Meet Marcus Ghiasi

We were lucky to catch up with Marcus Ghiasi recently and have shared our conversation below.

Marcus, 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 a process for me, one that’s taught me a lot about my own mindset. At first, I’d dismiss my achievements, feeling like they just happened by chance. But I realized that the work I put in really matters, and that’s what brought me here. Here are some of the things that have helped:

Reframing my thoughts – I remind myself that self-doubt isn’t a sign of lack of skill; it just means I care deeply about my work. Embracing that feeling has shifted my mindset from seeing self-doubt as a weakness to understanding it as a motivator to keep growing.

Setting realistic goals – Instead of comparing myself to a distant ideal of success, I set achievable goals for where I am right now. It keeps me grounded, and every small accomplishment builds my confidence and keeps me focused on my own journey rather than anyone else’s.

Celebrating wins, even small ones – Reflecting on what I’ve accomplished, even if it’s something simple, helps remind me that I’m moving forward. I’ve learned to pause and appreciate those moments, which reinforces my confidence and keeps imposter syndrome at bay.

Overall, overcoming imposter syndrome has been about building a healthier relationship with my self-doubt. By reframing it, setting realistic goals, and celebrating each step forward, I’ve come to see my own progress more clearly. Now, I view imposter syndrome less as a barrier and more as a reminder of my commitment to growth.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

My story is rooted in a love for connection and creativity, which has led me down a few different but complementary paths. Through The Best of SF and our newest addition, The Best of Oakland, I’m focused on celebrating the unique character of the Bay Area. These platforms give me the chance to connect communities and uplift local voices, businesses, and artists who might not always be in the spotlight. It’s an ongoing journey to capture what makes each place vibrant, especially as the Bay evolves, and I think the most exciting part is discovering how much is still left to explore and share.

In addition to curating these city experiences, I work as a therapist, supporting individuals as they navigate life’s challenges. Therapy has taught me so much about resilience and self-discovery, and it’s an honor to help others on their own paths to healing. My practice is focused on creating a space where people feel genuinely seen and supported, and I believe my background in creative projects has helped me bring a fresh perspective to therapy. I’m passionate about expanding access to mental health resources and making therapy a less intimidating experience, especially for those who may not feel it’s for them.

Then there’s my work with my band, Your Fearless Leader, where I explore another side of storytelling through music. We’ve got a new EP, Lost Letters, coming out soon, which has been a labor of love. Writing and performing music is such a different form of expression, and it gives me the chance to channel emotions and stories in a way that words alone sometimes can’t. Playing in the Bay Area, where people have a real appreciation for indie music, has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m excited to see how our music connects with others.

Professionally, I’m committed to expanding each of these projects and exploring the ways they can intersect. The Best of SF and The Best of Oakland are constantly evolving to feature new experiences and voices, and I’m looking into ways to bring a therapeutic angle into creative projects. I see so much potential to deepen the impact of these platforms.

Overall, my goal is to make meaningful connections—whether through a therapy session, a community event, or a new song release. Each venture brings its own rewards, and I’m excited to keep building spaces where people feel inspired, understood, and connected.

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?

Looking back, three qualities have been central to my journey: adaptability, empathy, and storytelling. Each of these has shaped the way I approach my work and connect with people across different fields.

First, adaptability has been invaluable. Moving between projects like The Best of SF, The Best of Oakland, my therapy practice, and my band, Your Fearless Leader, requires a flexible mindset. Adapting to each new situation, whether it’s working with a new client or collaborating with artists in the Bay Area, has helped me stay open to growth and fresh ideas. For anyone early in their journey, I’d recommend challenging yourself with diverse experiences, as they’ll build resilience and help you develop a toolkit of skills that will serve you across different projects.

Second, empathy has been at the heart of everything I do, especially in my therapy work. Understanding people’s stories, challenges, and motivations not only enriches my work as a therapist but also fuels my content creation and music. Developing empathy isn’t always easy, but one of the best ways to strengthen it is by genuinely listening to others—without judgment or the need to respond right away. Building this quality has allowed me to connect deeply with others and create projects that resonate with people on a personal level.

Lastly, storytelling is a skill that I find essential, whether it’s for The Best of SF, capturing the essence of the Bay, or writing lyrics for a song. Good storytelling can make any message more engaging and relatable. For those looking to improve in this area, I’d suggest studying various forms of storytelling—books, films, music, or even social media content—and analyzing what makes them compelling. Start experimenting with your own narrative style, and don’t be afraid to put a bit of yourself in your work. Authenticity is what ultimately makes stories memorable.

For anyone starting out, I’d say these three qualities—adaptability, empathy, and storytelling—will help you create meaningful work and build stronger connections. Each one can be nurtured through small, consistent actions that align with your values and interests. Embrace a learning mindset, stay curious about people’s perspectives, and tell stories that resonate with your own experiences.

Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?

My biggest area of growth over the past year has been learning to balance my different pursuits, each of which requires a unique set of skills and perspectives. Expanding The Best of SF to include The Best of Oakland has taught me how to scale and adapt while staying true to my original vision of showcasing the essence of each city. In my therapy practice, I’ve refined my approach by setting clearer boundaries—ending my sliding scale offerings and structuring my fees to support sustainable growth. It’s been a meaningful step toward recognizing my professional worth and creating a practice that’s both impactful and balanced.

At the same time, I’ve deepened my skills in storytelling, from creating visual content for local brands to exploring personal stories through music with Your Fearless Leader. These projects have allowed me to connect with people on both a professional and artistic level, and I’m excited to keep pushing that connection forward. Navigating this mix of client work, brand development, and creative production has helped me expand my expertise and understand the power of authenticity across different fields.

This past year, I’ve come to appreciate just how interconnected my roles are—each project adds new layers to my vision, and that’s allowed me to bring a stronger sense of adaptability, resilience, and intention to everything I do.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.marcusghiasitherapy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebestofsf/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=BSNJuaIX0CFAmLOt5X7vYQ
• Other: Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/6L94XX8aTFA0A4bmgaI52z?si=rdT5Yk4OQ82QyqwUoeurpQ

Image Credits

Marcus Ghiasi
Elijah Collins