This is another sign I made to hang above my workspace. To remind me always why I do what I do.

I got into the music business for the same, perhaps cliche, reason that so many people I know did. Because music was there for me in my darkest, loneliest and also my happiest times. Because music allowed me to feel connected to others - to the artist that delivered it, to the fans that loved it, and, most importantly, to myself. 

It would remind me that so many people have had a similar experience to whatever I was going through, or it just allowed me to let loose and enjoy the moment.

I’ve often heard artists or people working in the music industry diminish the importance of what they’re doing in the world. Especially in heavy times of crisis (y’know, like a global pandemic or the threat of a third world war for example), they’ll say things like “we’re not saving lives here.”

But what if that’s exactly what we’re doing?

Exactly 37 years ago on March 7, 1985, “We Are The World” was released - a charity single bringing together superstars like Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson and raised more than $100 million for humanitarian aid.

I remember as a kid, walking down the street with a friend and just singing this song at the top of our lungs. Feeling so deeply- so connected to my friend I was with but also to the whole world- knowing the whole world was singing that song and that it was doing so much good.

That’s just one example of how music can be literally saving lives on a global scale.

But what about on a more individual level?

How many people in the depths of a depression hear that one song that changes everything for them? 

I know that happened to me- time and time again.

How many people who have trouble really identifying their feelings and getting into their bodies are able to fully feel a song and dance if they need to dance or cry if they need to cry?

How many people who feel disconnected from other people hear that one song come on the radio and are able to just sing along and CONNECT?!

Serena Hicks, one my coaches, shared a story in her Instagram stories. She was waiting in line at a bakery and a Taylor Swift song came on. In that moment, she, the person in front of her, in back of her, and at the register all started singing along and dancing. In that moment, 4 people across age spans, background and walks of life CONNECTED.

Even if that’s all music did- that in itself changes the world. 

How different would our world be if everyone really felt those deep moments of connection with others? With people so different than they are?

How different would our world be if everyone took the time to connect to themselves- to feel their emotions, be aware of their thoughts, and be present in the moment?

For me, coaching and music go hand in hand. They are both powerful tools connection, contribution and impact.

It’s why I do what I do.

Because the more people who are managing their minds, their emotions and truly showing up as their authentic selves and putting their unique magic out into the world…. the more the world can change for the better.

So whether you’re an artist creating the music, or someone working in the industry and helping the music get out into the world…. your work is essential. You ARE changing the world, and even saving lives.

And there are always even more ways you can use your talents for good.

What song or artist makes your world better?

P.S. If you’re a mission-driven person in the music biz, and you’d like some more personalized support so you can connect to your WHY, show up authentically, and use your talents to change the world (even if it’s just one person’s world!)… I would love to help. 

CLICK HERE to schedule a free consult and let’s get started changing the world together!

Credit: Brittney Jean Photography

Just poppin' some bottles celebrating my clients! 🍾🍾⁠ ⁠

At the start of every session with my clients I ask them for their "wins" for the past week. ⁠ ⁠

These could be anything they want to celebrate... and we take a moment to celebrate each one. We may not be sipping champagne in every session, but hey- we can channel that bottle poppin' energy anytime!⁠ ⁠

Why?⁠ ⁠

Because as humans, especially high achieving ones, we tend to focus on what we didn't do, what didn't go right, and all of the things we wished we'd done differently.⁠ ⁠

And when we do something well, we often just brush past it and move on to the next too quickly.⁠ ⁠

We so rarely take the moments to pause and really celebrate what's going well and how we created the good things we want. ⁠ ⁠

This is so important because it actually rewires and retrains your brain to focus on the things that are working so that you can create more of it.⁠ ⁠

The things we give our most energy and attention to are the things that we continue to create - so it's so important that we give more (or at least equal) attention to the wins!⁠ ⁠

This goes for "big" wins AND the small ones. ⁠ ⁠ So it could be....⁠ ⁠

🎸 A sold out show⁠
🌠 A feature in Billboard⁠
🏅 A first-round Grammy nom⁠
💸 A big promotion⁠ ⁠
(just some of my clients' recent wins) ⁠ ⁠

Or it could be...⁠ ⁠

💫 A simple shift in mindset⁠
😃 Waking up feeling more energized⁠
👥 An important conversation with a partner⁠
🎹 Walking into a meeting or writing session with less anxiety⁠ ⁠

They are all equally important to recognize and celebrate.⁠ ⁠

So what are you celebrating today?⁠ ⁠

I would love to help you celebrate your wins so you can continue to create more of them and have the biggest impact you are meant to have in this world. ⁠ ⁠ If this sounds exciting to you, send me an email or head to the contact page to schedule a FREE consult call.⁠ ⁠ ⁠

It is hard to watch the news as Russia invades Ukraine.

The world feels heavy right now.

So much uncertainty.

So many wanting to help but don’t know how.

At times like this, it’s even more important to go inwards before doing anything else....

A few reminders:

✅ You do not have to take a strong stand on every issue. Don’t fall for knee-jerk activism and feel pressured into commenting on issues you don’t know a lot about. (It’s ok to not know everything about every issue and stick to the ones near and dear to your heart that you have done the work to educate yourself on.)

