We recently connected with Noah Bland and have shared our conversation below.
Noah, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
Like many others in my community, I have the shared experience of looking around and seeing that you’re the only black or brown face in the room. This came with multiple feelings and life experiences that shaped me within my journey. I had to learn quickly how to be comfortable in my own skin. I had to trust my ability as the only black player on the baseball field and when I started my first corporate job at Abbott Nutrition HQ as being 1 of 2 black faces in my division. In my eyes, with these positions come the opportunity to exceed any expectations and to be great beyond measure. I have learned to focus on the task at hand and not let the outside distractions determine my outcome.
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?
I currently coordinate sponsorships and partnerships for accounts that specializes in event and artist solutions. From coordinating small private luxury events, concert tours, and artist + brand collaborations; I have found myself to truly enjoy playing a key part in the development of different brands and platforms.
What’s most exciting is that throughout my journey, I still feel like I’m fulfilling God’s purpose for me in some shape or form. Yes, it’s amazing to have helped produce the NOBU Malibu x Alec Monopoly brand campaign or have assisted with the event/media production for major non-profit organizations such as D up on Cancer and Make-a-Wish Foundation. What makes it so special is that for each project, I’m finding new ways to impact a different life or a new community. That is something I take very seriously and hold very close to me.
There are two projects that I’m really looking forward to this 2024. The International Coast Foundation is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to educating coastal communities worldwide on the imminent impacts of climate change-induced rising tides. We are currently curating a 3-day summit in Bali, Indonesia which includes a musical festival, educational speakers, and personal wellness opportunities. In addition, I’m working on exciting partnerships with Georgia colleges/universities and BlueTrax Studios to provide artist development education from engineering to curating one’s one events. This 10 suite music studio is housed right in the middle of East Atlanta Village at Rebelity Software. All of this comes back to my overarching goal to create my own business consulting firm to help assist causes and organizations that focus on making an impactful difference in their community. As I am currently in my business development and organizational stages, I am very excited to open my service to the community in 2024.
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?
Persistence/Grittiness I’ve always been the type of person that has been obsessed with the process within the journey. Knowing that every new experience comes with a series of successes and failures that allow us the opportunity to learn and grow. Truly believing in delayed gratification has been incremental in my life in order for me to continue the work to reach my end goal. Although, these have kept me persistent to reach my incremental goals as well.
Grace/Understanding (open-mindedness)
I have always a person that’s been curious on the reason behind others’ actions and feelings. For me, understanding why or how an individual got to the point they are now, helps set a direction on how to move forward. Or at least navigate what is currently going on. This curiosity has helped my personal relationships, business partnerships, and has pushed me to continue to grow as a leader.
Athletic Background
Playing on various baseball teams at a high level allowed me to work with different personalities, that necessarily were not congruent with mine. However, each season gave me the opportunity to help achieve a common goal, with teams that may not have much in common individually.
The one piece of advice that I would have for others is to embrace the highs and lows within your own personal journey. Meaning, take the time to understand your own thoughts and feelings at every point. How we navigate life is heavily dependent on our perspective of our situation. For those in their 20’s like myself, we need to take the time to educate ourselves before taking the step to impact and lead others.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
I first need to give all the thanks to God for blessing me with the skills and knowledge to become successful. Knowing that God has a plan for me and to be able to lean on my faith has helped me tremendously through any hardships. My parents have never failed to remind me where my blessings come from and to never settle with anything below exceptional. Being an only child has been something I’m grateful for, in the perspective that I had the opportunity to listen and understand the challenges in my parents’ life that I ended up experiencing myself. There have been many mentors in my life that have helped me through pivotal steps in my journey. My parents have been the most consistent people that have helped mold me into the person I am today. Life constantly changes, but faith, morals, and my joy will always stay consistent to overcome any challenges.
Contact Info:
- Website: Home (bluetraxstudio.com)
- Website: International Coast Foundation
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noahbland_/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noah-bland-ba535814a/
Image Credits
Felix Angel (RevelArt Productions) Nick May (MickNay Productions)
