Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Prof. Phelyx Hopkins. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Prof. Phelyx, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Great news! The most important thing one should absorb about impostor syndrome is that it affects most of us. Truly. In fact, while psychology is a major element in my work, I am not a psychologist. However, it is my firm belief that those who do not experience impostor syndrome are folks who are on a neurodivergent spectrum that I believe is still being properly identified (I actually believe we are all “on the spectrum”). You see?! I am running off track already!
I have learned that impostor syndrome regularly affects heroes of mine and that was the most validating discovery for me. Not only did I discover how common it is, I learned I was actually more like my heroes than I knew! Ha!
When that imposter monster has a hold of me, I seem to only be able to remember the times I wasn’t that great, or the times when things didn’t quite go as planned. It is tough! While it feels like turning a freight train around, to be honest, I watch footage of very famous and successful folks performing similar work and I can restore my awareness that I did become one of the best and will continue to improve. I’m proud of that.
Now, I am going to be honest with this next part because I don’t know if this comes primarily with age or experience. There comes the inevitable time when one finally learns how little most things matter. There was a time when having to sneeze whilst in front of an audience would have felt like a nightmare to me. Oh, boy! Since then, I have Emceed a 90-minute show with my trouser fly down, just as an example.
You know what? None of these things killed me. What’s more‽ This is what folks want. Relatable authenticity. Now, more than ever before, people just want you to be sincere and real, and authentic. EVERYBODY can do that!
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 am a comedic mentalist and I have loved doing this work for decades! Essentially, I am a mind-reader who doesn’t take himself too seriously. I have taken my shows all over the country and I truly feel like I am just getting started! I specialize in corporate and campus events and you can often find me headlining comedy clubs or playing cameo roles in music videos and sitcoms.
Because I have been going at this since 1978, I am also (finally) creating resources for younger entertainers, public speakers, educators, and people who function in similar roles. I would really like to provide information that was unavailable to me when I was “going pro”. While there is really no substitute for experience, some hand-me-down lessons sure can smooth out the inevitable turbulence that comes with any start-up business!
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?
Be well-rounded in your education and practice. As an example, if you are a stand-up comedian, don’t waste all of your time on joke writing! Remember to spend quality time with every facet of the business. There is character development, costuming, movement, vocal quality, timing, marketing, basic business, producing, contract negotiation, writing tech riders, understanding what your soundboard and lighting people are doing, touring and travel coordination, getting on podcasts and television shows, on and on and on.
Be brave.
This means asking questions, approaching mentors, talking with your heroes, asking for help, and asking for gigs… Also, never hold yourself back by performing some kind of “heroic martyrdom” or “courtesy” to another performer. Part of this journey will be solo and that’s okay. Take chances and opportunities as they come. DO trust your gut.
Be kind.
In showbiz, word travels fast and your reputation will arrive everywhere before you do. Opportunities are absolutely affected by your social credit score.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I have maintained a practice of collaboration with other artists and that has resulted in marvelous works of art! Oh, my! You and I would have to sit with some tea and an entire afternoon for me to tell you about half of these experiences.
I am always looking to collaborate and I have done so with musicians and musical acts, clowns, jugglers, burlesque dancers, Las Vegas Showgirls, magicians, contortionists, aerialists, poets, photographers, painters, sculptors, electricians, makers, filmography, producers, radio, podcast, television, film, clothing brands, antique dealers…
Frankly, I believe a wonderful collaboration can spring from any two individuals and I have a lecture about this very thing!
Contact Info:
- Website: phelyx.com
- Instagram: professorphelyx
- Facebook: professorphelyx
- Linkedin: phelyx
- Twitter: professorphelyx
- Youtube: Professor Phelyx
- Yelp: Professor Phelyx
Image Credits
Dave Wood Photography Athena Patacsil Truce Media
