We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tanner Adams a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Tanner, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
One crucial thing to understand is that the human experience is filled with highs and lows, and it’s often during these pivotal moments that we forget to pause and listen to what life might be teaching us. For me, it’s been both my highest highs and my lowest lows that have shaped my confidence and self-esteem. When you hit rock bottom, you gain a unique view of the steps that led you there, and with that awareness, you have a roadmap to climb back up – a reminder of the consequences of heading down the same path in the future.
I reached a peak depression after a lull in my career, and like many, I struggled to talk about it and didn’t seek help. The consequence was a prolonged period feeling like a person I couldn’t recognize. But when I finally emerged from that, I had a new kind of confidence – one rooted in self-awareness, purpose, and a deep understanding of my own resilience. This insight became a powerful tool, something I carry with me in every aspect of my life, a tool in my proverbial toolbox.
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’m a small-town kid from the Bible Belt who moved to the City of Angels to pursue my lifelong passion for storytelling. I’ve been on stage since I was nine, performing in plays and musicals, and by fifteen, I’d signed with my first talent agent, eventually walking runways for major brands. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work on commercials for companies like Yahoo! and to star in various television projects. My feature film Stupid Games is currently streaming on platforms like Tubi, Mometu, The CW, Vabble, and Amazon Prime. I have an insatiable drive to tell stories about vibrant, complex characters that resonate with audiences everywhere. I currently have a few projects in the works and cannot wait to share them with the world.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on my career, I believe the three most pivotal qualities have been resilience, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. Resilience is indispensable in an unpredictable industry like entertainment; the ability to bounce back from setbacks, see challenges as growth opportunities, and maintain a positive outlook has been essential.
Adaptability has been just as critical, especially when shifting between various projects on sometimes very short notice. Each project comes with its own demands, and the flexibility to pivot and learn new skills has allowed me to excel across different roles.
Finally, a commitment to lifelong learning has been a driving force. Whether diving into screenwriting theory, refining acting techniques, or exploring diverse stories, a curious mind has been invaluable.
For those just starting out, I recommend building resilience by embracing challenges and seeing rejections as stepping stones. Be open to roles that push your boundaries, as they build both skill and adaptability. And above all, keep learning – seek mentors, join industry conversations, and continually broaden your knowledge and perspective. Cultivating these qualities can help you navigate the complexities of the industry and truly thrive within it.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was allowing me to be myself. I come from a family of hard-working, practical thinkers, and in many ways, I’m the opposite. I’m a dreamer, with visions bigger than Texas and Arkansas combined, and my parents recognized that. For a lot of practical parents, that can be challenging, especially when you don’t come from wealth or have industry connections, and when you’re thousands of miles from major entertainment hubs. I’m sure they saw it as a longshot, a dream that I might eventually outgrow – but they never tried to push me away from it. In another universe, they might have nudged me toward something safer, but instead, they supported my creativity and let me explore the dreams that I was so driven by. That freedom has made all the difference.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tanneradams.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/super_tanner
- Twitter: https://www.x.com/super_tanner
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