Meet Nyanza Shaw

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nyanza Shaw. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nyanza below.

Hi Nyanza, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?

My confidence and self-esteem are deeply rooted in the values my mother instilled in me from a young age. She always encouraged me to believe that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. Her emphasis on curiosity, exploration, and a love for reading fueled my passion for learning. She often reminded me that education is true power and taught me that as long as I know who I am, no one else can define me.

These lessons shaped my approach to life. I took my mother’s wisdom into the world with a strong sense of self and an unwavering belief in my ability to succeed. I set ambitious goals, like becoming a lawyer, and committed myself to making them a reality. Through hard work, determination, and confidence, I excelled in school, graduated at the top of my class in law school, and passed the California Bar on my first try. I was so confident in my success on the Bar that I would tell strangers I was going to pass on the first attempt. After law school and working at a few different firms to build my understanding of the practice of law, I launched my own firm which I have successfully run for over twenty years.

My confidence is also deeply reinforced by faith. A strong sense of faith gives me a solid foundation and further strengthens my self-belief. When you are confident in who you are, do the work, and believe in your worth, you naturally carry yourself with a heightened sense of self-esteem and confidence.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m an attorney and executive with over 25 years of experience in business, entertainment, sports, and media. My passion for becoming an entertainment lawyer stemmed from a deep commitment to protecting artists and creatives—ensuring their work is properly safeguarded, that they avoid unfavorable deals, and they receive the compensation they deserve. My career has always been rooted in service—whether it’s advocating for artists, mentoring the next generation, or supporting my community. I’m now excited to expand my impact by sharing my experience and knowledge through speaking engagements and teaching on business, entertainment, and growth strategies.

As the Founder and Principal Attorney of Shaw Esquire, a law firm with an entertainment and business law focus, I’m fortunate to work with a diverse range of clients. From established artists and production companies to emerging talent and entrepreneurs, I help them navigate the complex legal and business landscape of the TV, film, music, and media industries. My unique ability lies in bridging the gap between the creative and business sides, ensuring that ideas come to life in a way that’s both artistically fulfilling and legally sound. Through my advice and counsel, I provide clients with strategies for growing and scaling their brands and businesses.

During my recent in-house experience as Executive Vice President, Scripted Business and Legal Affairs at FremantleMedia North America, I managed all deal-making related to the development, production, and financing of their scripted series and new media content in the U.S. and advised international Fremantle companies on strategic approaches to deal making, guild issues, and compliance matters.

Beyond my professional work, mentoring is a personal passion of mine. I love sharing my experiences, offering guidance, and supporting the next generation of law students and young lawyers. My dedication to service also extends to my community involvement, where I’ve served as President of the John M. Langston Bar Association and currently sit on the Western Region Board of Directors for Step Up, a mentorship nonprofit for young girls, and the Board of Directors of The Library Foundation of Los Angeles.

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

My journey has been shaped by three key qualities: confidence, optimism, and resilience. These traits have anchored me through challenges and successes alike.

For those early in their journey, my advice is to let go of the concept of imposter syndrome. Remember, you are uniquely you, and if you’re in the room, you belong there. There’s a reason you’ve made it to that space, and your presence adds value. It’s natural to feel anxious or nervous in new situations, but don’t equate those feelings with a lack of worthiness. Instead, focus on understanding and managing those emotions, so they don’t undermine your sense of belonging.

Another essential piece of advice is to discover your “zone of genius.” This doesn’t have to be tied to a specific career or purpose—it could be a skill or talent that comes naturally to you but is challenging for others. Identify what makes you exceptional and lean into it, using it to your advantage in whatever you pursue.

Lastly, learn the power of saying “No.” In fact, there’s often more strength in what you decline than in what you accept. This isn’t just about setting boundaries—it’s about living intentionally and making choices that align with your values, goals, and well-being. Pay attention to that inner voice when something doesn’t feel right. Saying “No” when it matters most gives you the freedom and confidence to fully embrace the things you truly want to say “Yes” to.

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?

One book that has truly shaped my approach to life is Essentialism by Greg McKeown. This book is all about identifying and focusing on what is truly essential in our lives. It helped me distinguish between what’s genuinely important and what’s merely a distraction. One of the biggest lessons that this book provides insights on is the power of discernment—knowing the difference between wants and needs. To lead a fulfilling life, you have to prioritize what really matters and be willing to say “No” to everything that doesn’t. Although it’s challenging, this mindset shift has been transformative for me. Essentialism reinforced for me that by assessing what’s essential in all areas of life, you can gain clarity, focus, and a greater sense of purpose.

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Dexter Brown

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