Meet Jacovie Burns

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jacovie Burns. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jacovie below.

Jacovie, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

Overcoming imposter syndrome has been an ongoing process… It has been a journey of self-discovery and resilience for me. As someone who’s been in the music industry for over 20 years, from scoring independent films to working with serval hundred creatives in different capacities. I’ve often found myself questioning whether I truly belonged in rooms with some of the most talented and renowned figures in the business. There were moments when I felt like a spectator rather than a contributor, despite my achievements.

The turning point came when I realized that the narrative of not being ‘enough’ was not just about my capabilities but about the deeply ingrained fear of being exposed as inadequate. I learned to shift my perspective by embracing the uniqueness of my journey, acknowledging my contributions to the industry, and understanding that my voice, no matter how different, had value.

I also leaned into mentorship—both giving and receiving. By helping emerging artists and peers navigate their paths, I began to see the power of my own experiences. Imposter syndrome started to fade when I recognized that every challenge I had faced was a testament to my growth, not a disqualification of my worth. Now, I remind myself that being authentic and committed to my craft is more important than meeting an imaginary standard of perfection.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m the founder of Sophomore Music, a Record Label and Entertainment Company dedicated to bringing authentic artist expression back to the industry. Our mission is to elevate artists who have a unique voice and story, breaking the mold of what’s typically expected in the music world. What excites me most about Sophomore Music is our commitment to quality over quantity; we’re not just about producing hits but creating lasting art that resonates.

One of our upcoming projects is a collaborative initiative that pairs emerging artists with established producers, providing a platform for new talent while celebrating the veterans who have shaped the industry. Beyond the music, I also run a Tax Firm, Tax2Go, that advocates for taxpayers across all 50 states. Our partnership with Equity Guardians reflects my broader vision of using my platforms to create meaningful change—whether that’s in music or financial security for families. Equity Guardians aims to end foreclosures in America by the year 2040.

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?

Three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are resilience, adaptability, and integrity. Resilience has helped me bounce back from setbacks, like the times when projects didn’t go as planned or when I faced industry gatekeeping. Adaptability allowed me to pivot, whether it was shifting from artist management to film scoring or expanding my business into new areas like tax advocacy. Integrity has kept me grounded, ensuring that every decision I make aligns with my values.

For those early in their journey, I’d say: embrace failure as part of the process, not a reflection of your worth. Develop a growth mindset; the industry evolves, and so should you. Finally, stay true to your core—success is fleeting, but your principles will guide you through the highs and lows. Surround yourself with people who believe in your vision, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

A recent book that has profoundly impacted my personal and professional growth is *The Untethered Soul* by Michael A. Singer. This transformative work resonated with me on multiple levels, reinforcing some of my core beliefs while articulating them in ways that broadened my understanding and shifted my perspective.

One of the most valuable insights I gained from the book was the importance of seeing situations from an external viewpoint. It taught me how to step outside of my immediate reactions and view my circumstances with a sense of detachment, almost as if I were an observer of my own life. This perspective was liberating because it reminded me that I am the lead character in my own story—fully capable of steering my path rather than being a passive participant.

The emphasis on introspection was another key takeaway. *The Untethered Soul* challenges us to be brutally honest with ourselves, to look inward without judgment, and to assess whether the image we project aligns with our true intentions and desires. It’s about taking responsibility for the narrative you’re living, recognizing that you have the power to change the story at any moment. This approach has been instrumental in my journey to overcome imposter syndrome and embrace authenticity, both in my personal life and in my work with Sophomore Music.

Ultimately, the book reinforced the idea that growth begins within. By cultivating a deeper awareness of our thoughts and actions, we can create a life that truly reflects who we are and what we stand for.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Paris Marie Productions

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Highlighter Series
What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?

We asked folks a question that led to many surprising answers – some sad, some

Highlighter Series
Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?

Culture, economic circumstances, family traditions, local customs and more can often influence us more than

Highlighter Series
What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?

We think this is an essential question because so often there is a disconnect between