Meet Iman Nazemzadeh

We recently connected with Iman Nazemzadeh and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Iman , thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.

As I was scrolling through the questions, this one stuck out cause I think at some point or another we are all challenged to face the question “do I know enough to speak on this? And will they believe me?” Imposter syndrome comes from a mind fear that quietly whispers “I’m not worthy”. To dispel this view I’ve learned to put the attention on the benefits others will receive that is more important than a self that believes it’s not worthy or enough. We don’t walk around all day with this syndrome believing, “this is who I am, intrinsically.” Understanding that we have so many aspects to us and that we aren’t one thing always at any given time helps me to not follow that voice and instead redirect my attention and energy to a voice that works for me and ultimately will benefit others. Sitting in meditation with the feeling of this fear without indulging in it or spinning a story has given me space around it and helps me further investigate where the feeling is coming from and “who” is having this feeling. Another method is to simply do your homework, preparation and research which may include getting support from someone who can assist you, so that you’re not left feeling like you’re carrying such a huge responsibility. One last thing… the beginners mind is essential to have at any stage of any profession. It invites curiosity and leaves a person open to continue learning. The teacher and student are interchangeable.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’ve been an actor in LA for almost 20 years now, working professionally. The most recent project I had the opportunity to work on is a short film I wrote and produced with my partner called “A Song For Gracie”. We took a very confronting question in our relationship and decided to explore it. The film explores grief and letting go.

I’ve also been very fortunate to teach acting at the Margie Haber Studio. It’s been a profoundly fulfilling experience working with actors and facilitating deeply intimate moments of their lives and helping them truthfully weave it into characters within a specific world of a play.

As a practicing Buddhist, my spiritual life plays a huge role in everything I do. Outside of that, and a practice that is conducive to my meditation practice is daily Tea Ceremony sits. I also offer weekly Tea Ceremony sits more traditional format to my students and anyone interested in a meditative practice through the leaf, and tea medicine. Having in anchor in an unpredictable world is incredibly helpful and grounding.

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?

I’ll mention four – Spiritual development, faith, compassion, and letting go.

When you begin to step outside of your own self importance and make others more important or equally important, you’ll notice a deeper happiness and peace begin to arise. You can find yourself in service to others. It doesn’t matter what you’re doing, it’s the mind with which you are doing it with. If you can get radically honest with yourself and see what is driving your choices you can learn so much about yourself and begin to choose your life more diligently, so you are now an active player in the world as opposed to one who may be reactive.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

My parents are both immigrants. I was born in Iran and left when I was three. The greatest thing and the most impactful is the challenges they faced to bring me and my brother to America for a better life and one filled with endless opportunities. I am forever grateful to them for doing that and can never repay them back for the value that still holds for me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @imanskee and @iteaceremony

Image Credits

John Davis Photography
Wynn Hirsh Photography