We recently connected with Josiah Bruny and have shared our conversation below.
Josiah, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Overcoming imposter syndrome wasn’t an overnight journey for me; it took time, patience, and a lot of self-reflection. Early on, I often felt like I wasn’t supposed to be in the spaces I found myself in, whether it was in the boardroom or at the front lines of community work. I questioned whether I truly deserved to be there or if my accomplishments were just a series of lucky breaks.
What helped me push through those feelings was recognizing that my experiences and perspective are unique and valuable. I stopped comparing myself to others and started embracing my own journey, flaws and all. I focused on the impact I wanted to make through Music Changing Lives rather than the fear of not measuring up.
Surrounding myself with mentors who believed in me, even when I didn’t fully believe in myself, was crucial. They reminded me that the doubt I felt was a sign that I was pushing boundaries and growing. I also learned to celebrate my successes, no matter how small, and to give myself permission to be a work in progress.
Ultimately, overcoming imposter syndrome meant accepting that it’s okay to feel like you don’t have all the answers, as long as you’re willing to keep learning and evolving. That’s how you turn doubt into a driving force for positive change.
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?
Absolutely! Through Music Changing Lives, I strive to empower youth by providing them with creative outlets in music, art, and education. We aim to nurture their talents and give them a platform to express themselves while learning valuable life skills. It’s not just about creativity; it’s about building confidence, leadership, and community.
The Changing Lives Association is an extension of that mission, where we address deeper community needs, like food insecurity and economic challenges, through programs like Hunger Relief Program IE. We’re passionate about bringing fresh, nutritious food to underserved areas, and I’m particularly proud of our work with the Uptown San Bernardino Urban Garden. There, we grow and give away fresh produce, supporting a healthier lifestyle and teaching communities about sustainability.
Our Know Justice Know Peace Mural Tours reflect our dedication to social justice, using art to educate and unite communities. Similarly, our Changing Lives Showcase celebrates youth achievements and inspires others by showing what’s possible with a little creativity and support.
Then there’s Tamu Melts, where we’re providing an experience the sweetness of serenity with our all-new candle and wax products. then our Monarch Cafe we are looking to bring together farm-to-table experiences in a way that emphasizes health and wellness, alongside our annual State of The Youth conference, which is a vibrant space where young people can voice their thoughts and learn about leadership.
What’s most exciting about all of this is seeing the real, tangible impact these projects have on people’s lives. Whether it’s a young artist finding their voice, a family enjoying fresh produce from our garden, or a community coming together for a mural project, it’s incredible to witness.
My family is my anchor. I’m a proud father of two beautiful boys, Micha and Josiah Jr. I love spending time with them outdoors, going on adventures, and watching them excel in sports. They inspire me every day to keep pushing forward, and being a father has taught me so much about patience, resilience, and the importance of nurturing growth.
Bruny Homes is a real estate development initiative focused on creating affordable and supportive housing in the Inland Empire. We’re building 72 apartment units in San Bernardino, with plans to provide not just homes but also community service spaces for artists, low-income families, and individuals who have experienced homelessness. It’s a vision I’m passionate about because everyone deserves a safe, stable place to live, and we’re committed to supporting justice-impacted individuals and helping them rebuild their lives.
I’m honored to be the first-ever Haitian American to serve as the Board President of California Arts Advocates. It’s a huge responsibility, but also a chance to further amplify the arts in communities that need it most. I’m looking forward to what the future holds and to continuing to make a positive difference, both through Music Changing Lives and beyond.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back on my journey, I would say the three most impactful qualities were resilience, community-mindedness, and adaptability. These traits shaped how I approached challenges, made decisions, and interacted with people along the way.
Resilience – Every journey has its setbacks, but resilience is what allowed me to push forward even when things didn’t go as planned. Starting Music Changing Lives wasn’t easy; there were financial obstacles, doubts, and times when it felt like the odds were stacked against us. But I learned to stay focused on the bigger picture and find strength in every setback. For those early in their journey, I would advise building resilience by embracing challenges as opportunities to grow. Stay committed to your vision, even when things get tough. Persistence and patience are key.
Community-Mindedness – I always believed in the power of community and collaboration. From the very beginning, Music Changing Lives was about creating opportunities for others, not just for myself. Building relationships with community members, partners, and supporters was essential to our growth. If you’re starting your journey, I encourage you to listen to your community. Understand their needs, find ways to give back, and build genuine connections. The more you invest in your community, the more they’ll support you in return.
Adaptability – The ability to adapt has been crucial. In a fast-changing world, especially post-pandemic, we had to constantly innovate and find new ways to reach and serve people. Whether it was creating virtual programs or expanding our offerings to include things like urban gardening, adaptability allowed us to stay relevant and continue making an impact. My advice is to always be open to change. Stay curious, learn new skills, and don’t be afraid to pivot if needed. Sometimes, the most unexpected paths lead to the greatest success.
To those at the beginning of their journey, focus on building these qualities: be resilient in the face of challenges, invest in your community, and remain adaptable. Each step, each challenge, is an opportunity to grow, and the more you cultivate these traits, the stronger and more effective your journey will be.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Absolutely, collaboration is at the heart of what we do, and we’re always looking for folks who share our vision of empowering communities through arts, education, and entrepreneurship. One of our most recent initiatives is the creation of the Men’s Council of the Inland Empire. This council is designed to bring together men from all backgrounds who are passionate about social entrepreneurship and making a positive impact. We aim to support and uplift men who are stepping up to lead, mentor, and create lasting change in our communities.
We’re also developing a think tank called Meeting of The Minds. It’s a space where organizations, community leaders, and change-makers can come together, share ideas, and develop innovative solutions to address the issues facing our neighborhoods. Our goal is to change the narrative and reshape how we think about community building and social impact, ensuring that no one is left behind.
We’re excited to connect with individuals and organizations that believe in collaboration and collective impact. Whether you’re a nonprofit, a business leader, or just someone with a passion for community service, we’d love to hear from you. If you’re interested in partnering or collaborating, please reach out to us at www.MusicChangingLives.org Together, we can create a brighter future for our community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.MusicChangingLives.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musicchanginglives/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MusicChangingLivesIE/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josiahbruny/
- Twitter: https://x.com/musicchanging
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/musicchanginglives
Image Credits
Music Changing Lives Staffer Josiah Bruny
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