Meet Victoria Theodore

We recently connected with Victoria Theodore and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Victoria, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
I have always been curious, seeking knowledge everywhere I could. My curiosity led me into situations where I was often the “only” in multiple ways: only woman, only person of color, only person from low-income family, only younger person, and now, only older person. Thankfully, I have my mother’s stubbornness and I never let daunt me. Despite being the “only”, I’ve always known that I always strive to be the “best” version of myself, and that I am more than qualified in most circumstances that have drawn me in through my curiosity. My well earned confidence matched with my optimism and curiosity prevailed in every situation.

My experience with imposter syndrome has more to do with my own exacting standards than being the only one in the room. I’m quite certain that my perfectionism overwhelmed any sense of not belonging in a space. I just didn’t care what anyone else thought. When I was good, I knew it. When I was less than stellar, I knew it, and was my own worst critic. Outside opinion had no bearing on me.

On the other hand, I sought the approval of those who loved me: my parents, my family, my teachers. And I’ve spent years cultivating a practice of positivity and affirmation.

My formula for being effective / successful: don’t care about what anyone else thinks, be curious, be determined, practice affirmations to make sure I’m mentally and emotionally strong, be surrounded by people who offer loving encouragement.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m a professional pianist, composer, singer and educator. I usually have multiple projects going at once. At the moment, I’m co-creator of the band EnSPirits, with my incredibly talented partner, Dave Tweedie. EnSPirits was founded in 2019, was paused during the pandemic, and then did our first tour in the summer of 2023! Our music is fun, upbeat, danceable and infused with sprinkles of jazz. We call it “Disco Jazz”!

I’m also working on two musicals bound for Broadway (IMO 😉). The first is MARIAN, based on the life of opera diva, Marian Anderson. We’ve had a few very successful readings in NYC and are now looking to move into the next phase of development.

The second is Co-Founders, an original story about the intersection of race and technology. Dave and I joined the creative team in January 2023, and are excited about the next steps. Based in our home region, the Bay Area, Co-Founders has ground-breaking technology and an infectious soundtrack.

In 2024, I’m looking forward to more international travel, to further developing each of my musical projects, to writing more poetry, and starting on my memoir.

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?
Three of the qualities / skills that have most impacted my journey are: optimism, tenacity and kindness.

OPTIMISM
I’m optimistic by default, so no matter the situation, the disappointment, the challenge, the slight, I always believe that tomorrow is another day, and do whatever I need to do in order to shift into a positive state of mind.

TENACITY
I’m also extremely tenacious: I do not quit easily. Once I have an idea of what I want, I always find a way. However, I’m not so determined that I’ll cause harm to myself or to a situation. I am open to adapting my goals, and if for some reason it makes sense to change my goal, I will.

KINDNESS
I treat everyone with kindness and respect. I expect the best of people, and for the most part, people rise to the expectation. We’re all worthy of love, My ability to relate to other people, to make people feel valued, to be considerate has allowed me to stand out in a world where far too many people suffer from various forms of trauma that lead to bad behavior.

ADVICE
Cultivate a practice of wise optimism, determined tenacity and kindness. This can show up as being over-prepared for gigs, arriving to rehearsals, interviews and performances early, and extending grace to all people. Just be kind. Being a fun person, who’s easy to be around, also helps.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
My number one obstacle is time management. Running a business, composing and attempting to maintain my technical piano and vocal skills is a massive challenge. I read the work of several “self-help gurus”, and I recently came across an article that suggests working immediately upon waking: no email, no phone, no social media, no meditating, no exercise, just focus on the work that matters most to me. In my case, this is 3-4 hours in the morning of dedicated piano practice and / or music composition. Once that’s done, I can move on to meditation and working out. And only then do I shift my attention to running my business, completing administrative tasks and checking email and social media. It’s a much more satisfying way to plan my day.

The balance of being a business owner and an artist is very tricky, but I feel like I might have discovered the solution! At least for myself…

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Amina Touray Jay Julio Daniela Vesco

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