We recently connected with Gene June and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Gene , 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?
A ton of trial and error. I failed a ton as a kid and in my life in general and yes it was terrible at times but I think my saving grace was that I was failing at things I was passionate about. Or “failing forward”, as some would say. Unbeknownst to me, I was failing myself into a position to be able to recognize what felt good to me (most importantly) but to others as well. In hindsight, it sounds funny to say that I developed confidence inadvertently but here I am and I’m grateful that I can trust myself in what I do.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
These days, my time’s pretty much dominated by three things, Music, Event Production, and Streaming/Gaming. I make a living doing a variety of production-based things (events, IP development, consulting), all the while aiming to carve out space in my life to honor and (ideally) monetize my artistic and streaming passions.
Most recently, I’ve worked on a beer festival that’s catered towards the ingratiation of black and brown communities into the craft beer world. Justifiably titled, “Change in the air fest”, where all of our proceeds go towards a scholarship that puts young black/brown kids who are interested in any aspect of the beer industry through school. To date, we have 3 graduates, 1 of whom is on our board for the event.
I’ve also recently worked on a grant program with our local library to institute classes rooted in audio, podcast, and video production for anyone over the age of 18. A very successful summertime event series titled, Picnic2000, our capital city’s New Year’s Eve celebration, “First Night Hartford” and a slew of others.
And yes, I still make a TON of music.
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?
Easily, patience, self-awareness/motivation, and faith. You need faith.
For the younger folk, stay the course. Try things, fail at things, change your mind, and change it again.
Don’t be afraid to start over, it’s a fine line but find a way to give and not give yourself the benefit of the doubt.
Feel your way through everything, and honor those feelings. You know on the inside what and who’s good, versus what and who’s not.
Celebrate your progress. Keep your ideas to yourself and your trusted few. Speak on things that’ve you done or are doing, never about what you’re about to do. People will listen to you vent and still steal your shit.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I am. I want to collaborate with folks who (this may come as a surprise), are genuinely open to and know how to collaborate. I love fresh takes on old ideas, I love efficiency, and I love when people/organizations are firm in either what can/can’t or willing/not willing to do. It makes the process of identifying roles so much easier and usually contributes to a super healthy workflow.
For anyone looking to connect/collaborate with me specifically, you can message me via socials (@genejunee) or email me at EugeneMortonJr@gmail.com. Let’s do something cool.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @gene.junee
- Twitter: @GeneJune_
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE6cMZ3Xsp_U7N3tVmTYUlw
Image Credits
Views by Hype Sweets and Sounds TrainingWithLB
