An artist’s expression of self
“The life of an artist leads to two things – one is success and the other is a beautiful failure.” – Gautam Gurnani, Jokerface Entertainment
Today we turn the conversation outwards and hear from the performers themselves! What do they have to say? Let’s find out!
On income…
“Having been on both sides of the table, as an artist and as a producer, I believe the issue is largely how the arts are placed in our society. What we believe the artists should be paid versus what an artist actually invests in themselves is severely off key.” – Shubhra Prakash, Hypokrit Theatre Company
“My favorite is when folks ask me for free services because it would be a great “promotional opportunity” for my company. This is frustrating! Of course I care about promoting my company, but I still have professional dancers to pay for their time and efforts! It’s a shame how often this is overlooked.” – Kruti Shah, Sanskruti Dance
On continued growth and learning…
“I feel simultaneously supported and lost on my journey.” – Jasmine Broads, Bollydancers
“An artist will find a way, because they have to. I have been fortunate to work with those who also have a similar hunger which is motivating and lack of resources makes us creative and gets us to find more ways to do our work. In this process we keep learning a lot.” – Shubhra Prakash, Hypokrit Theatre Company
“I wish I knew more about dance education – where was the best place to study dance, best instructors in their respective disciplines, what are the best options as a growing dancer.” – Kruti Shah, Sanskruti Dance
On regrets, sacrifices, and the grass being greener on the other side…
“When you choose a career in what is your passion, it completely changes your relationship with that passion. You have to find the little pockets of beauty in what you are doing.” – Shivani Badgi, Gurukul
“I would say I am happy where I am and hungry to get to a place.” – Gautam Gurnani, Jokerface Entertainment
On a lighter, happier note…
“I wouldn’t have it any other way! When I truly sit down to think about it – I am so thankful to wake up every day and do what I love to do! Most importantly, I have the opportunity to make a difference in others’ lives. Seeing my students come to class with a big smile on is the most rewarding feeling ever!” – Kruti Shah, Sanskruti Dance
“Overall I am scared. I try to surround myself with positive people. Being an artist is difficult. But I would be depressed if I didn’t pursue it. And the only thing I have learned so far is – believe in yourself and fight your own battle.” – Gautam Gurnani, Jokerface Entertainment
Well, there you have it – the candid, expressive thoughts from performers themselves on the ups and downs of their artistic endeavors! We loved hearing from these talented individuals who are determined on pursuing their passions. What do you think? Sound off in the comments below – we’d love to hear your thoughts and comments on this hot topic!
Want to read more? Read the Part One and Part Two of the Five part blog series
About the author
This blog was written for WINGS by Ruby Verma. Ruby Verma started out her career working in Private Equity valuations for 9 years. She then made a career switch over to the arts! She now works as a dancer and a writer in the greater NYC area. Ruby is an artistic director at Junoon Performing Arts. Follow Ruby on Instagram or Medium and share her expression of thoughts and words through her posts as a passionate artist.
Resilience – Why should you care about it? (Day 1)
/0 Comments/in General, Inspiration, Leadership, Self Reflection, WINGS Mentee, WINGS Mentor, WINGS Mentoring Program, Women Leadership /by adminWhy Should You Care About Resiliency?
Nelson Mandela faced challenges in his life beyond what most of us can comprehend. The above quote exemplifies his infinite optimism that makes him one of the most revered heroes in history. In fact, we all know of personal heroes- family members, friends or coworkers who have overcome all the odds with unrelenting spirit. One of my personal heroes is one of my best friends who remains optimistic despite all the personal and family challenges she faces. So, what makes this group of people different from those who struggle to handle difficulties and who can’t seem to adapt? It all comes down to one trait- resilience.
Resilience is loosely defined as the psychological capacity to adapt to stressful circumstances and to bounce back from adverse events. (https://hbr.org/2017/08/the-dark-side-of-resilience) It is a human quality that is integral to coping with stress at all life stages however its importance in college and the workplace is increasingly being studied and documented. Studies reveal that 30% of college students reported that stress has negatively affected their academic performance, 85% of students reported feeling overwhelmed by their responsibilities and 41.6% of students claimed anxiety is their top concern. (https://adaa.org/finding-help/helping-others/college-students/facts) These statistics are mirrored in the workplace. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 25% of all employees view jobs as the number one stressor in their lives and 75% of employees believe the worker today has more on-the-job stress than a generation ago. (https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/99-101/) Additionally, a study of 100,000 employees around the world revealed that 82.6% of all emotional health cases were attributed to employee depression, stress and anxiety across most continents. (https://hbr.org/2016/06/627-building-resilience-ic-5-ways-to-build-your-personal-resilience-at-work).