✅ You can express heartache and sympathy for people’s suffering without making a strong statement for or against anything else.

✅ You can have opinions and gut feelings without sharing them if it doesn’t feel right to you.

✅ You can make mistakes. It’s ok- it’s how we learn. 

✅ You do not have to go down the doom scrolling rabbit hole of depressing news. 

If you’re driven to educate yourself - it doesn’t have to be through heavily charged social media posts and news segments that are designed to activate your nervous system. 

And if you find your nervous system is activated (kind of hard to avoid these days)- remind yourself, we never have the most impact when we’re disregulated and not thinking clearly and critically.

 Some tips to bring yourself back to baseline:

💗 Move your body! Go for a walk, take an exercise class, dance to your favorite music. Just allow the emotion to move and process through your body.

💗Try some self-soothing tools like breath work, tapping, havening… or just running your fingers through your hair.

💗 Give yourself whatever time and space you need to feel whatever you’re feeling - cry, scream, vent - whatever you need!

And once you’re able to access your clear, brilliant mind…. just ask yourself:

What can I do?
What is within my control?

Maybe it’s committing to learning more… and maybe, it’s “just” committing to add more light and kindness to the world.

For all of us, times like this are a reminder of how important the inner work is. 

Cultures, companies, societies, and governments are all made up of people. The more people that do the inner work, the better off we all are.

I’m here to help you do that.

This morning, I joined in on a JNF meeting about a project near and dear to my heart. ADI Negev is a world class rehabilitation village in the heart of the Negev desert that provides rehab services, medical care and special education for people of all ages with severe disabilities. 

I’ve had the privilege to visit the village many times and each time I am filled with emotion and so inspired. As with all of JNF’s projects for people with special needs - the focus is put on each individuals ABILITIES - while giving them the resources to support their disability.

In today’s meeting, we heard from one of the volunteers at ADI Negev. Anna is a 19 yr old from Germany who decided to give 2 years of her life to live in Israel and work ADI Negev’s kindergarten. As if that wasn’t admirable enough, hearing Anna’s story literally brought chills down my spine.

Like most young Germans, Anna’s parents knew that their grandparents played a role in The Holocaust- but like most, they were told they were “just soldiers who did what they were told.” It was a shameful history that most were not willing to dig deeper into. But Anna’s parents felt that it was important for them to know the full truth.

Through their research they discovered that all of 4 of Anna’s great grandfathers played crucial roles in the systemic murder of 6 million Jews. From engineering the gas chambers at Auschwitz, to pillaging Jewish homes after their inhabitants were sent to the camps - they were not innocent bystanders.

This kind of truth about who and where you come from, can’t be easy to know. But to make change and grow, you have to start by telling the truth- as hard and uncomfortable as it may be.

But that truth does not have to cause guilt and shame.

Anna’s parents understood this and raised her to see that feeling guilt and shame over the actions of her great grandparents was not only unnecessary, but unhelpful. Instead, they instilled in her a sense of responsibility to change the course of history.

It’s because of this personal history that Anna decided to learn more and took a stand to fight against antisemitism that she saw rising once again in Germany. And to go to Israel to immerse herself in Jewish and Israeli culture- and to make a difference by helping EVERYONE feel that they have a place, a purpose and are worthy of this life- regardless of their ethnicity, background or their abilities. 

If Anna let guilt and shame over her family’s history be the driving forces - she would not be making the impact she is making now. 

The most effective activism and advocacy work does not prey on people’s guilt which just shuts people down, or even worse - leads to the perpetuation of past sins. 

The most effective advocacy inspires people to take action and create positive change. 

It may be scary to dig deep - into your family history, your own past, or especially into the depths of your own brain. It may be painful and hard to bring uncomfortable truths to light. But it is the necessary work the change directions and create more positive outcomes in the world. 

When those things come to light- YOU get to decide what to think, feel, and do about them. You can choose guilt and shame, or you can choose love, responsibility, courage and determination.

If Anna, a young 19 year old, can do it - so can you.

But you don’t have to do it alone. If you’re a mission-driven person in the music biz ready to dig deep, do the work, and consciously choose a new direction… I can help you.

Send me a note and let’s set up a free consult call.

So here’s a little story to remind you to ask for what you need and want….

Last week, I took a last minute trip to NY to be there for my niece as she got engaged. 

I had some Marriott points and free night certificates so I decided to use those to book a hotel in Brooklyn. Since I was using these particular certificates, I had to choose one in the category that matched the certificates (i.e. no luxury hotels ;-)). I found an Aloft and booked it for a few nights. I hadn’t stayed at this one before- but I’ve stayed at plenty of Alofts and they’ve always been nice, clean, and had everything I needed.

After a long flight on Friday I arrived at the hotel to check in and as I walked into the lobby, my heart sank. To say the lobby was less than inviting would be an understatement. There was construction equipment everywhere, there was one desk clerk in a hoodie slouched over- practically asleep, and it looked like an abandoned run-down hostel.

I took a deep breath and just said- it’s ok, I’m not hanging out down here, and checked in to my room.

As soon as I opened the door to my room a huge waft of the worst mildewy, musty smell you can imagine hit me like a freight train.

