Meet Margot Lane

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

Hi Margot, so happy to have you with us today and there is so much we want to ask you about. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others developed certain skills or qualities that we are struggling with can be helpful. Along those lines, we’d love to hear from you about how you developed your ability to take risk?

I developed my ability to take risks by changing my perspective and approaching from a grounded, intentional mindset rather than assuming that big leaps automatically lead to big rewards. For me, it started with learning how to assess situations thoroughly—understanding not only what I might learn, but also what I needed to protect. Instead of rushing into decisions, I built a habit of breaking risks into smaller, manageable steps so I could stay focused, prepared, and aligned with my boundaries and long-term goals. I credit my humble household growing up in a blue collar town, where one worked for what they wanted to achieve and gain.
Over time, I realized that risk isn’t about being fearless—it’s about being willing to move forward with clarity and purpose even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed or what you might expect. I try to remain realistically optimistic: I believe in my capacity to grow and succeed, but I’m also aware that not every attempt will unfold perfectly. When things don’t go as planned, I don’t view it as failure; I treat it as feedback. Those moments give me a chance to reassess, recalibrate, and refine my approach with a stronger sense of direction toward that same goal.
By staying intentional, disciplined, and open to learning, I’ve built a risk-taking mindset that feels steady rather than impulsive—one that supports my work ethic and honors both opportunity and responsibility.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

Thank you; I am an artist and bandleader based in Los Angeles, California, known for a eclectic blend of rock, pop, and blues, with a rotating group of talented musicians. Drawing inspiration from roles as a human rights advocate and professional musician, my creative journey is as diverse as my background. Originally from Buffalo, New York, I bring over 19 years of experience in teaching, performing, and musical collaboration. In 2022, I channeled my energy into the studio, composing and recording the ambient album Mystic Woods. This EP release follows past singles including Cheap Love, Standing on the Edge, and Floating Embers. My latest endeavor involves transforming songs into a newly released piano based EP, with live performances continuing to fuel the creative evolution of my music.
Since moving to Los Angeles, California, I have been so fortunate and privileged to work with other amazing artists that included my childhood hero. So much so that my work extends beyond my own music—I have worked as a live musician, studio musician, and piano technician for iconic artists and productions such as Dick Dale, Elton John, Marco Antonio Solis, Kamyar, Saigon Broadcasting Television Network, and many more.
Additionally, I share my love for music knowledge through online courses like Beginner Piano 1, Artist Series: Taylor Swift Songs on Piano, and Pop Songs on platforms like Skillshare.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

One of the most important habits I developed was doing deep research before committing to any project, partnership, or offer. In the music industry—especially for women—this is essential. The landscape can be incredibly exciting, but it also requires due diligence and persistence. Not everyone’s best intentions and interests include doing right by you, so informed decision-making becomes a form of protection as well as empowerment.
Another quality that shaped my path was the ability to accept diverse work while maintaining firm personal boundaries. Early on, taking on a range of opportunities helps build experience, versatility, and visibility. However, it’s equally important to set reasonable expectations for yourself and others. Clarity in communication, a sense of self-respect, and a commitment to staying aligned with your values help prevent situations where your time, energy, or talent are undervalued.
Documentation has also been a cornerstone of my approach. In this industry, you can never document too much. Whether it’s gigs, shows, contracts, collaborations, or business agreements, always get terms in writing and hold people accountable—especially when it comes to fair and equal pay. This isn’t about distrust; it’s about professionalism and protecting the work you’ve invested your energy and time.
Finally, having a solid support group made all the difference. Surround yourself with people who can offer calculated, unbiased, and insightful feedback. These are the voices that help you see blind spots, refine your strategies, and keep your footing steady as you move toward your goals.
For those early in their journey, my advice is to cultivate these qualities with intention: research thoroughly, take mindful risks, honor your boundaries, document everything, and build a community that supports your growth. These practices will help you move forward with confidence, clarity, and resilience—no matter how the path evolves.

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

My current motto is: Everything in moderation and accepting roadblocks as kind corrections along the path.
I learned early on to fight for everything I wanted to achieve and this came from a firm conviction and motivation. However, fighting an inevitable course correction is not always the best response, especially when it seems clear that something is not right and it is necessary to rethink my presence in that space. I firmly believe we are sent messages and signs; if we are open to listening and receiving those messages, we can avoid many difficult situations. Trust the process.

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