We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dr. Lani Cupchoy. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dr. Lani below.
Dr. Lani , 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?
Being the only one in the room: how have you learned to be effective/successful even when you are the only one in the room that looks like you?
In navigating situations where I find myself as the only one in the room who looks like me, I have learned to draw upon a combination of personal qualities, skills, and a positive mindset. Believing in my abilities and recognizing the value I bring to the table has been crucial. Fostering cultural competence through open communication and a genuine receptivity to learn from others has allowed me to connect effectively. Actively engaging with others, building relationships, and establishing connections have been instrumental in creating a sense of belonging. Seeking out mentors who offer guidance and support has provided valuable insights, particularly when navigating unfamiliar situations. Demonstrating flexibility in my approach and leveraging problem-solving skills have been essential in adapting to diverse environments. I aim to let my performance speak for itself, allowing my actions and achievements to highlight my capabilities. Learning from experiences, even challenging ones, is seen as an opportunity for personal and professional growth. Remaining authentic and true to myself has been a guiding principle, contributing to a strong sense of self-assurance and effectiveness in varied settings.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I remain highly passionate about filmmaking and music production. My documentary Islandtrification (2023) is concluding its annual film festival circuit, having earned five awards and twenty-one laurels. Simultaneously, I am deeply engaged in my upcoming project, L.A. Shines, a documentary that explores the origins of Los Angeles Salsa dance and its global impact.
With music production, I recently introduced my Spanish singles, Curanderas del Alma and Caminaré, both crafted in the enchanting style of bolero music. Curanderas del Alma holds a special place as it is a medley of my favorite folk songs, including an acapella version of La Sandunga with a contemporary mash up of La Bruja and La Llorona, which I fondly remember hearing my mom and abuelitas sing during my upbringing. This song serves as a heartfelt tribute to them, capturing the essence of the cherished melodies that have shaped my musical journey.
Caminaré represents a poetic ode to my husband, who shares the spotlight with me on the album cover. Our connection goes beyond our shared love for music. As professional dancers and choreographers, we hail from different genres – he brings his expertise as a former professional salsa dancer, while I contribute my background as a former hip-hop choreographer and regional champion in Latin dance. Together, we are currently working on a vibrant dance music video for this track, blending our diverse dance styles into a harmonious visual expression of our shared passion. I am gearing up for the release of my interpretation of Fragilidad, a spanish-based bolero-cha cha of Sting’s Fragile. The song will hit stores in January. Overall, these musical creations collectively pay homage to my Latina roots, allowing me to fully embrace my identity as a Mexican-Afro-Indigena.
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?
Looking back on my journey, three qualities have been notably impactful: First, resilience has played a pivotal role. The ability to rebound from setbacks and confront challenges with determination has been essential. Cultivating a resilient mindset involves regarding challenges as avenues for learning and growth. Second, there is the importance of embracing challenges. Rather than avoiding them, viewing challenges as opportunities for personal and professional development is key. This approach not only fosters resilience but also aids in building the necessary skills to overcome obstacles. Last, investing in continuous learning within one’s craft is a crucial quality. Staying abreast of industry trends, technological advancements, and emerging opportunities is vital for staying ahead in your field. Keeping oneself informed is an ongoing commitment to professional growth and adaptability.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
When I find myself overwhelmed, I prioritize taking a moment to breathe and stay grounded. I have learned that pushing through challenges forcefully can lead to creativity blocks. Instead, I approach creative projects with a mindset of puzzle assembling. Breaking down the task into smaller, more manageable components allows for a more gradual and effective approach. I also emphasize the importance of letting things flow naturally, akin to the way water finds its path. This strategy helps alleviate the sense of being overwhelmed while fostering a more organic and productive creative process.
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