Meet Paola Marquez-smith

We recently connected with Paola Marquez-smith and have shared our conversation below.

PAOLA, 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 deep self-knowledge, which I have cultivated through personal work in embracing, accepting, and forgiving myself—including the parts that don’t always meet my own standards. I have learned to forgive situations and people’s actions, recognizing that every challenge carries a lesson. Setting healthy boundaries provides me with a sense of peace, while self-love and self-care—ranging from basic needs like food, exercise, and rest to emotional care through compassion and patience—help me navigate difficult moments. I draw strength from learning how others cope, choosing the tools that work best for me, and reminding myself that every moment, no matter how challenging, is temporary and will pass. Accepting vulnerability as a source of strength has been crucial, as it has nourished my mind with positivity—whether through uplifting people, joyful experiences, music, nature walks, birdwatching, or simply taking a moment to enjoy the presence of animals. Gratitude serves as a powerful anchor, reminding me that despite hardships, there is always something to appreciate, and that mindset fuels my ability to move forward with resilience.

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?

I am a composer, psychologist, social worker, arts administrator, and executive coach, committed to creating music and programs that deeply connect with the human experience and drive social change. My multidisciplinary background allows me to weave psychology and social work into my compositions, crafting music that resonates with emotional depth and addresses important societal themes. Mentorship has been instrumental in shaping my artistic journey, helping me transform my passion for human psychology into a defining aspect of my musical voice.
Beyond composing, I am passionate about arts administration and executive coaching, and birding. where I develop programs that expand access to the arts in different communities. Through collaborations with schools and organizations, I work to create meaningful opportunities for young musicians, ensuring that music remains an accessible and transformative force. As an executive coach, I guide individuals in aligning their personal and professional aspirations, helping them navigate challenges and reach their fullest potential.
What excites me most is the way my work bridges cultures and fosters connections. My compositions have been performed internationally, and I have collaborated with ensembles, orchestras, and artists across the U.S., Colombia, Canada, Italy, and Australia. This global perspective allows me to use both music and leadership as tools for empowerment and positive change.
Every piece I compose and every program I develop reflects my mission to say the unspeakable Through my music, I strive to champion resilience, diversity, and transformation, ensuring that art remains a powerful catalyst for personal and collective growth.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, the three most impactful qualities in my journey are curiosity, resilience, and gratitude.

1. Curiosity has allowed me to continuously learn, explore new perspectives, and embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. By staying open to new ideas and experiences, I have evolved as a composer, psychologist, and arts leader. My advice to those early in their journey is to ask questions, seek mentorship, and never stop learning—every interaction and experience has something valuable to teach.

2. Resilience has been essential in navigating the uncertainties and setbacks that come with any meaningful pursuit. It comes from self-knowledge, self-compassion, and the ability to adapt while staying true to one’s purpose. To build resilience, I encourage others to embrace failure as part of the process, set healthy boundaries, practice self-care, and cultivate a mindset that sees challenges as stepping stones rather than roadblocks.

3. Gratitude has kept me grounded and motivated, reminding me that there is always something to appreciate even in difficult moments. It has helped me stay connected to the purpose behind my work and recognize the support of the people around me. I encourage those starting their journey to practice gratitude daily—whether by acknowledging small wins, expressing appreciation to mentors and collaborators, or simply reflecting on what brings them joy. These three qualities—curiosity, resilience, and gratitude—create a strong foundation for personal and professional growth, helping individuals navigate their path with purpose and fulfillment.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, I check my breathing and ask, “What is triggering me right now?” later, I ground myself by taking a moment to feel the floor beneath me and focus on my breath, allowing myself to regain a sense of presence and control. I intentionally slow down my pace, reminding myself that rushing only adds to the stress. To manage tasks effectively, I break them down into smaller, manageable steps, focusing on just one to three items at a time rather than trying to tackle everything at once. Additionally, I set boundaries to minimize distractions and protect my focus, whether that means limiting social media, pausing non-urgent conversations, or creating a quiet space to work. and asked myself, “what is the most kind gesture I can do for me right now?” These strategies help me regain clarity, reduce stress, and approach challenges with a calmer, more intentional mindset.

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Image Credits

Cover photo: Bryana Williams

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