I walked in, tired (and starting to come down with a bad cold) and just stood there bewildered not knowing what to do. 

See, the old me didn’t like to “complain” or “be difficult” so I would often just take what I was given and deal with it - even if it meant suffering.

For a few minutes, the old me was winning and I was trying to convince myself that the smell would go away and I could just deal with it.

But then I gently reminded myself that that was the old me talking and now, I stand up for my needs. So I went to call down to the front desk… but the phone was broken.

I swear, I have no idea how this hotel was even still functioning.

I took the elevator down and could tell the guy at the front desk was just waiting for me….

Desk Clerk: something wrong with your room?

Me: yes, I would’ve called but…

Desk Clerk: the phone was broken?

Me: Uh, yeh. And the room really…

Desk Clerk: It smells really bad?

Me: Yeh, really bad.

Desk Clerk: Ok, I can transfer you to the Sheraton next door.

Me: Um, ok!

It was that easy. 

Upgrade to a whole new hotel in a higher category than my original certificates allowed for.

Clearly, this was happening a lot (there was another guy checking in who wasn’t even willing to check out the room after seeing the lobby). For a moment, I started to berate myself that I was even for a moment willing to deal with such shitty circumstances.

But here’s the thing…. we are not taught to honor our wants and needs. Especially as women! We want to be polite, accommodating and not make a fuss.

But sometimes we need to make a fuss. 

And we need to make space for ourselves - because we are here to make an impact, to make the world better and be there for the people we love… which requires, at the very least, a clean place to sleep where you don’t feel like your lungs will burn with every breath.

You can’t make the impact you want without first taking care of your own needs.

And you can’t receive what you don’t ask for.

What is it that you need?

ASK FOR IT!

P.S. I'm a music industry impact coach and I will help you ask for what you need. I will help you unblock whatever it is that's holding you back, figure out what you need and want- and put it out to the Universe, the people in your life, and everywhere else so that you can actually receive it! 

If this sounds good to you... send me a note and let's get on a free consult call!

Credit: Brittney Jean Photography

So, I did a thing last week.

I had a photo shoot.

Now, I’ve organized and been at many photo shoots in my career. But…. for other people. 

This was the first time I did one where I was the subject in front of the camera. 

When I decided to do it, I thought I knew what I was getting myself into. Don’t get me wrong, it was a scary thing to commit to and invest in from the start, and I knew my insecurities would come up - but I’ve been at enough shoots to know the basics and figured the actual shoot would be easy enough.

It always seemed so easy for my clients. Y’know- for the artists, stars and the pretty and photogenic people. They always seemed so natural in front of the camera like it was no big deal. And they always looked amazing.

But damn, it is not an easy thing to do. For anybody.

I can be so critical of myself and how I look to the point that in the past, it’s held me back from ever doing anything like this. Before I started my coaching business and decided to really start putting myself (and my face!) out there- I hardly ever posted pictures of myself on social media. Certainly not pictures of myself by myself. If I was going to post a pic of myself it needed to be with other people so at least the attention of the photo wasn’t all on me.

Just starting to post pics of me alone was a big deal and something I had to get over a lot of my own obstacles to do.

But since my word/theme for the year is being brave… I thought it was time to take it to the next level.

Here’s the thing - we never see ourselves the way others see us. 

Those artists and clients who I always thought made it look so easy- they would also complain about how they looked and how hard it was to hold certain poses etc. I just didn’t pay as much attention because I thought- “they’re gorgeous and so natural in front of the camera- they’re just being critical and picky!”

But putting yourself out there in any way is never easy. It takes a lot of bravery and willingness to look at the things you don’t like about yourself. It takes strength and commitment to sitting in discomfort (and uncomfortable poses ;)) and opening yourself up to other people’s thoughts and criticisms.

But it is so worth it.

It’s worth it for the growth, and it’s worth it for the end result. 

Whether it’s photos, art, music, writing, or a message that you have to share - it is so worth it to go face those insecurities and fears for the impact you will have just by showing up as your true self.

As for the photos - I thought I would hate all of them and pick myself apart in every picture. But I didn’t. I love them. Because I know how hard I worked to just be myself, show up, and have a great time doing it.

And… of course, I had an amazing photographer and I couldn’t be more grateful to Brittney Jean Photography for making me look and feel amazing! Thank you, Brittney for an end result better than I even imagined, and for making it such a fun day!

What is it that scares you about showing up fully?

What is it that you’re holding back on for fear of what other people will think?

THAT’S exactly the thing you need to put out there.

And as always, I would love to help you do the INNER WORK you need in order to make your OUTER WORK shine and have the impact you are meant to have in this world.

Send me a note to find out more about my one-on-one coaching.

I’m not a health or fitness coach - so why am I about to tell you all about my workouts??

Well, first of all- because I want to. But more importantly, because how we take care of ourselves and how we THINK about ourselves is the most important thing that will determine the impact we have in the world.

Until I was nearly 30 years old I could probably count on two hands the number of times I “worked out.” It just wasn’t my thing. I was naturally skinny (though that should never be the determining factor that makes you take care of yourself or not) and I had all these stories about how my body, thanks to a genetic connective tissue disorder, just wasn’t made for athleticism or working out. There were so many things I couldn’t do… so I just never bothered to try figuring out what worked.

