Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Leslie Becker. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Leslie, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
There are two beliefs that have always guided me. The first one is: God did not create us to fit in, but to stand out. I have actively chosen to walk my own path and not try to fit in. By simply being true to who I am I’ve been able to find success. The second belief, or more like a life’s motto has been: Never ask permission to enact a great idea. I think most people care so much about the approval of others that they often lose sight of their own gifts. In fact, my book The Organized Actor® which has remained the #1 organizational tool for actors for nearly 30 years, was an idea that hit like a lightening bolt. Instead of going around asking a bunch of people if it was a good idea, instead I pitched the idea to a bookseller, wrote it and sold it all in three days. I don’t say that to impress anybody, but to impress upon others, that when you decide what you want, you believe it’s possible, and you go out and do it, you can make anything happen. That one idea that I put into motion turned into a full-fledged business helping others succeed too.
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’ve been a lifetime multi-creative. I’ve been a Broadway actress, Billboard artist, bestselling author and top Empowerment Coach to Creatives. I don’t say any of that to impress you, but to impress UPON you that when you decide what you want, you believe it’s possible, and you go out an do it you can make anything happen.
It’s always been my mission to empower, entertain and educate others and to be a source of strength and bravery for the human spirit. I just believe in people and possibility. And as a coach I want to help you bring your art and entrepreneurship to life! I coach creative people of all kinds through books, one-on-one coaching, online courses and my podcast the Unstoppably Creative Podcast.
Along with my coaching practice, current projects include a musical I wrote that will have its World Premiere in Spring 2024, two new books, and preparing for a concert in late Fall. Be sure to download my free guide: 52 Ways to Level-Up Your Creative Career at my website lesliebecker.com
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 first quality would be courage. As a young person I was a certifiable chicken! I was scared of everything and thought that bravery was something you were born with and I didn’t have that gene. But in high school I was tired of being afraid and started really pushing myself to do the things I loved without fear. It wasn’t until recent years that I can actually say that I am brave.
Secondly, I’ve always loved people. I love connecting with people and connecting other people. You can’t go as far as your own vision without the help of others. People and connections are the pathway to success.
And most of all, you’ve got to have dreams and goals and write them down. But when you write them down, you’ve also got to believe they are possible and take action toward them everyday. No matter how big. I have always had the ability to set goals and achieve them. And even when I didn’t get there, the lessons and knowledge I gained from the journey were sometimes more valuable than the success of getting there. Remember you learn way more in times of struggle than in times of success. Don’t be afraid of the scary stuff.
If you are struggling with fear of doing something, remember the first step is always the scariest, but I say just go do it! And don’t be afraid to ask for help. People are more willing to help than you would ever imagine. And remember that you’re never too old, and it’s never too late. My debut single hit #4 on the Hot AC/Billboard chart at age 50. You really never know. And hey, if you’re in Nashville, you might see me playing at songwriter nights!
What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?
This is such an awesome question and one that has actually changed in our society over time. You know it used to be that people got a job and worked for the same company for 25 years and then retired. That’s all changed! Now many people switch jobs every three years.
When it comes to a creative career, I lean fully in the camp of being well rounded. I can honestly say that much of my success has come from having many skills instead of just one. For 25 years of my life I balanced a life a Broadway actress, writer and coach and each of those balanced each other out in terms of my skill sets that utilized the gifts God gave me.
To be clear, I don’t mean you should spread yourself too thin and never get really good at anything. But I think in the world now it’s almost a requirement to be well versed in many areas especially as a creative. When you’re starting out in any creative field, get as much experience as you can in all different things because that builds experience, wisdom and connections. Then as you start to mature and learn what you’re really good at, you can find those specialty skills that that make you stand out from the crowd.
Again, it all starts with a vision for what you want and if you see yourself making a career with your creative gifts, look hard at that vision and make sure you’re equipping yourself with the skills needed to bring you success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lesliebecker.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/thelesliebecker
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thelesliebecker/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/thelesliebecker
Image Credits
Some photos by Justin Patterson