It is no secret that pressure in college and the workplace is detrimental to an individual’s wellness and productivity. However, with increasing globalization, connectivity and a rapid change in education and work culture, cultivating resilience within ourselves is more important now than ever to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
But how exactly do we do that? In this five-part blog-series, we explore the issue in depth and identify methods to build resilience that you can implement in your daily life. We seek to show you that resilience is a skill set that can be built and exercised and one that will lead you to a more fulfilled life.
About the Author:
Roshni Ramaswamy has recently graduated from Georgia Institute of Technology, majoring in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and a proud mentee of the WINGS Signature Program. She is a Project Engineer at Environmental Planning Specialists. She enjoys sharing her perspectives on mentoring, resilience, academic life, professional development among a myriad other topics. Follow Roshni at the link shared for her viewpoints.
Non-Traditional Mentoring: Does the mentoring program offered at your company work?
/0 Comments/in Corporate Mentoring Program, Leadership, Mentorship, WINGS Mentoring Program, Women Leadership /by Varsha WaishampayanNon-Traditional Mentoring
Does the mentoring program offered at your company work?
Most companies have some kind of mentoring program but are they effective? Probably not, so, why not?Almost everyone I met, said they have a mentor and/or they are a mentor themselves. When asked how do they measure the impact of their work as a mentor, often responses are lukewarm.
Women who have mentors report they are happy that they have a support system in place. Women who do not have a mentor do not know how to get one and more often they would like to have a mentor outside the company and a sponsor within the company. Educational institutions focus on course material that allows little to no time for students to become better leaders, communicators and ready for workforce.
This is what we found when we looked at company programs:
What research suggests (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2352144/):
Mentor vs. Coach vs. Sponsor
Through my years of experience, I have learned that the sponsor plays an important role in achieving your career goals but mentors equip you to have a dream and then build a clear path to get there.
Sponsor: There is a great deal of trust required to earn someone’s sponsorship. Sponsors put their reputation online for their protégés. Proteges must be ready to take on the opportunity sponsors bring and do well to make them look good. Sponsorship can be quite transactional. It is generally a two-way street. It cannot be always one directional.
Mentors: Mentors are more like career parents, great support system, they will be there if you fall and not judge you. They may not expect anything back from their mentees. They teach you to use your natural self to build confidence and courage. Be authentic. Good mentor/mentee relationships can last lifelong.
Coaches: Coach is focused on teaching specific skills you need, they will help you with your development plan and provide tools that will help you learn faster. They are usually there for a fixed period of time with a very targeted scope.
What should you invest in…
Conclusion:
Yes, women need both mentors and sponsors. I find it hard that someone can be well invested in you as a sponsor without being your mentor.
First, find a great mentor and then making them a sponsor is the best way to build the support system that will work for you.
Call to Action: You can rely on the support system provided to you, or you can create the one that will meet your needs. WINGS asks women to help themselves to rise as leaders by applying to be a mentee in our Signature Program. Do not miss our 2019 enrollment period.
This article is written by Varsha Waishampayan, Founder and CEO, WINGS for Growth. Varsha is dedicated to creating pathways to promote women leaders. She is a gifted cultivator of talent who believes high potential women will thrive with the right guidance and a structured results-oriented mentoring program. Follow Varsha on LinkedIn and Twitter
Dance is a Hobby, Career or Business? Part Five
/0 Comments/in Leadership, Mentorship, Performing Arts, Self Reflection, WINGS Mentee, WINGS Mentor, WINGS Mentoring Program, Women Leadership /by adminAn Artist’s path to success
We’ve talked at great length about the struggles in the performing arts industry – today, we talk about what performing artists can do to make their lives easier! There are solutions, and we’re here to present them.
Never stop assessing:
Take time for yourself and step away from your art periodically. Ask yourself – do you feel good about your work? Do you feel fulfilled? Identify the areas that aren’t helping you progress in this field, and get rid of them!
Know yourself:
Get to know your strengths and weaknesses as an artist. Leverage your strengths – build your artistic foundation on top of a solid structure. Don’t shy away from your weaknesses just because they present a challenge – there’s room for both in your life!
Create distinct buckets of work:
Understand what your comfort areas and your challenges are. Respect your work and understand each opportunity for what it is. Not every job will be the most fulfilling task – but make room for this work regardless! That being said, don’t forget to polish the other side of the coin. Make sure your schedule has room for that gritty, meaningful, difficult work – this is where true growth lies, and you owe it to yourself to cultivate it! In short – understand what sells, but don’t be a sellout!
Know your worth:
This is a super important note – know your worth! If you find yourself constantly in the position of breaking even or losing money on gigs, something is wrong. We can’t expect a society to value us if we ourselves can’t be confident of our own worth!