Then, around the same time I moved to LA, I started to notice changes in my body - a little weight gain, more pain in my joints, and I just generally wanted to be healthier and stronger. 

I knew from my past history that I would need some help and accountability. Anytime I had tried it on my own- I would inevitably bail out and tell myself “I’m just not a work-out person” - as if it was an unchangeable part of my identity. So, I found myself a personal trainer. I hit the jackpot with Tucker Forbes who literally helped me change not just my body but my own self-concept. In a matter of months I went from “not a work-out person” to someone who was at the gym at least 3x a week and actually enjoying it! 

It may sound trivial- but it was anything but. I went from being someone who felt uncomfortable, weak and unstable in my body to feeling (and being!) strong, capable and more confident.

Instead of trying things I knew I couldn’t do because of my body’s natural limitations, Tucker helped me strengthen the muscles around my joints and find strengthening and mobility exercises that worked for MY body.

From there I was able to explore and find new things that worked for me too. Pilates (specifically Love For Pilates and my girl, my teacher, Bailey Sullivan) helped me strengthen my core and helped the pain in my back. And these days you can find me at The Bar Method West Hollywood at least 3-4 times a week - another workout with amazing teachers that help me work with my unique body’s needs.

All of this changed how I saw myself. I now think of myself as a person that works out regularly, takes care of my body and feels strong and confident. Of course, I’m aware of the things that don’t work for me - but I LOVE finding the things that do.

So what does this mean for you and your impact?

What’s that thing you tell yourself that you’re just not good at? That you’re just not THAT kind of person?

You’re not a person that likes to promote yourself and your work?

You’re not a person that speaks up about your truth and what you think is right when the people around you disagree?

But do you WANT to be?

Because if you do… you CAN. You CAN change how you see yourself.

You might just need the right support.

And I would love to be that support for you. If you’re a mission-driven person in the music industry looking to make a greater impact in the world - let’s chat about how I can support you through 1:1 coaching.

You’ve got this, and I’ve got you.

I’m a few days late on this post…. but hey, we can’t all have perfect timing all of the time, right?!

Monday was both Martin Luther King Jr. Day as well as the Jewish holiday of Tu B’Shvat - the day on the Jewish calendar that we celebrate and show our appreciation for the trees.

I was thinking about how meaningful it was that these two celebrations coincided this year and found this perfect quote from MLK Jr.

MLK Jr. has been a figure that’s loomed large over me since early childhood as a symbol of progress, change, peace and understanding. To me he represented that the biggest impact we can have in the world comes from love and connection, not hate and division.

What I teach my clients (and work on every day myself) is that the results that we create in the world are a reflection of our thoughts and feelings. If we’re using thoughts rooted in negativity, that is going to be reflected in our work and creations. But if it’s fueled with love, understanding and connection - that is what will show up in the world and will always have a bigger impact.

So if the results we create are the trees that the world sees…. we need to make sure that we’re planting those trees with the right seeds. 

On Saturday I, along with the Jewish community all over the world and especially this country, have been reminded once again what happens when seeds of hate are planted.

We must make the conscious choice every day to plant seeds of love. That is the only solution.

P.S. I’m working on something for all of you with some tangible tips in how you can increase the impact you want to have in the world - get on my email list so you don’t miss it! Link is on the contact page.

P.P.S. Tree doodle is courtesy of niece who I won’t tag here because she’ll get mad at me. She thought it was awful.. I thought it was beautiful!

P.P.P.S (are you allowed to have 3 P’s?!)… if you’re a mission-driven person working in the music industry and you want to have the greatest impact you can have in the world - I’ve got you. Send me a note to book a consult and chat about my 1:1 coaching.

I’ve always liked the idea of having a word and/or theme for the year.

I knew my theme for 2022 but, for some reason, I was struggling to come up with a word.

But I found it.

My word for 2022 is BRAVE (thanks @shaun.roney for the inspiration this week!)

My theme is I CAN DO HARD THINGS

Last year my word was Possibility.

And I dove head first into uncovering and believing what is possible in this world.

I immersed myself in possibility. I surrounded myself with people who showed me what’s possible to create in business, in my industry, in love, in relationships, and in growth and impact.

I worked every day to believe that what I want and long for is possible for me. That whatever person x could achieve that I also want just shows me that it’s possible for me too.

But in doing that work I also uncovered some limiting beliefs that I’ve had for a loooong-ass time. 

I’ve had this believe about myself that I give up when things feel too hard.

That while all of these things are possible, it requires me to push through the hard parts - and I’m no good at that.

Now, of course I’ve done A LOT of hard things in my life.

I could fill pages and pages of notebooks with evidence of all of the hard things I’ve done. And yet, my brain likes to ignore or disqualify all of that and tell me I avoid hard things.

This is what our brains do. They like to fool us and scare us to keep us “safe.”

As one of my favorite coaches, Serena Hicks, always says… brains gonna brain!

So this year- I’m focusing on not falling for the same old story my brain keeps telling me and reminding myself of all of the hard things done and leaning into the belief that I can do hard things… it just takes a little bravery and I’ve got that in spades.

