Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Peter Hlavin. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Peter, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
In 2017, I had reached a low point in my life – emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Determined to turn things around, I leaned on a higher power and heard a calling to walk Camino Francés, the most famous of all Camino de Santiago routes in Spain, a 500-mile trek. Upon reaching the Camino’s final destination, the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, I felt inspired, rejuvenated, and reawakened spiritually. It was then that I decided to reinvent myself and let loose my bottled-up creative spirit. In a nutshell, I pushed my corporate career aside and committed to becoming a songwriter, visual artist, and executive producer of contemporary, positive, uplifting, and and journey-related songs, as well as immersive events.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
For over 25 years, I was involved in a host of corporate activities as executive, including investment banking, private equity, and corporate consulting/business development. Following my Camino journey, I pursued a path of songwriting, visual art, and immersive events. Along the way, I adpoted the “Journeyman” brand name (www.iamjourneyman.com). To date, I have written/co-written over 40 songs, of which 28 are currently streaming (four EP albums). I have also combined many of my my original songs with original visual art (e.g., paintings). This eventually led to combining song and art with immersive events, including concerts in the U.S. and Spain, the design, development, and installation of a one-of-a-kind labyrinth – Laberinto del Camino – along the Camino path in Spain, and performance art installations that included live music and dancers. Currently, I am working on my fifth “I Am Journeyman” album and the creation/installation of a “Pilgrim Garden” to be installed in small Spanish village that straddles Camino Francés.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I am very lucky to have been raised in a family that valued independence, education, hard work, and faith. With these pillars firmly established, I was able to embark on a successful corporate career. With a backbone of integrity, enthusiasm, creativity, and attention to detail, I had the faith to leverage my business skills and allow my creativity to guide me on a new path in the arts. Of course, I could not have made this transition without the support of artists who believed in my vision and with whom I joined in collaboration. As a two-time World Champion in Masters Track & Field (high jump), I have the discipline and competitive spirit to move towards desired goals and objectives.
My advice to those who are early in their journey is to follow your passions and don’t be afraid to “course correct” from time to time. Life is not a straight path. There are many twists and turns, as well as roadblocks. Set your focus, learn from your mistakes, and press forward with enthusiasm and self-determination. There are few shortcuts to success. It’s one step at a time.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
When I had reached a low-point in my life and began seeking answers, I read the book “The Alchemist,” by Brazilian author, Paulo Coelho. This book literally spoke to me, and the next thing I knew I was called (inspired) to walk the Camino in Spain.
One of the life changing nuggets of wisdom that I took away from this book is that we all have an opportunity to pursue a personal legacy or personal legend. Unfortunately, many give up along the way. In my personal development, giving up was/is simply not an option, despite life’s ups and downs. What drives me is my belief that if I can inspire others to use their natural gifts and talents, In turn, this will hopefully set off a chain reaction of inspiration that will ultimately lead to greater personal legacy building around the world from the ground floor.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.iamjourneyman.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamjourneyman17/
- Other: Journeyman songs are available on all streaming platforms. Keywords: Journeyman + Along the Way. The labyrinth in Spain, Laberinto del Camino, may be found on Google Maps by typing “Laberinto del Camino”
