Meet Camilo Rodriguez

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Camilo Rodriguez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Camilo, thanks for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re very focused on here – improving our ability to make decisions. Everyday, we’re faced with decisions that can impact the future of our careers, businesses, relationships and more and so one of the most impactful areas for personal development, in our view, is decision-making. Can you talk to us about how you developed or improved your decision-making skills?

It’s a combination of experience, studying, and reflection.

When things go wrong (and have been addressed), I focus on identifying the behaviors or systems that allowed the problem to arise. I then determine what changes are needed to prevent it from happening again. Mistakes can’t always be predicted or prevented the first time, but they absolutely can the next time. This aligns with the saying, “Regulations are written in blood” — meaning we often learn through hard lessons.

However, effective decision-making isn’t just about focusing on what went wrong; it’s equally important to recognize and build on what went right. When good decisions or systems yield positive results, I aim to understand why they worked and apply those principles elsewhere. Combining this focus on both successes and failures creates a balanced approach to continuous improvement.

Finally, learning solely from personal mistakes and successes is limiting. That’s where studying comes in. By examining the experiences and failures of others, both colleagues and in history, we can find smarter ways forward without repeating those mistakes ourselves. As the saying goes, “Intelligence is learning from your mistakes; wisdom is learning from other people’s.”

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

My name is Camilo Rodriguez, and I’m a music producer. I am also the Graduate Program Director for Media Scoring and Production, at the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music. My professional journey is a blend of artistic creativity and academic dedication, and I am thrilled to share my story with you.

I have had the privilege of working with renown artists in the Latin/Colombian music industry, and to contribute to major cultural events, such as the Carnaval de Barranquilla and the Juegos Centro Americanos y del Caribe. My expertise in production and mixing has earned me accolades and opportunities. These experiences have not only honed my technical skills but also deepened my appreciation for the cultural and emotional impact of music.

What excites me most about my work is the opportunity to blend my professional experiences with my academic role. When producing music, I frequently discover new techniques or strategies, and I’m most excited to share them with my students. The ability to inspire and be inspired by my students is incredibly rewarding.

My goal is to equip the next generation of music producers and media composers with the knowledge and skills they need to create innovative and compelling music. I am passionate about fostering a collaborative and creative learning environment where students can explore their artistic potential, and where students can learn just as much (if not more) from each other than from faculty.

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

The three most impactful skills in my journey have been, preparation , troubleshooting/finding opportunities in difficult situations, and networking.

First, preparation has been a game-changer. Reading up, researching, and studying what you’re getting into makes a massive difference. I’ve been able to teach seasoned professionals new tricks on their own consoles—tricks that were right there in the console manual but often overlooked. Being prepared not only helps you perform better, but it also builds trust and credibility. The best way to develop this skill is by making research a habit. Before any session, gig, or meeting, take time to learn about the tools, the people, and the potential challenges. Even if you don’t use everything you learn immediately, the knowledge will be there when you need it.

Second, troubleshooting and looking for opportunities in difficult situations has saved me more times than I can count. Things rarely go exactly as planned, and the ability to think on your feet is invaluable. We tend to focus on what’s going wrong, and while addressing issues is necessary, sometimes those moments present bigger opportunities. For example, I’ve been in situations where a session wasn’t going as expected—maybe a piece of gear wasn’t working. Instead of panicking, I’ve found ways to pivot, whether that’s using an alternative setup (pull out the Scarlett 2i2), discovering a new technique in the process, or even impressing a client with quick thinking. Developing this skill comes from experience (massively sped up by preparing), but a good way to start is by intentionally putting yourself in problem-solving situations—take on projects outside your comfort zone and get comfortable troubleshooting under pressure. Just slow down and take a deep breath!

Lastly, networking is crucial. Success isn’t just about talent—it’s also about putting yourself in the right places. Every event, every conference, and every chance encounter is another roll of the dice. I’ve landed gigs, collaborations, and valuable industry insights just by showing up and talking to people. It’s easy to think networking is about handing out business cards, but it’s really about building genuine relationships. My advice to those starting out is to be present—go to events, talk to people, and stay connected. You never know which interaction might lead to an opportunity. It may also not be the opportunity you thought – but don’t be shy about leaning into success!

For those early in their journey, it’s important to understand that hard work isn’t a guarantee of success—it’s just the price of admission. Beyond working hard, you need to show up on time, be prepared, and stay adaptable for whatever unexpected challenges come your way. That’s what sets people apart in the long run. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.

Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?

I think it should be a combination of both. Certain weaknesses need to be addressed—not necessarily to the point of mastery, but enough that you can navigate them confidently. Even if a skill remains a relative weakness, working on it to a functional level allows you to communicate effectively with others who specialize in that area and ensures you’re not left in the dark when collaborating or making critical decisions. For example, if you’re a producer but don’t mix, having a basic understanding of mixing allows you to give useful feedback, know when something isn’t right, and avoid being taken advantage of.

I’ve heard this concept described as a “T-shape” skill set. The idea is that you develop deep expertise in one core area—let’s say you’re an exceptional beatmaker—but you also build a solid (though not expert) foundation in related skills like songwriting, arranging, and mixing. This broader understanding lets you collaborate more effectively, communicate with specialists in those areas, and make informed creative decisions.

I’ve personally seen the benefits of this balance. Early in my career, I focused heavily on music production but realized that having at least a working knowledge of contracts, marketing, and networking made a massive difference in how I navigated opportunities. I didn’t need to become a lawyer or a branding expert, but understanding the basics helped me ask the right questions and recognize when I needed to bring in a professional.

So in short, go all in on your strengths, but don’t neglect the surrounding skills that support and enhance what you do. The goal isn’t to be a jack-of-all-trades but to be well-rounded enough that you can confidently collaborate, communicate, and avoid pitfalls in your field.

Contact Info:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/camilorodriguezmusic/