Meet Joshua Clement

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Joshua Clement a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Joshua, so excited to have you with us today, particularly to get your insight on a topic that comes up constantly in the community – overcoming creativity blocks. Any thoughts you can share with us?

I’ve tackled creativity blocks through a variety of strategies. First, I change my environment—whether it’s moving to a cozy café or stepping outside for fresh air, a new setting can spark inspiration. I also set small, achievable goals, breaking tasks into bite-sized pieces to make starting less daunting. Free writing is another effective technique; I write freely for ten minutes without judgment, which helps clear my mind.

Meditation and grounding exercises help me center my thoughts and reduce stress, creating a clearer mental space. Spending quality time with my kids brings joy and fresh perspectives, reminding me to embrace creativity playfully. Finally, collaborating with others often leads to exciting ideas and new insights, while limiting distractions ensures I can focus deeply when inspiration strikes. These diverse approaches keep my creativity flowing!

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Jae Alexander, the founder and executive director of the Art, Music, and Literature Collaborative, embodies a journey of self-discovery turned into a mission of empowerment. From a young age, Jae searched for meaning and expression, finding solace and passion in the arts. Now, as an adult, he channels that longing to give back, recognizing the transformative power of artistic expression in nurturing individuality and self-esteem, especially among young minds.

At the Collaborative, Jae focuses on creating inclusive spaces where creativity can flourish. Through workshops, mentorship programs, and community events, he strives to empower individuals to explore their artistic voices, fostering confidence and connection. What excites Jae most is witnessing the growth and transformation in participants, as they not only develop their skills but also build lasting relationships with peers and mentors.

Looking ahead, the Collaborative is launching a series of community events, including an annual arts festival that will showcase local talent and provide a platform for emerging artists. Additionally, there are plans to expand programming to include digital arts, ensuring that more individuals can engage with and benefit from creative expression. Jae’s vision is to cultivate a vibrant, supportive community where everyone feels inspired to share their stories through art, music, and literature.

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, the three most impactful qualities have been resilience, empathy, and a commitment to lifelong learning.

Resilience: Navigating the challenges of building a nonprofit taught me the importance of perseverance. Setbacks are inevitable, but each one presents an opportunity to learn and grow. My advice for those starting out is to embrace failure as a stepping stone. Cultivate a mindset that sees obstacles as part of the process, and don’t hesitate to seek support from mentors or peers when things get tough.

Kindness: Understanding the diverse experiences and emotions of others has been crucial in connecting with participants and fostering a welcoming environment. To develop kindness, actively listen and engage with different perspectives. Volunteer or participate in community activities to gain insight into the lives of others, which will enrich your understanding and strengthen your relationships.

Commitment to Lifelong Learning: The arts are constantly evolving, and staying curious has allowed me to adapt and innovate. To cultivate this skill, embrace curiosity by exploring new areas of knowledge—whether through workshops, books, or online courses. Surround yourself with people who inspire you and challenge your thinking.

By focusing on these qualities, newcomers can build a strong foundation for their journeys, empowering them to make a meaningful impact in their communities.

What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?

In the past 12 months, my biggest area of growth has been my ability to adapt and scale the Art, Music, and Literature Collaborative at a rapid rate. As demand for our programs surged, I embraced the challenge of expanding our offerings and reaching more individuals in the community. This growth required not only refining our existing initiatives but also exploring new avenues, such as digital workshops and partnerships with local organizations.

I focused on enhancing my leadership skills, learning to delegate effectively and empower my team, which has been transformative. This experience taught me the importance of building a supportive network and fostering collaboration, both internally and externally. As we’ve grown, I’ve also become more attuned to the needs of our participants, allowing us to tailor our programs for greater impact.

This rapid development has been both exhilarating and humbling, reminding me that growth often comes from stepping outside of my comfort zone. I’m excited to continue this journey, knowing that each challenge brings opportunities for further learning and connection.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://amlcollaborative.org/about
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amlcollaborative/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D