We were lucky to catch up with Cali Three recently and have shared our conversation below.
Cali , we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
My resilience comes from a combination of my past experiences and the inspiration I draw from those who have shaped my journey. Life hasn’t always been easy—I’ve faced difficulties and moments of depression that could have easily pulled me down. However, I’ve learned to see these challenges as opportunities to grow stronger. My past experiences have taught me that even in the darkest times, there’s a way to move forward.
Music has been my ultimate therapy, a constant outlet for my emotions and a source of healing. Whenever I feel overwhelmed, creating and immersing myself in music helps me process my feelings and find clarity. It’s like a lifeline that grounds me and gives me purpose.
I also draw a lot of strength from my father, who passed away but continues to inspire me every day. He believed in me and my music, and his unwavering support is something I carry with me. His memory fuels my determination to keep moving forward, even when things get tough. It’s his influence that motivates me to continue the project Cali Three, ensuring that the music we create not only honors his legacy but also resonates with others who might be going through similar struggles.
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?
By day, I’m a cybersecurity professional, working to protect critical systems and data in a rapidly evolving digital world. By passion, I’m a musician, using my art to express emotions, connect with others, and tell meaningful stories. Balancing these two sides of my life gives me a unique perspective and fuels my drive to explore new ways of combining creativity and logic.
I also serve part-time in the Air National Guard, which has instilled in me discipline and adaptability, qualities that influence both my professional and creative endeavors.
One of my key projects is C3 Jams, where I collaborate with fellow musicians to create engaging content that dives into their artistry and experiences. It’s a space to celebrate diverse musical influences while fostering authentic connections through music and storytelling.
Right now, I’m focused on continuing to grow as both a professional and an artist. I’m working on new music that touches on themes of resilience and self-discovery, while also exploring collaborations with talented artists from various backgrounds. This year holds a lot of exciting possibilities, from live performances to releasing new content that reflects my journey and passions.
What I want people to know about my work is that it’s deeply rooted in personal experiences and a desire to connect. Whether through music or my professional endeavors, I aim to inspire others to embrace their strengths, overcome challenges, and never stop pursuing what matters most to them.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, three qualities and skills that have had the greatest impact on my journey are adaptability, resilience, and cultural awareness.
Traveling and working full-time in several countries has profoundly shaped me. Experiencing different cultures taught me to see the world through diverse perspectives, which has been invaluable in both my personal and professional life. In the IT industry, this adaptability helps me approach problems with an open mind and find creative solutions. In music, it has enriched my creativity, allowing me to draw inspiration from various cultures and stories.
Resilience has also been critical. Life, whether in the IT field, music, or otherwise, is full of challenges. Learning to bounce back from setbacks and keep moving forward has been a defining part of my journey. It’s not always easy, but every challenge has been an opportunity to grow stronger and more resourceful.
Lastly, consistency is something I’ve struggled with but have learned to value deeply. Progress in any field, whether as a musician honing their craft or an IT professional navigating a rapidly changing landscape, comes from steady effort. Consistency doesn’t mean perfection—it means showing up and giving your best, even when things get tough.
For anyone early in their journey, my advice is to stay patient and embrace these qualities. Be open to new experiences and perspectives—they’ll shape you in ways you can’t imagine. Build resilience by facing challenges head-on and viewing failures as stepping stones to success.
Also, in whatever you’re trying to accomplish, don’t rely too much on motivation. There’s no such thing as consistent motivation—it comes and goes. Instead, learn to build discipline. Discipline carries far greater weight than motivation because it’s what keeps you moving forward even when you don’t feel like it.
Oh, and if you can—travel. It broadens your mind, enriches your soul, and gives you a well of experiences to draw from, no matter your path in life.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, I pause and focus on grounding myself. Music is my go-to outlet—it helps me process emotions and reset. In my professional life, I prioritize tasks, breaking them into smaller, manageable steps to avoid feeling paralyzed by the bigger picture.
My advice is to take a step back, breathe, and focus on what you can do in the moment. Lean on your outlets, whether it’s creativity, physical activity, or a trusted support system. And remember, small, consistent steps forward are better than waiting for motivation to strike.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/cali_three
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@calithree
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