Do you have a word or theme of the year? 

I’d love to hear what it is… tell me below!

P.S. one of the brave things I’m doing this year… sending out more emails! So get on my list now for some tips, tricks and inspiration on how you can have the impact you’re meant to have in this world. Link is on the contact page.

Changing The World!

That’s what I’m talking about.

That is the work we’re doing.

Each and every one of us is able to change the world at any moment. Always. In so many ways.

Just by being who you are and showing up fully and authentically - you can’t not change it! 

It may be the world for one person.

It may be the world for many people.

It may be the whole wide world.

Whichever world it is… you are here to change it for the better.

It starts with the inner work. The inner work lays the foundation for your outer work…. for you artists it may be your music & your art, for you industry folks it may be the next big campaign you put together… or it may be in your advocacy work, or the impact you have in your relationships… 

Whatever the work is that you’re here to put out into the world will change it for the better.

The inner work is the only requirement to guarantee this.

It starts with you. Changing your own inner world.

Then you can start to change your part of the outer world.

The music business is the world where I’ve spent the better part of the last 2 decades. 

I know the parts that I love and are doing great things for the world, and I see the parts that I want to change for a healthier, more compassionate and equitable world for everyone.

That’s why I put my coaching focus there.

The more people in the business who do the inner work, the better the culture will be for everyone and the more impact we can make.

So are you ready to change the world?

If so, I would love to be a part of your journey. Let’s make it happen together!

It starts with a simple call… send me a note and we can get started.

“New Year, New You??”

I say F that noise!

We don’t need a new you… we need you to be MORE you.

Because you’re already pretty great… perfect as you are.

Sure, there may be some things you want to work on and create more of in the new year.. and that’s great!

But you know why most new years resolutions don’t work?

Because you don’t go to sleep on Dec 31st and magically wake up a new person on Jan 1st.

You still have the same brain, and the same thought patterns that got you to where you are today. The only way to create new habits and add more of your amazing self to the world - is to start intentionally directing that magical brain of yours.

So what do you want more of in 2022?

🎸headline a tour?

💿get that album out?

✊start volunteer and advocacy work?

💕find more work/life balance?

👥better, more fulfilling relationships?

🧠better overall mental health?

Whatever it is, it doesn’t require you to be a new version of yourself. It just requires you to dig deep and find what’s already inside of you and let it out into the world so you can have your greatest impact.

So here’s to a 2022 with MORE of the REAL you!!

P.S I am here to support you and the impact you want to have in the world. Let’s make 2022 the best yet for you, your career, and the people you inspire every day. Send me a note to schedule a call to see how coaching can help you.

🍾🥂Happy New Year!🎉🎆

Here's a bit of truth. The past few weeks have been hard. Dark even. I've been dealing with some heavy shit and been in my head ruminating and worrying about all sorts of things.

In the past year I've opened up quite a bit on social media... sharing my vulnerabilities and struggles along with the lessons I’ve learned and am learning. I do it in hopes of even just one person resonating and feeling hopeful or inspired.

And I’ve heard from so many of you how inspired you have been. And that means everything to me.

Yet even knowing that, sometimes it’s hard. It’s hard to find the inspiration in the struggle when you’re in the depths of it. And well, I’ve been in the depths of it. 

Everybody deals with struggle in different ways. For me, I tend to go into hiding. I don’t feel like talking much- even to the people closest to me - and I certainly don’t feel like posting and sharing… even with all of the learning and growing that’s happening.

But now I’m emerging and sharing a bit of what’s emerged in me…

On the same day that I turned 40, my business turned 1. My birthday marked exactly 1 full year of being in business as a music industry impact coach - 1 year to the day of receiving my first payment from my first paying client. And I’ve helped many since then. 

Pretty remarkable. 

But being my human brain (and especially one wired towards depression) - I immediately focused on all of the things that I didn’t accomplish. All of the goals I had for my first year in business that I didn’t hit. All of the things I thought I’d have achieved by the time I turned 40 that I’ve been making myself feel bad for not achieving yet. 

And on top of everything I was doing to make myself feel bad, I came up against some life circumstances that really knocked me off my center and hit me in all of my deepest wounds, insecurities and hurts. I was hurting deeply for myself and for people I love.

Then last Sunday, I went to meet up with some dear friends for a week away. Right up to the very moment I got on the plane, I didn’t feel like going. I wanted to stay safe in my bed, hiding away from the world and just wallow in my pain.

Which is why I knew I had to go.

And I’m so glad I did. 

Because being with people I love and I know love me - even without sharing what was going on inside - just being there, was healing.

We got out in nature and went for walks and hikes. We went to see the many Christmas light displays and soak in the holiday magic.

Now obviously, I don’t celebrate Christmas- but there is just something so special and beautiful with all of the lights and decorations, and everyone in the holiday spirit. It really does feel like there’s magic in the air.

And what I realized is there is ALWAYS magic in the air. Not just during the holidays. 

The holidays are just a time when everyone around us is tapping into it, so it’s easier to feel it. But it’s always there and always available.

The magic comes with believing in what seems unbelievable. In making the impossible possible. In dreaming what you never dared to dream.

The magic is there when you decide to emerge from the darkness.

