Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dalida Arakelian. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Dalida, great to have you with us today and excited to have you share your wisdom with our readers. Over the years, after speaking with countless do-ers, makers, builders, entrepreneurs, artists and more we’ve noticed that the ability to take risks is central to almost all stories of triumph and so we’re really interested in hearing about your journey with risk and how you developed your risk-taking ability.
Practice. My intent of creating good is like a light, chasing out darkness. I use my intent as a barometer to assess if a risk is worth taking. By focusing on the positive impact my actions can lead to, the fear of rejection, failure, or disappointment that comes along with risk-taking feels small.
I ask myself, if I didn’t take the risk, raise my hand in the meeting, create a piece of music, take on or not take on a project… would my team members, community, and citizens of the world be better off?
Taking a risk means being okay with going against the status quo at times for a greater impact.
Listening to the needs and requirements around me combined with tapping into my own instincts guide my actions.
There are always dynamics beyond my own perspective that must be considered when I assess a risk, whether it is in a business or an ultra-creative setting.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m a content producer. I’m a pianist/composer. I make things happen to empower people and create a positive impact.
I translate knowledge and ideas to empower people around the world looking to improve their skills and careers.
I’ve produced thousands of hours of skills-based learning content for well-known tech companies such as LinkedIn Learning, Microsoft, Intuit, and Adobe.
As a content producer, I work closely with subject matter experts to elevate and translate their expertise into curated, effective learning outcomes. I feel fortunate to collaborate and learn from the thoughtfulness and expertise of every team member involved from directing, editing, graphics, content management, and publication, all to achieve the big picture vision of serving learners around the world.
I’m obsessed with being a helpful and resourceful bridge for the entire team involved to elevate the learners’ outcomes and experience.
As a pianist/composer, I translate emotion through the piano. create piano music as a reflection of life, like a storybook soundtrack of dreams and memories, to evoke a sense of inspiration and comfort. The piano and I became friends at the age of 5. As a classically trained pianist, performed in historic theaters and cozy venues throughout Southern California and found my way to create my own music without any formal training. I don’t follow any rules, other than trusting where the piano keys take me
What excites me everyday about my collective work is knowing that I’m part of the solution, to empower, inspire, and comfort. You don’t need a linear path to be productive and create meaningful work in this world. I’ve kept the piano a constant in my life while different aspects of my career evolved.
Prior to producing content for tech companies, I spent close to 10 years at UCLA. I completed my Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Public Health from UCLA. I produced programming alongside world-renowned neuroscience researchers, physicians, and thought leaders. I gave a TedX talk, conducted research on how music programming improved stress levels during the work week, and created employment opportunities for hundreds of musicians. I went on to earn a Certificate in Leadership and Management from the UCLA Anderson School of Management, Executive Program.
One might wonder, how are these related? Skills, mindset, and experiences are transferable. They can always be built upon. Working behind the scenes at a prestigious academic center meant learning to navigate resourcefully and collaborate with decision makers to make a meaningful impact. Having ambitious goals and executing them over and over again is applicable to any industry.
In terms of my personal creative output, I publish weekly articles on my LinkedIn feed and release new music on all streaming sites including Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Music.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Curiosity – Curiosity typically leads you down a road of solving a problem, in a unique way. There is some pain or trouble you might be experiencing and curiosity is a guide to get out of it. If you pursue what you’re curious about, you’ll not only find the best solution to a problem, you’ll also never be bored. And in fact, you’ll put more effort into the craft you’re curious about.
Agility – Step back, be open, and willing to adapt to opportunity that aligns with your values. Agility is not impulsivity. No, don’t jump on the next trend. Instead, assess where you need to go, tactfully, to benefit you and those around you. Not just you.
Empathy – Listen to learn. Judgment or distraction is not helpful. Be present and truly understanding where someone is coming from. Make eye contact and ask more questions. Imagine what it’s like to be in another person’s perspective.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
Wherever I am in my life, mentors have served as inspiring guides to help me keep moving forward. Since my teenage years, I’ve always seeked mentorship from successful entrepreneurs, writers, artists, teachers, and people who I admire for their work. Surround yourself with people who want to see you win. Then be that person that also wants to see others win. It’s a symbiotic relationship. I’ve had the same business mentor since I was in high school and others came along when I was in college to share their experiences in communications and leadership. There are others who have been mentors for a shorter amount of time. Get out there and be a mentor, you never know who you can help regardless of what stage of life they are in.
A big shout out to the Riordan Programs at the UCLA Anderson School of Management. They were there for me when I was an undergraduate student and I happily mentor a current student now.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dalidamusic/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dalidaa/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVQb7R8rkRaOZ3s0YZ_uSiw
- Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6IrpbeVmQ4fRPaDl85Amlp
Image Credits
Nicole Campbell
