We recently had the chance to connect with Tammy Takaishi and have shared our conversation below.
Tammy, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. Who are you learning from right now?
Who I’m learning from right now is two-fold. I’m constantly learning from my supervisors at work; everything from concise and interesting presentations to building my own skills as a supervisor. But I’m also learning from my interns. I absolutely love having interns and it’s an integral part of our field. Interns help me learn to hone skills that I wouldn’t necessarily get in other areas of a workplace, and they are so creative and innovative. I love that they come in with fresh ideas, but are also eager to learn from me. It’s a beautiful, symbiotic two-way street in which all people learn, grow, and level up as professionals and people.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a Board Certified-Music Therapist and work full-time in the medical field, while also running and hosting a creative arts interview podcast, Creative Peacemeal. I’m so proud of both the work I do in my career, as well as for the podcast. The podcast is a top 5% globally ranked show (and rising!). As of press-time, the show is almost 5 years old and I am blown away at the success and acclaim it’s gotten. I’m also really excited about where the show is headed in the new year!
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
There have been a few at different points in life, all resonating and having an impact on me. But going chronologically, one of my earliest was a violin teacher who believed in me and was so compassionate in her teaching style. Not that I didn’t believe in myself–I did–but she empowered me in ways I hadn’t experienced prior from music educators, or mentors. Since then, I am grateful to have had other wonderful people come into my life who have helped me realize my power and potential in ways I hadn’t imagined before.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Oh gosh, this is a heavy one, but such a great question! I would tell my younger self not to feel bad about certain choices made. I’d say that I was doing the best with the information I had at the time, and the kind of person I was at the time. I’d tell myself that regardless of what happened back then, that I’d emerge one day and I’d be living my best life–something I’d only dreamed of would actually have come true, and in ways better than I’d ever imagined and hoped. In short, to keep hanging on because it gets better, and I get stronger.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Authenticity. Being authentic to oneself, and in life, And that authenticity is infectious, and bleeds into everything you do. People pick up on it (or lack of it!) and that shapes everything from our own happiness, to the relationships we keep, and the work we do etc.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Absolutely! Is praise nice, and helpful? Yes. I mean, who doesn’t love a good compliment? But that doesn’t mean I need it to accomplish my goals or give my best. I give my best because I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if I didn’t. Simple as that.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.creativepeacemeal.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creative_peacemeal_podcast/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creativepeacemealpod/
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@creativepeacemealpodcast
Image Credits
Tammy Takaishi
Kathryn Jenson
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