Meet Kathleen Daidone

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kathleen Daidone a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Kathleen , looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

My work ethic took shape early in life. I’ve always been driven to set goals and see them through. It started in school — I wanted to do well not just to keep up, but because I discovered the satisfaction of doing something with care and purpose. I still remember my third-grade teacher’s “treasure chest” reward system for high-quality work — it taught me that effort and excellence lead to meaningful rewards.

Sports reinforced those lessons. As a softball pitcher, I learned that success doesn’t come without focus, dedication, and repetition. Earning a starting position required showing up, staying disciplined, and continually pushing myself to improve.

Hard work has never intimidated me. I’ve always believed that with consistency and commitment, any goal is achievable — and that mindset continues to guide me in everything I do.

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

My name is Kathleen Daidone, and I’m a music business entrepreneur and the founder of Code 3 Records Artist Services — a company I created to pioneer record label–style support for independent, self-published artists.

Since founding Code 3 Records in 2017, my mission has been to empower independent artists to take control of their music careers by providing the business foundation they need to succeed. From royalties and rights management to music promotion and sync licensing, we help artists maximize their earnings and protect their creative work in an ever-evolving industry.

What I find most rewarding is working directly with talented musicians — hearing their latest creations, watching their growth, and helping them reach new audiences. Every artist has a story worth hearing, and being part of their journey is a genuine privilege.

At its core, Code 3 Records is about access, authenticity, and empowerment. Music is for everyone, and I’m proud to be part of an industry movement that helps independent voices thrive.

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, I’d say the three most impactful qualities and skills in my journey have been believing in myself, staying humble, and staying organized while learning from mistakes.

First and foremost, self-belief is essential. You have to trust that you’re capable of achieving your goals — even when things feel uncertain. Self-reflection and remembering your past accomplishments can help build that confidence.

Second, humility and gratitude go a long way. Every milestone matters, but there’s always another challenge ahead. Staying grounded keeps you open to growth and connected to others who can support your journey.

And finally, organization and resilience are key. Success requires balance — taking care of your personal wellbeing, your family, and your work. Mistakes will happen, and that’s okay. They’re part of the process. Early on, I once lost important work because I hadn’t backed up my files — a tough lesson, but it taught me to build multiple backup systems and stay proactive. Every setback can be a setup for smarter systems and stronger habits.

For those just starting out, my advice is simple: believe in yourself, stay humble, stay organized, and never stop learning.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

Running and growing a business can feel overwhelming almost every day — there’s always more to do, more to plan, and more opportunities to chase, all while juggling everyday life. My father once told me, “You can step back and look at the big picture, but then you have to zoom in and tackle one task at a time.” That advice has stuck with me and continues to guide me on the busiest days.

When things start to feel like too much, I take a breath, make a to-do list, and focus on one task at a time. It’s simple but incredibly effective. And yes — my favorite part is checking items off that list. It keeps me focused, gives me small wins throughout the day, and reminds me that progress is being made, even when the workload feels huge.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.code3records.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/code3records/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Code3Records/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleen-daidone-b513421/
• Twitter: https://x.com/Code3Records
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@code3records
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@code.3.records

Image Credits

Logo by Red Dog Designs