed in the world’s top concert halls, including Carnegie Hall, the Musikverein, Concertgebouw, and London’s Barbican and Royal Albert Halls. She has performed extensively as a soloist, chamber musician, and conductor, and was a member of the Grammy-award-winning group Boston Modern Orchestra Project for 20 years. She has worked with contemporary artists Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Alicia Keys, John Mayer, Josh Groban, and Peter Gabriel and can be heard on over 75 recordings, including her award-winning 2016 release, The French Cello.  

Having pivoted into the online coaching space in 2019, she now helps other creatives expand their artistic vision and roles through her 9-month coaching program, The Creatives Leadership Academy as well as in 1:1 client work. She is the writer and host of the Podcast, Tales from The Lane, and was a contributing author to the 2023 best-selling book Business on Purpose. While she still occasionally performs as a cellist, she has taken up her baton again as Music Director of the Bermuda Philharmonic. She has been working this year to complete the manuscript for her first full-length book, Beyond Potential–due out in March of 2025. She lives with her husband Paul and their menagerie of cats, dogs, lizards, and tree frogs on the beautiful island of Bermuda. 

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Theme Song: Lyrics co-written by Ayana Major Bey and Melissa Victor, with performance by Ayana Major Bey  

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Today’s solo episode is a special one as we celebrate our fourth podcast anniversary! 

Reflecting on this incredible journey, I extend my heartfelt thanks to all our listeners, guests, and supporters who have been with us for six amazing seasons. We're delving into an important and often overlooked topic: grief in our careers. Join me as I share my personal revelations from a recent voice lesson, where my teacher pointed out the grief and tension I was holding in my face, impacting my ability to learn and grow as an artist. We'll explore how acknowledging and processing grief can open doors to new skills and opportunities.

I'll also discuss the significant changes in our industry, the shift to self-tapes, and the resulting loss of social interaction—a crucial aspect of our artistic community. Furthermore, I'll touch on the evolving landscape of my voiceover career and the lessons learned about financial stability as an artist during these uncertain times.

Whether you're an artist or anyone navigating life's pivots, this episode is for you. We'll reflect on what we're grieving, how it affects our growth, and how we can move forward with compassion and understanding. 

Plus, don't miss out on details about my upcoming cabaret, "In Pursuit of Joy," on October 20, 2024, at The Green Room 42 in New York City! 

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Theme Song: Lyrics co-written by Ayana Major Bey and Melissa Victor, with performance by Ayana Major Bey  

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On today’s episode my guest is Sharon Braxton an accomplished project manager, event specialist, and author who has navigated the challenging waters of the entertainment industry with grace and resilience.Sharon shares her journey from New York to LA, which included many career transitions from the music industry to consumer goods to pro sports to author. You will hear about her early radio career which was influenced by her aunt, and after experiencing significant personal and professional setbacks, Sharon found strength and inspiration from her ancestors and a steadfast commitment to her purpose. She provides invaluable advice on navigating the industry's ups and downs, the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone, and the unpredictable yet rewarding path to achieving your dreams. Get ready to hear about some of Sharon’s exciting experiences in the music industry, her strategic pivoting, and thoughtful reflections on maintaining value and joy in any professional role. 

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Host & Exec. Producer: Ayana Major Bey 

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Theme Song: Lyrics co-written by Ayana Major Bey and Melissa Victor, with performance by Ayana Major Bey  

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Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.