Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rolando Chang Barrero. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Rolando Chang, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
Am I who people really think I am, or just a fraud?
I think that’s tough tow even for the healthiest of people these days. Self-awareness has been the key to minimizing the pit fall in my private and public life could lead to imposter syndrome. Acknowledging and accepting that many of my successes have been as a direct result of preparation by diligently setting smaller goals that support my end results is not easy.
Taking a look at the trajectory of my career I find that I would fall into a trap measuring my self-worth by my failures and success. Of course, the success were relished for a short time, as they were only small in relation to the goal at what I perceived as my end result. But, the failures along the way were internalized for years until I leaned to normalize them and understand that making mistakes is a natural part of learning and growth.
The inverse of imposter syndrome, self-assurance and self-confidence, has also been a trap for me in the past when I would become obsessed with meeting an unrealistic deadline.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
While I don’t stand alone on this stage- I am seen as a prominent figure in the contemporary art and cultural scene in Palm Beach. As an artist, gallery owner, and curator, I have made significant contributions to the promotion and advancement of art in various forms.
My artistic endeavors encompass a diverse range of mediums, from painting and sculpture to multimedia installations, reflecting my innovative and boundary-pushing approach. My influence extends beyond my own artistic practice; I am also renowned for founding and managing art spaces that foster creativity and dialogue among artists and the community.
Through my galleries and curatorial projects, I have provided a platform for emerging and established artists to showcase their work, contributing to the enrichment of cultural experiences for diverse audiences. My dedication to the arts has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the contemporary art scene locally, I continue to advocate and celebrate both individual expression and collective cultural impact of colleagues and fellow artists.
Recently opened The Box Gallery at a new location in the heart of the West Palm Beach Cultural Corridor.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I don’t stop, I pause. I pause everyday at some point for a few minutes to analyze where I stand. It has become second nature to evaluate where, when and how to pivot if necessary, or stay on course. I try make every short trip on the course to my desired destination a rewarding journey in itself.
I may be good and many things and while good may be satisfactory in some instances, best is always better. As such, I delegate to others who are best. Acknowledging where I may not be best can be very difficult for “A” personalities like myself, never-the-less it a skill in itself. I always keep in mind the skill sets of others. It has proven to be of paramount importance in the success of my businesses as it has in life.
Educating myself and stressing the value of education to others can provide the leading edge needed to succeed in many, if not all, areas of life. The collective knowledge of a group is a powerful asset.
Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?
Physical and mental wellbeing is a priority for me and dictates how I can and cannot approach certain tasks. Health has been my ongoing challenge for more than thirty years since my brain surgery. At 62 and a brain cancer survivor I have a few physical deficits.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://activistartista.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/activistartista/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RolandoChangBarreroArtist/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rolandobarrero/