Pay attention to your attitude:
We know that artists are constantly on the grind – a spontaneous work schedule combined with vulnerability and a fear of rejection can turn even the most optimistic individuals into jaded, worn-out humans. That being said, keep your chin up and channel a positive and productive attitude – when it comes to succeeding against all odds, failure is your friend.
Pay it forward:
Make it easier for the next generation – the industry can only grow if we all push it forward together. Mentor, teach, and create frameworks for those struggling to enter the field. The performing arts deserve respect – and it’s up to performing artists to create that respect!
Collaborate and build your network:
Alienating people in the industry is never a good idea – after all, artists are in this crazy struggle called life together! Almost everyone we spoke to mentioned the importance of community in their day to day lives as an artist. So, create a community of genuine respect and help each other out. Seek out people who are interested in your vision and your message – and vice versa!
Find a mentor and be a mentor!
Building a network of supportive mentors is critical when it comes to life in the performing arts industry. A lack of encouragement can dwindle the fire in even the most voracious artists. Mentors and mentees both stand to learn quite a bit from each other, especially as a blend of skills across different generations come together. When it comes to mentoring, it’s a two-way street!
As we always say at WINGS – Inspire. Enable. Empower! Although the performing arts industry comes with its own set of unique struggles, we believe in providing artists with the tools they need – not only to succeed, but to lead the next generation into the limelight.
Have you read remaining post in this series. Click here for Part One, Part Two, Part Three, and Part Four of the Five part blog series
About the author
This blog was written for WINGS by Ruby Verma. Ruby Verma started out her career working in Private Equity valuations for 9 years. She then made a career switch over to the arts! She now works as a dancer and a writer in the greater NYC area. Ruby is an artistic director at Junoon Performing Arts. Follow Ruby on Instagram or Medium and share her expression of thoughts and words through her posts as a passionate artist
Dance is a Hobby, Career or Business? Part Four
/0 Comments/in Mentorship, Performing Arts, Personal, Self Reflection, WINGS Mentee, WINGS Mentor, WINGS Mentoring Program, Women Leadership /by adminArtists – Developing A Support System
As we continue thinking about the performing arts industry, we decided to dig a little deeper. After all, there are successful artists out there who no doubt have found a way to create structure and cultivate collaboration, camaraderie, and mentorship within their network. There are artists who have succeeded against all odds – and if they can do, so can you!
We’ll note just a few remarkable examples here to highlight the success stories of artists who have faced their struggles head on!
On emotional and mental health…
On staying true to message…
On mentorship…
These heartwarming stories are a great example of artists who have overcome all odds and made a mark in their respective fields.
Want to read more? Read the Part One, Part Two, and Part Three of the Five part blog series
About the author
This blog was written for WINGS by Ruby Verma. Ruby Verma started out her career working in Private Equity valuations for 9 years. She then made a career switch over to the arts! She now works as a dancer and a writer in the greater NYC area. Ruby is an artistic director at Junoon Performing Arts. Follow Ruby on Instagram or Medium and share her expression of thoughts and words through her posts as a passionate artist.
Dance is a Hobby, Career or Business? Part Three
/0 Comments/in Mentorship, Performing Arts, Self Reflection, WINGS Mentee, WINGS Mentor, WINGS Mentoring Program, Women Leadership /by admin“The life of an artist leads to two things – one is success and the other is a beautiful failure.” – Gautam Gurnani, Jokerface Entertainment
Today we turn the conversation outwards and hear from the performers themselves! What do they have to say? Let’s find out!
On income…
“Having been on both sides of the table, as an artist and as a producer, I believe the issue is largely how the arts are placed in our society. What we believe the artists should be paid versus what an artist actually invests in themselves is severely off key.” – Shubhra Prakash, Hypokrit Theatre Company
“My favorite is when folks ask me for free services because it would be a great “promotional opportunity” for my company. This is frustrating! Of course I care about promoting my company, but I still have professional dancers to pay for their time and efforts! It’s a shame how often this is overlooked.” – Kruti Shah, Sanskruti Dance
On continued growth and learning…
“I feel simultaneously supported and lost on my journey.” – Jasmine Broads, Bollydancers
“An artist will find a way, because they have to. I have been fortunate to work with those who also have a similar hunger which is motivating and lack of resources makes us creative and gets us to find more ways to do our work. In this process we keep learning a lot.” – Shubhra Prakash, Hypokrit Theatre Company
“I wish I knew more about dance education – where was the best place to study dance, best instructors in their respective disciplines, what are the best options as a growing dancer.” – Kruti Shah, Sanskruti Dance
On regrets, sacrifices, and the grass being greener on the other side…
“When you choose a career in what is your passion, it completely changes your relationship with that passion. You have to find the little pockets of beauty in what you are doing.” – Shivani Badgi, Gurukul
“I would say I am happy where I am and hungry to get to a place.” – Gautam Gurnani, Jokerface Entertainment
On a lighter, happier note…
“I wouldn’t have it any other way! When I truly sit down to think about it – I am so thankful to wake up every day and do what I love to do! Most importantly, I have the opportunity to make a difference in others’ lives. Seeing my students come to class with a big smile on is the most rewarding feeling ever!” – Kruti Shah, Sanskruti Dance
“Overall I am scared. I try to surround myself with positive people. Being an artist is difficult. But I would be depressed if I didn’t pursue it. And the only thing I have learned so far is – believe in yourself and fight your own battle.” – Gautam Gurnani, Jokerface Entertainment
Well, there you have it – the candid, expressive thoughts from performers themselves on the ups and downs of their artistic endeavors! We loved hearing from these talented individuals who are determined on pursuing their passions. What do you think? Sound off in the comments below – we’d love to hear your thoughts and comments on this hot topic!