And that’s all it is. A decision.

It’s ok to have the struggle, to have the pain - it’s all still there - but so is the hope, the belief, the possibility and the MAGIC.

Here’s to a magical 2022 for us all!

I’ve always felt that I was “different.”

I didn’t always understand why, but it was just this deep inner belief that I always had.

I know so many people can relate to this- but as a kid and in my early adult years it just felt so confusing and lonely.

Things that seemed natural and easy for the people around me felt so hard for me. I was a good student and got mostly A’s - but the pressure of having to do well and meet deadlines felt crippling at times.

As a young teen I was officially diagnosed with depression and anxiety. So once I started working full time in the music industry (at the ripe old age of 20), I had a bit more of an understanding of what was going on. But I still thought that as long as I had it “under control” - I should be able to function just like everybody else.

But it was still a struggle.

I was good at my job, I would get great reviews and had great relationships. Of course, there were some failures along the way, but for the most part I did well. And I would keep telling myself that as long as I kept my depression “under control” - I could fit in and pretend that I’m just like everyone else.

And yet, it still felt so hard. I would inevitably get burnt out and feel like I needed to make a change. 

Underneath it all, was a belief that there was something wrong with me.

In more recent years I received an additional diagnosis of ADHD..

It was a diagnosis I resisted for a while. Because I had an idea of what ADHD looked like and I didn’t think I fit the image I had in my brain.

Somewhere in the deep parts of my brain, it just confirmed that there was something wrong with me

But recently, I’ve been studying up on neurodiversity and its expanded definition including depression, anxiety, ADHD and a number of other things that used to be thought of as “disorders”. 

All of a sudden, I have a new understanding of my own brain and the MAGIC that comes with it.

I don’t think of them as disorders anymore.

Through lots of coaching and inner work, I now recognize them as part of my superpowers. They’re just part of the mosaic of things that make me ME.

What’s fascinating, is that I’ve become more and more aware that so many of my colleagues and clients in the music industry - both artists and professionals - also have neurodiverse brains.

And it makes so much sense. Neurodiversity is often associated with being “right brained” - which comes with creativity and out-of-the-box thinking. Of course people like us are attracted to creative fields!

While there’s so much magic and power in having a neurodiverse brain, it still comes with its challenges - especially as we try to function in a society designed by and for the neurotypical (which IMHO is also a symptom of patriarchy… but more on that another time 😉)

And while creativity is celebrated and required and the music biz, so are high levels of productivity, time management, and “hustle.” 

It may be a creative industry - but it’s still an industry designed by a neurotypical and patriarchal framework.

I say it’s time to BUST THAT WIDE OPEN.

As our world moves towards valuing more inclusion and more diversity. it’s time we really CELEBRATE ALL of the things that make us diverse - including the wiring in our brains!

Stay tuned for some more insights on this and for tips and tricks on how to tap into your own brain’s magic and make your UNIQUE brain work FOR you and not against you… so you can have your greatest impact in this world.

And as always, if you’re mission-driven, working in the music industry and interested in 1:1 coaching for your own magic brain- send me a note and let’s make a time to chat!

Last night was special.

I got to see and hear from my friend Alon Wald who came to LA from Israel to speak to a group of women from JNF about Ammunition Hill, one of the heritage sites in Israel that JNF supports.

I first met Alon over 7 years ago and must have heard his story at least as many times. But each time, it leaves me in tears and feeling inspired all over again.

Ammunition Hill was the site of the pivotal battle in the Six Day War and the reunification of Jerusalem in 1967. It was also the site and battle where Alon’s father fell when Alon was just 10 months old.

He told the story of how all of his life he was striving to know his father and to understand why he would make the choice to go to battle as a reservist. 

I won’t go into the whole story here (you should absolutely hear it for yourself!) but it came down to this- the values of bravery, courage, respect and liberation.

Now, I’m no war buff and generally lean towards a more pacifist philosophy, though I understand that it’s an unfortunate part of our reality. So when I first visited Ammunition Hill all those years ago (in 2014, in the middle of another war) I was not expecting to be inspired. But oh, how wrong I was.

Alon spoke about the bravery of his father and his fellow soldiers when they understood they must go to fight for the liberation of their people who they feared were at the brink of a second Holocaust. 

He spoke about the courage of his mother to send the love of her life off to war knowing he may not return… and 17 years later to do the same with her only son. 

He told of the same bravery and courage it took for the mothers of his friends who refused to allow their sons to go into combat no matter how much their sons threatened to never forgive them.

There’s one story I heard on that first visit that will always stay with me. It speaks to the respect for human life no matter what “side” you’re on. 

When the bloody battle was finished and the soldiers at Ammunition Hill heard the declaration of victory over their radios - that the Western Wall, the holiest site in Judaism which we had no access to for centuries, was finally in our hands - the paratrooper unit didn’t just run to go celebrate with their people. 

They stopped and took the time to bury the Jordanian soldiers that had been killed. They paused to respect and honor the “enemy” who they understood were also fighting for their own values and that no matter what, their lives should be honored and respected.

These are the stories and the values that can be felt in the air there and why I chose to rally together with my family to put a plaque for my grandfather on its Wall of Honor- honoring Jewish men & women who served their countries all over the world.

