We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nicole Anderson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Nicole, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
My resilience comes from an unshakable passion for music and the belief that this is what I’m meant to do. Music isn’t just my career—it’s my calling. I’ve faced doubt from others and even from myself, but I’ve learned that honoring my purpose means pushing forward, no matter how hard it gets.
When no one wanted to collaborate with me, I made a promise: if no one else would teach me or work with me, I’d teach myself. Creating felt impossible at first, but I turned that frustration into fuel. That determination not only led me to teach myself but also connected me with a mentor who believed in me and helped me achieve my goal.
For me, resilience is more than enduring challenges—it’s transforming them. Growth happens when you lean into discomfort, learn from every failure, and rise stronger. That’s the energy I bring to everything I do, and it’s how I’ll approach every opportunity and challenge ahead.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Music has always been more than a career to me—it’s been my purpose, my heartbeat, and the lens through which I see the world. From singing before I could even talk to playing drums at age 7 in New Orleans, every note I’ve ever played or sung has been part of a bigger story. My path took me to Berklee College of Music on a scholarship,Thanks to The Roots of Music and Berklee City Music, where I earned a degree in music business, but it was my relentless drive that shaped my journey. In 2017, I took a leap into audio engineering, and since then, I’ve poured every ounce of myself into perfecting my craft.
In 2023, I was honored to win a Grammy, a dream I thought was impossible at one point. But that victory was more than just a recognition of my work—it was proof that staying true to your passion, no matter the obstacles, can lead you to places you never imagined.
Along the way, I’ve learned the power of turning setbacks into stepping stones, and that’s what I want to give to others. Beyond my own music, I’ve made it my mission to help other artists find their voice, understand the complexities of the music business, and break through the challenges they face. As a consultant and mentor, I work closely with artists, guiding them through songwriting, career strategies, and business decisions that align with their true vision.
I believe in leading with integrity, honesty, and a genuine desire to see others succeed. For me, resilience isn’t just about pushing through—it’s about lifting others as you rise. It’s about showing that no dream is too big, no setback is too great, and that with persistence, authenticity, and heart, anything is possible.
Right now, I’m focused on new music, collaborations, and expanding my reach—not just as an artist, but as someone who can create a ripple effect of positivity and empowerment. My journey is far from over, and I’m excited to continue learning, growing, and helping others do the same and I’m here to make sure that every note, every song, and every moment I create is meaningful, purposeful, and leaves a lasting impact.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Self-Belief: True self-belief is the courage to take your life into your own hands, to stop waiting for permission, and to stop seeking validation from others. It’s about realizing that you are not a victim to your past or your circumstances—you are the author of your story. There were times in my journey when I had to face my own doubts and insecurities, but I learned that the only way to move forward was to trust in myself, even when the road was unclear. We all have the power to create a better version of ourselves each day, no matter what we’ve been through. My advice to anyone starting out is this: don’t let your past define you, and don’t wait for anyone else to tell you your worth. Believe in your own strength, your ability to rise, and your potential to transform. You have everything inside of you to build the life you want—just take that first step, and trust that you are enough.
Adaptability: Adaptability is about being a chameleon in life, understanding that everyone comes with their own story, emotions, and experiences. It’s about being emotionally intelligent enough to navigate those differences without judgment, seeing the world from their perspective, and responding in a way that’s empathetic and genuine. Life constantly shifts, and people’s emotions and needs are fluid. To truly connect with others and build meaningful relationships, you have to be prepared to adapt to those shifts. You need to approach every situation with an open heart, without assumptions, and with a willingness to meet people where they are. My advice is to practice non-judgment, stay present, and be open to understanding. When you can adjust to your surroundings with empathy and awareness, you not only grow as a person, but you also create deeper, more authentic connections with those around you.
Commitment to Continuous Growth: True growth begins in the mind. It’s about breaking free from old patterns, questioning the thoughts that hold you back, and consciously choosing to rise above. I’ve immersed myself in the teachings of visionaries like Joe Dispenza and Neville Goddard, learning how to navigate a world that often reacts instead of reflects. What I’ve discovered is profound: the power to transform your life lies in mastering your thoughts and emotions.
Growth isn’t just about chasing goals—it’s about becoming the person who can achieve them. It’s about taking ownership of your reality, understanding that every thought, every choice, and every moment matters. A big part of that is refusing to let outside influences—media, peer pressure, societal trends, or groupthink—dictate your path. When you align with your own values and truth, you create a life that’s genuinely yours.
If you’re just starting out, my advice is simple yet powerful: be intentional with your mind. Surround yourself with ideas that inspire you, people who uplift you, and knowledge that expands you. Every day, you have the chance to let go of what no longer serves you and step into the best version of yourself. Growth isn’t a task—it’s a gift you give yourself, one decision at a time.
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?
Yes, I’m always looking to connect with both artists and mentors. For artists, I’m eager to work with those who are passionate, authentic, and ready to explore new creative heights—whether it’s through songwriting, production, or building a meaningful career in music.
For mentors, I deeply value the guidance and wisdom of those who have walked the path before me. I believe in the power of learning from others’ experiences and insights, and I’m always open to connecting with individuals who can help me grow both personally and professionally.
If you’re an artist looking to create something unique or a mentor who’s willing to share your knowledge and perspective, I’d love to connect.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @yoshitpoo
Image Credits
Zak Lav
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