We were lucky to catch up with Katie Shesko recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Katie, 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.
If I’m honest, I don’t think imposter syndrome is ever truly overcame. I think imposter syndrome is born of wanting to excel at what we’re passionate about and have that external validation that we are good at our craft and deserve to have a seat at the proverbial table. A feeling that we will never measure up. Which is an easy trap to fall into as a creative, where there is no winners or losers.
For me, it’s recognizing that some of my imposter syndrome comes from feeling like I’m not good enough, or smart enough, or pretty enough…or enough in general. Some of that stems from my childhood (and therapy has been great in helping me process that). Some of that stems from my perfectionist tendencies convinced that I’m not doing enough to be successful. I think the last part stems from not seeing many people like me successful – starting a creative career in her thirties with two kids. Sometimes that feels impossible.
So while I don’t think imposter syndrome is something I can completely overcome, there are some ways I keep it at bay.
One way is to rely on my support system. One person is my husband and partner in my music. He’s always there for me and helps remind me in my moments of feeling like I can’t do this, that i do have what it takes and that I am capable and deserving. It also helps to have a best friend who is also an independent musician in the same genre. We can talk about our struggles, bounce ideas of of each other, and champion each other.
The biggest thing is to believe in myself. To know that I am good at what I do. That I put my heart and soul into my music and that others appreciate it. I know that I bring joy to others as I play. To know that my journey is different than others, but it’s not any less valid. The inner thoughts are there to protect me from rejection and hurt. But they aren’t true. It’s on my rational side to know that I am capable, I know what I’m doing, and that I’m good at it.
I know that feelings of imposter syndrome might not go away, but that they are fleeting. I trust in myself, I trust in my support system, and I know that I can do anything I set myself to.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Katie Shesko is a multifaceted artist, renowned for her exceptional talents as a flutist and her dedication as a speedrunner. She plays captivating renditions of video game and anime music, through which she has carved a unique niche for herself in the world of entertainment. Her love for music ignited at a young age, and she soon discovered her affinity for the flute and was determined to merge her love of music with her love of video games.
Beyond her musical prowess, Katie Shesko is also a formidable force in the world of video games. As a dedicated speedrunner, she has conquered the demanding Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 100% EX category.
Her first album, Flute Gaming Chronicles, is a collection of classic video game cover songs. This album was followed by Flute of the Ancients EP and Elemental Journey, an original EP. In addition, she has released over 30 singles, including hit songs from Xenoblade Chronicles 3 and Tears of the Kingdom.
Katie will be performing at various conventions such as VGMCon and ColossalCon in 2024.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Surround yourself with supportive people. People that help you along your journey, cheer you on, help you through the tough times and will celebrates all your wins, no matter how big or small.
Learn about all the aspects of what you’re doing. Even if you hire out certain aspects, I think it’s important to have an understanding of what goes into every thing you are doing.
Most importantly, take time to practice and hone your craft. I’m a musician, and with all the hats I wear as a business owner, it’s easy to push off practicing music. But this is where my passion truly lies and it should be a priority in my working time. So make sure you take time for your original craft.
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
Learning work / life balance and the need for rest.
Unfortunately I dealt with health issues last year, which slowed me down and reduced what I was able to release. It was a big area of learning to deal with my mental health, redefine productivity, and learning that you either plan your rest, or it can be forced upon you.
As a high achieving, constantly working and hustling, it was really hard to slow down. But I learned a lot about how rest is necessary for a creative. It was also important to learn to not tie my self worth to what I can produce. That was a hard lesson to learn, but one that was so necessary and super helpful as I set my goals for 2024.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.KatieShesko.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/KatieSheskoFlute
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KatieShesko
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/KatieShesko
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@katieshesko