I don’t think we need to go to battle to discover the bravery and courage that lies inside all of us. I hope most of us will never have to make that choice and whether or not you support the country or the war in question, there is something to be learned. 

There are so many other ways the world needs our bravery, our courage and our “fight” for liberation.

It comes from a true understanding and grounding in your values. A desire to make the world better for the next generation… and to truly know the impact that each of us can have.

Transitions are hard.

I got back to LA yesterday from a week in Israel for my nephew's wedding.

Just being there filled me with so much appreciation and gratitude. 

But leaving was so hard.

I will share more about the trip soon... but today, I'm feeling the hardness of coming back and getting back into a normal routine.

After nearly 24 hours of travel, my body is feeling tired, achey and jet lagged.

I'm feeling the let-down of it being over and way too short.

I'm feeling so happy for my nephew and his new bride, but sad that the celebrations and togetherness are over and now it's just... quiet.

And I'm feeling that familiar sadness every time I leave my beloved homeland and that longing pulling me back.

I often find myself questioning and doubting everything when I'm feeling tired and down.

It's a common thing we all do.

I used to see it all the time when my clients would come back from a big tour. There's a sense of relief to be home, but then there's always the let down. The questions of now what? The uncertainty of what to do and how to transition back to a normal routine. The questions of what is my normal and do I even want to go back to that?

I see it collectively now as society slowly transitions back to our "new normal" with COVID. People are struggling to go back to what was once an unquestioned routine and suddenly questioning everything.

If you ever find yourself struggling to transition back to a routine after a significant event or time away... just know- it's totally normal. 

There may be some important questions you're asking yourself. Be patient while you listen for what's true intuition and what's just the discomfort of the transition.

The most important thing is to give yourself grace and just be patient as you find your groove. 

That's what I'm doing for myself today, and for as long as I need....

P.S. Taking care of yourself through all of life's transitions is the crucial to making your impact in the world. I'd love to support you through 1:1 coaching... send me a note and let's chat.

Tonight begins Yom Kippur, the holiest day on the Jewish calendar.

It’s a day of reflection.

A day of gratitude.

A day of forgiveness.

We ask for forgiveness from others, from G-d, and perhaps hardest of all, from ourselves.

Here’s one thing I know about forgiveness-

If you can’t find it for yourself, it will be damn hard to forgive others or even receive it from those who try to forgive you.

So if there’s anyone in your life that you’re struggling to forgive… ask yourself, what am I not forgiving myself for? Where am I not having grace and compassion for myself for being human?

As I go into Yom Kippur, I’m thinking of the people I feel I didn’t always do right by, I’m thinking of the people who I offended without even knowing it, I’m thinking of the people who I felt offended by and releasing any resentment towards them…. and I’m thinking of all the ways I let myself down.

We’ve all let ourselves down in one way or another because we’re human.

So to anyone I may have hurt, offended or just didn’t show up for as my best self - I ask for your forgiveness.

And for myself… I ask for grace for all the ways I didn’t live up to my own expectations, for when I neglected my own needs so that I couldn’t show up in the best way for others, and for all of the times I’ve been needlessly hard on myself.

We’re all human. We don’t get through this one amazing life without hurting others or ourselves… the way to move forward is with awareness, and with love and compassion.

To all who are fasting - have an easy fast!

G’mar Chatima Tova

May you all find the forgiveness you need for yourself so you can show up and make your greatest impact.

P.S. I’m a music industry impact coach and if forgiveness is something you struggle with - I would love to help you. I see in so many of my clients how holding on to resentment, grudges and hurt (there’s a lot of it in this industry!) holds them back from doing amazing things in their career and in their lives. Send me a note and let’s set up a time to chat.

20 years. 

Like many, I remember every moment of that day.

I came out of my early morning class to a sense of commotion. I ran into my friend on the street on campus and she told me that America was under attack. I was in shock. 

We walked together to the student center where they had TVs set up and we all stood in silence, eyes glued to the screens as we watched the towers fall.

I wouldn’t move to NYC until a year later but I traveled back & forth regularly. 

I’ll never forget that first drive to NYC after the towers fell staring at the hole in the once familiar skyline with a lump in my throat. 

So much has happened in 20 years. So much of how we live, how we travel, and how we think has changed.

And so much hasn’t. 

One of the things that will always stick with me about that day is how we all came together to support and help each other. The stories of all the heroes that continue to emerge. And all of the heroic stories that we’ll never even know about. 

20 years makes you really reflect.

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what this country stands for. I believe in the ideals and values of America- of equality and liberation for all.

And I believe that we still have a lot of work to do to realize those ideals.

I believe that to realize those ideals we must never respond to hate with more hate.

I’ve been thinking about Afghanistan, and attacks on human rights and freedom. I’ve been thinking about Texas and attacks on women’s rights and healthcare. I’ve been thinking about the pandemic and how it felt like we were united for a moment, and then quickly turned into another thing to fight over. I’ve been thinking about racism, antisemitism and all of the hate and division we’re facing. 

It’s easy to think of all of that and feel hopeless. It’s easy to say we’ve lost our way.