Want to read more? Read the Part One and Part Two of the Five part blog series
About the author
This blog was written for WINGS by Ruby Verma. Ruby Verma started out her career working in Private Equity valuations for 9 years. She then made a career switch over to the arts! She now works as a dancer and a writer in the greater NYC area. Ruby is an artistic director at Junoon Performing Arts. Follow Ruby on Instagram or Medium and share her expression of thoughts and words through her posts as a passionate artist.
Dance is a Hobby, Career or Business? Part Two
/0 Comments/in Inspiration, Leadership, Mentorship, Performing Arts, Self Reflection, WINGS Mentee, WINGS Mentor, Women Leadership /by adminChallenges in the life of a performing artist
So what are the things performing artists struggle with the most? Let’s find out!
What do you think? Have you ever encountered any of these challenges in your career? We’d love to hear more in the comments below.
Stay tuned to hear from people we spoke to from the performing arts industry itself!
Want to read more? Read the Part One of the Five part blog series
About the author
This blog was written for WINGS by Ruby Verma. Ruby Verma started out her career working in Private Equity valuations for 9 years. She then made a career switch over to the arts! She now works as a dancer and a writer in the greater NYC area. Ruby is an artistic director at Junoon Performing Arts. Follow Ruby on Instagram or Medium and share her expression of thoughts and words through her posts as a passionate artist.
Dance is a Career, Hobby or Business? Part One
/6 Comments/in General, Inspiration, Performing Arts, Self Reflection, WINGS Mentee, WINGS Mentoring Program /by adminPerforming Arts – Perceptions and Challenges
If you are a performing artist, you may very well recognize these questions. It’s no secret that the performing arts industry has a reputation – the term “struggling artist” is oh so ubiquitous! While we as a society certainly love our Broadway plays, live cover bands, and renowned ballets, we must take a step back and wonder about the lives of these creative individuals behind the scenes. Art has always been a medium for open communication – the emotional highs and lows through poignant storytelling and the ability for art to transform a society is valuable beyond measure.
However, many artists are unsatisfied as they struggle to balance two worlds – after all, art can’t just be about following dreams when one has to pay the bills! Many artists may pursue their passions after their traditional 9-5 or work multiple jobs before catching their big break. So what happens when one decides to make their passion their main source of income?
This week, we’ll talk more about the lives of these creative, hardworking personalities and their atypical career paths and struggles. As always, we’ll end with a clear call to action.
About the author
This blog was written for WINGS by Ruby Verma. Ruby Verma started out her career working in Private Equity valuations for 9 years. She then made a career switch over to the arts! She now works as a dancer and a writer in the greater NYC area. Ruby is an artistic director at Junoon Performing Arts. Follow Ruby on Instagram or Medium and share her expression of thoughts and words through her posts as a passionate artist.
Perfect Eight Days in our Week!
/0 Comments/in Inspiration, Leadership, Mentorship, Personal, WINGS Mentee, WINGS Mentor, WINGS Mentoring Program, Women Leadership /by adminWINGS How do I Lead? Leadership Advice from Linda Bowden, NJ Regional President, PNC Bank
/0 Comments/in HowDoILead, Inspiration, Leadership, Mentorship, WINGS Mentee, WINGS Mentor, WINGS Mentoring Program, Women Leadership /by adminWINGS is proud to bring you this blog and video as part of its “How do I lead?” series that is offered to WINGS mentees.
In an empowering interview by Bob Eng, Chairman – Board of Directors, WINGS for Growth, Linda Bowden shares her advice to all young women wanting to ascending in their careers! WINGS is happy to share this empowering and insightful video with you.
Four Wonderful Ways to Empower Women Leaders
/0 Comments/in Holidays, Independence Day, Leadership, Mentorship, WINGS Mentee, WINGS Mentor, WINGS Mentoring Program, Women Leadership /by admin