We caught up with the brilliant and insightful KJ Rose a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
KJ , so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
I developed my confidence & self-esteem through developing a healthy set of reps – Rehearse + Repeat + Execute!! I was constantly in a Stage Fight with my Stage Fright.
Early in my career, I found myself trying to outrun my trepidation. until I realized that accepting it and then figuring out why it existed would be the tool for overcoming it.
Most of the fear came from being ill-prepared however, I learned that banking solid rehearsal hours until my performances became habit was key to building my confidence. It was the only way to outwork the doubt and take my power back from the feeling of inadequacy.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Keanna “KJ Rose” Henson is an effective change agent who serves as an Author, Empowerment Speaker, and Global Artist Development & Performance Director. She works with creatives, executives, and artists of all disciplines to expand their levels of Presence, Confidence and Connectivity. KJ is known for her unique ability to push people beyond their perceived capacity and help them discover unrealized potential. Her creative density & infectious energy attract brands such as Google, Amazon, L’Oréal, Sony Music, Disney, Nickelodeon, Pandora, Adidas, and many others who deem her to be the “Ultimate Solution” for their talent.
KJ has directed talent on national campaigns such as Doritos, Uber Eats, Taco Bell, and Roblox. She can be seen sharing her expertise on NBC’s News Now, Bloomberg News, WGN America, and NBC’s California Live. KJ has also worked with talent on shows that include the Superbowl, Saturday Night Live, and The VOICE. She has directed performances for artists like Saweetie, Andra Day, Tyla, Lil Nas X, Brittney Spencer, Erica Campbell, Alex Vaughn, The Lumineers, Rubi Rose, Lil T Jay, Polo G. 24K Goldn, Iann Dior and others. KJ has also performed with several legendary artists including Carl Thomas, Janet Jackson, Britney Spears, and Justin Timberlake to name a few.
KJ Rose believes that everyone is an artist, and wherever you occupy space, that is our stage. She encourages us to make it count by activating our Personal Star Power. KJ is a ‘Force’ affectionately known as “The Artist Whisperer” by Rolling Stone Magazine and “The Star Polisher” by Waymaker Magazine.
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?
The most important skills are to:
Show Up – This skill helped me realize that No one could show up like me of For me – I approached every goal with impenetrable relentlessness.
Embrace Your Force – This skill gave me the strength to excavate my personal assets…like Energy & Empathy to navigate my Assignment of Performance Development & Director.
Seize Your Power – This skilled gave me the confidence to champion my narrative and to stop asking for everyone else’s permission and validation to be great…I learned to Just Be.
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?
The book that has emboldened me to consider and champion my dopeness was one that I authored: “The Rose Effect, Eight Steps to Delivering the Performance of your Life”. I discovered wins that had been left behind – wins that would essentially help me harness the ability to accomplish new goals. I wrote my story while embodying feelings of inadequacy and fears of being judged – I wrote until those feelings not only dissipated but until I could grasp new messaging that would fully serve my brilliant present + future self. This book gave me an awakening to every ounce of potential that was lying dormant. And upon its completion, it became clear that “God does call the Qualified, he Qualifies the Called” ~ Corinthians 1:27
Contact Info:
- Website: kjrose.com
- Instagram: kjroseeffect
- Facebook: Keanna KJ Rose Henson
- Linkedin: Keanna “KJ Rose” Henson
- Twitter: kjroseeffect
Image Credits
Maya Darasaw for Madworks Photo @madworksphoto I HAVE THE WRITE TO USE THESE PHOTOS