But when I think of that, I then remember the heroes. I then think of that feeling of unity and kinship in those first days after 9/11.

That’s what we all need to continue to work towards and why what we do today matters. 

I believe we all have the ability to realize our ideals… if only we’re willing to look inwards so we can shine outwards.

Never Forget. 

Too many people are getting it wrong. And they’re burning out.

Activism, ally-ship, and advocacy are all so important and a big part of how I choose to live my life and run my business. I think it’s crucial for artists, entertainers, and influencers to take a strong stand for the causes they care about and use their platforms to speak up.

But too many seem to miss the point- they put performative advocacy and activism before integrity or they forget themselves as they fight for others - and in the long run, this has the opposite effect that we’re striving for.

In Judaism, we are taught the famous words of Rabbi Hillel:

“If I am not for myself, who will be for me?

If I am only for myself, what am I?

If not now, when?”

This is the blueprint for advocacy and activism that I believe is most impactful. 

We must start with ourselves- making sure our own needs are met, that our own people aren’t being oppressed, that we have a full understanding of the issues we want to stand up for. From this place of integrity and wholeness we can stand up for others. The foundation must be strong first.

Of course, this isn’t linear - and we’re often fighting simultaneously for ourselves and for others - but forgetting yourself and your community, or even working agains their interests, will only create a wobbly foundation for the work you do for others.

Here are some things I want everyone in this space to remember:

👍 you can recognize your privilege and even your contribution to inequity without abandoning yourself and your own community’s needs

👍 you can advocate for change within your community without abandoning or demonizing it all together

👍 you can fight for the rights of others without forsaking your own rights or molding your identity to fit what others think about you or your community

👍 you can advocate for change without forgetting about your own mental health and taking care of yourself first

👍 you can take breaks 

👍 you don’t have to hop on every issue and every cause and become a “knee-jerk activist”

If you want to learn more about how to be an effective advocate without exhausting yourself or feeling like you can’t be truly yourself…. send me a note and let’s chat.

Your greatest “weakness” may actually be your secret SUPERPOWER.

That’s right. That thing that you think makes you somehow defective or weak could be the exact thing that makes you a super star.

I promise, there is nothing defective about you.

You do not need to be fixed, because there is nothing wrong with you.

I’ve suffered on and off with depression & anxiety (and probably some ADHD thrown in there) since I was a kid.

Reflecting back on everything from my childhood, my college years, and even through most of my career - I always thought there was something “wrong” with me.

My brain just didn’t work like everyone else’s - I would go through periods of just feeling really lousy, exhausted and like I just couldn’t get anything done. 

I spent YEARS trying to “fix” this. With therapy, medication, every productivity tool you could imagine, and lots of hard work. I’ve made so much progress. 

But it was always there in the background lurking in the corners threatening to rear its ugly head and shut me down. And sometimes it still does.

So it still felt like I had this defective part of my brain that I was just somehow managing.

But I’ve now realized that what makes my brain work differently is what makes me so good at what I do.

Instead of “just managing” the “broken” parts of myself- I’m embracing them and figuring out every day how to work WITH them, not against them. I’m learning how to give my mind and my body what it needs to THRIVE - sometimes that means rest and sometimes that means pushing myself - but pushing myself when what I really need is rest is always counterproductive.

That thing that makes me “extra sensitive” also makes me extra intuitive, extra empathetic and gives me a unique ability to see through the BS my clients sometimes come to me with and get into what the REAL issues are. 

So what are your superpowers?

Let me help you discover them so you can make your greatest impact.

Send me a note to book a free call and let’s chat!

I just had a coaching call with someone who was expressing that she wasn’t feeling creative when she was working on marketing strategies and tasks for her album release.

She felt creative when she was writing, recording and producing - but the marketing stuff just wasn’t the “fun part” of the business. I hear this all the time from artists so I knew exactly what she was talking about. But I also knew that this is what could hold her back from getting her music out there.

Personally, I never used to think of myself as creative.

I was always surrounded by creative people in my life and career - artists, musicians, songwriters, performers - but I was on the “business side,” I wasn’t the creative one.

And yet, I was always looking for a creative way to express myself.

It wasn’t until years into my career that I started to realize that what made me a good artist manager was that I actually WAS CREATIVE. It just didn’t look like what I had decided creativity was supposed to look like.

𝙎𝙤 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙩𝙮?

It is literally the ability to create. It’s bringing something into existence that didn’t exist before.

It could be a painting, a song, or a novel. But it could also be a marketing plan, a digital strategy or even a new way to think about something, a new idea or perspective.

This has always been one of my super powers. The ability to think critically and creatively, look at things from different perspectives and then use that to help understand my artists and get their work out into the world. 

I often hear from artists that they love being in the studio or being on stage, but they hate having to show up on social media or do interviews or figure out ways to get in front of a bigger audience.

But what if each part of it was an opportunity to CREATE?!

What if you could bring that same creative energy, that same buzz you feel when you’re creating a piece of art or music, into everything you do?

Whether you’re an artist starting out and doing it on your own, or you have a big team of people to help you- how you feel and how you show up is going to determine the impact you make.

This is just one of the things I love to help my clients with and I would love to help YOU too!

Send me a note to schedule a free session to talk about it…