Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Juliana Henao. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Juliana , thanks for taking the time to share your lessons with our community today. So, let’s jump right in – one of the most essential skills for unlocking our potential is self-discipline. Where does your self-discipline come from?
Having big dreams and goals and experiencing how hard work pays off is the biggest motivation for me to keep going and be self disciplined. I know where I want to be and I know the steps I have to take to get there, so having a path to follow makes it easier to keep going. I moved from Colombia to the US knowing I wanted to do sound for film and tv. It hasn’t been an easy path and many sacrifices are made every day. Leaving my life, my friends, and my family behind was thought but making such a big decision motivates you to keep going because there’s no going back, there’s only going forward and you have to be disciplined to get where you want to be and for it to pay off. If you stop none of the sacrifices will make sense so does where my discipline comes from.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I do sound for film and tv. For many people this is an unknown world and when I tell them what I do they think I do music. I am a musician but I actually shit careers to focus on sound. I mainly edit dialogue but I also do sound effects and mix on films, tv shows, video games and the app Calm. I receive the dialogue for all these media and I work on making it sound better, cleaning it, making it smooth and consistent. It is kind of a puzzle that I solve every day. I love it because it involves a lot of creative problem solving and thinking outside the box.
Every day is different and every project is different, every time I learn something new and feel I’m better or ready I get a new project with a different problem that pushes me to be better and learn more tools and tricks to fix the issues. Is a magical world where I spend many hours a day most days of the week and I love it. I love being part of the magic of creative a film and telling a story and contributing to make it better so audiences will like it and be involved. I’ve been in love and addicted to films and tv shows my whole life and being part of this world is a dream come true.
I wish more people knew what we do in sound and how me make things sound better and how we create from scratch. I didn’t know when I was doing music and when I discovered it I fell in love and I want as many people as possible to know what we create and the things they could do to.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Three skills and qualities that are important are:
Positive attitude, you’re never done be done learning or improving so you have to be open to feedback and to work on yourself so you can get better. Having a good attitude will make people want to have you around and help you be better and it will also help you keep going and not getting frustrated.
Hard work and commitment, I feel nowadays people want things fast and easy, but it takes a lot of work and effort to be better and get where you want to, it won’t happen over night. So putting the work and showing your committed to your goal will help you a lot.
Being kind, personable and grateful it’s very important too, nowadays everyone is connected and being nice and kind to people will open many doors. Following up after you contacted them, sending a thank you note, are all things that can go a long way and people will appreciate them. Also people like working and being around nice people and as much as this is said it can’t be stressed enough. Networking is everything and being a good human being is really important now when everyone is connected and is so easy to meet people and ask how people are.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
Mentors are the most helpful people in my industry. I have so many mentors and I can’t thank them enough for everything they’ve taught me so far. I wouldn’t be where I am without them and everything they’ve taught me. Some of them have gone for a coffee with me and given me tips. Some have seated with me and showed me how they work. Some have trained me and show me how to do my craft. And every time I’ve had an obstacle and have reached for advice they have given it to me and help me be better. If you can have a mentor in your career do it, and if you can have many even better. There are so many times where I don’t know how to do something or fix something and I reach out to people and they offer me ideas that help me complete my work and that is really valuable to me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @julianahenaosound
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliana-henao-mesa-9077224b/
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10716068/
