We were lucky to catch up with James Caldwell recently and have shared our conversation below.
James, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
I get my resilience from people. When you least expect it, you will read or hear about someone who has gone through an incredibly difficult experience and come out of it better than before. Those are the stories we need to uplift more.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am Executive Director for The Music Education Group, Inc. an Atlanta based STEAM 501 c3 non-profit organization whose mission is to teach students life-skills and career development through music, film and digital media. The organization was formed to bring music, film and digital media based education to underserved youth and provide every child in Metro Atlanta with an equal opportunity for music education. Our programs expose young people to technology based programs inspired by music related careers.
Music Education Group’s programs provide participants with hands on, industry driven experiences designed to expand their interest in career options relating to music, film and digital media. Programs cover a diverse range of career opportunities within these expanding Georgia Industries while advancing the health and well-being young people. Together, with our dedicated community and corporate partners, sponsors and volunteers, MEG provides multiple unique, customizable programs and initiatives.
Atlanta is the creative hub of the world. Our culture influences everything across the globe. In fiscal year 2018, Georgia’s creative industry generated an economic impact of $12.5 billion, saw the production of 455 feature film and television shows and was responsible for more than 92,000 jobs, according to the Georgia Department of Economic Development. With an increase in the number of jobs relating to entertainment, the state of Georgia still suffers from a lack of a diverse, well-trained workforce.
Founded in 2008 by Music Industry Executive Ric Ross, MEG is the leading the way in how we train the next generation of creators from Georgia.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I am originally from Fayetteville, NC and have always had a love for music. Like many music lovers I was somewhat of a band nerd, marching in the band in high school and college. My first job in high school was at Paraside Records & Tapes, then my hometowns largest record store. In the early and mid 80’s, I was involved in my hometowns young hip-hop scene as a DJ but still lacked the kinds of learning opportunities that would have helped me transition my passion and skills into a career in the industry.
Looking back on that journeys, I did not really have much talent. I wasn’t the best DJ, I didn’t play an instrument or make beats so I had to figure out my lane. While figuring it, I worked some pretty corporate jobs which helped me develop my communication and organization skills. Communication and organization helped me build a strong network and even stronger relationships in industry stakeholders. As I grew in the industry, I learned to be a better listener. Communication, organization and listening. More people want to talk than listen so I let them talk, while I take notes and organize.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
We are always looking to collaborate. One of our strengths is that we try not to reinvent wheels. If we come across someone doing something unique and at a highly professional level, we are always open to listening. Our industry is rapidly changing and noone can keep up with it all. If collaborating makes sense and the potential partner is passionate about the work, we are always ope to building a relationship. We are very responsive to social media requests and our personal contacts information is available on all of our social media. IG: @james.caldwell2020 @musicedgroup Twitter: @musicedgroup1
Contact Info:
- Website: www.themeg.life
- Instagram: @james.caldwell2020
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/james.caldwell.758
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-caldwell-721506b/
Image Credits
It is a selfie
