We were lucky to catch up with Steven Williams recently and have shared our conversation below.
Steven, 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.
I honestly can’t say I’ve overcome it, because from time to time it will rear its ugly head, but I have learned to deal with it. In recent years, I have found myself in rooms with the people I admire, consider my heroes if you will, and wonder to myself “how did I get here?” Praise and admiration from those around me seems to be undeserving at times. I used to just consider it being humble, and I suppose on some level it is, but more so it is this feeling that I shouldn’t be in the position(s) I’m in at times. But the thing that has changed for me lately is realizing all of the work and effort I have put in to be where I am today. To know that I didn’t just end up in the room with my heroes because someone left a door open and I snuck in. To know the praise I get for my work comes for putting in long hours over many years to improve my skills. All of it I’ve earned and I am not only good enough to be here, I deserve it and I accept it without ego.
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 currently have multiple projects in motion. I have an independent Drum & Bass label called Bad Seed Creations, going into its 3rd year. We are super excited about the plans we have for the upcoming year with lots of amazing music from some very talented artists that we are proud to be spotlighting. I also run the Atlanta DJ Collective, which started during the pandemic as an outlet for DJs to come together in one place as a unit. We have since expanded on what ADJC is, showcasing the talented DJs of Atlanta, getting them worldwide exposure and will be expanding on this idea soon. As an off shoot of that, myself and my partner D:RC took over management of the longest running local Drum & Bass event in Atlanta, Torch DNB, a few years ago. We will be celebrating the 15th anniversary of Torch this summer, continuing the mission of providing opportunities for our locals for as long as we possibly can.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The ability to adapt is an important one I learned a long time ago. Things change so quickly these days and if you don’t learn to adapt, you will very quickly get left behind. Curiosity in new things has helped me find new skills and information that has aided me over the years. But most importantly, passion has been a driving force for all things I do. Without a passion for what you do, you’ll often wonder why you even bother and look for ways to give up.
My advice would be to find something you are most passionate about and pursue that. Others may have ideas for paths for you to follow, something they think would be best for you, but you should go with the path that makes you happiest and that is usually the one that you have the most passion for. That love you have for that thing will always push you forward, regardless of what anyone else says.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
I have to say I have the best group of people in my life for this. Whenever there is something that I am uncertain about or need to bounce ideas off of, there is someone for every aspect. First, I would have to mention my partner in Torch DNB, D:RC. He is absolutely invaluable to what we do and he will take my sometimes crazy ideas and expand on them, where others may attempt to shut them down for lack of vision. I have learned a ton from Brandon Couturier and MJ Lee from Jungle Bells over the last few years as well. There are many others that be too many to list, the most impactful would be my wife, Dorian. She has such a different perspective of things not being in our industry, that I don’t think I would be as successful without her support, insight, and advice.
Contact Info:
- Website: badseedcreations.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/subconsciousbsc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/subconsciousbsc
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@atlantadjcollective
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/subconsciousbsc
Image Credits
Evelyn @ Shutter Spin Photography, Nathalie @ Xtra Imagez, Jeremy @ Wingtip Studios
