Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Robin Conrad. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Robin, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
I have to start by saying I don’t think I’ve overcome imposter syndrome…it’s a work in progress! I’ve moved in a lot of different spaces (dance and choreography; academia, and now novel writing!) with highly qualified, motivated, amazing people. There’s often an impulse to compare my work to everyone else’s and then freak out, finding all the faults in what I’m doing (pretty typical imposter syndrome stuff). The negativity is of course, always turned inward. So, while I’m encouraging to my collaborators, colleagues, and students, I am quite skilled at making myself feel “less than.” Over the years though, I’ve focused on the excitement of my process rather than the product. I try to stay in the now space, the awe of creativity, the joy of connection with others, and the value of making the journey memorable.
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 am an interdisciplinary artist working primarily in the dance space. I advocate, through my scholarship and teaching, for the value of dance and movement—recognizing it as a way of thinking and a source of connection to oneself, others, and the environment. My research is heavily influenced by Philosophy and Cognitive Science and I absolutely love bringing conversations about dancing into these spaces. That said, I also find that sometimes in the academic world we can be siloed with all these fabulous ideas and people outside of our little worlds don’t have access to them. So I’m a big advocate for ways of disseminating scholarly work so broader audiences can engage with the ideas. This ethical approach toward inclusion brought me to experiment with creative writing. The result—a Middle Grade novel about my dog! Strange…yes! But exciting ideas from my research came to life in the world of talking animals and now hopefully in the near future young populations of readers can go on a fun adventure filled with thoughts on philosophy, friendship, the value of community, and the joy of sharing a good meal!!!
In addition to my novel, I’m currently a Visiting Professor at a fantastic university in Texas, where I’m teaching PhD, Masters and undergraduates, which has been a wonderful, invigorating challenge. I’ve also been writing and publishing papers on my work in academic journals and am in the process of writing a nonfiction book. Last year, I presented my research on dance, cognition, and aesthetics at conferences in Boston, New York City, and Warsaw, Poland. I’m also actively pursuing choreography and movement-directing jobs.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
One truly important quality for me is the desire to continuing learning, growing, and finding ways to be challenged and inspired. Another quality that I think it critical, is an openness to the inclusion of difference. This manifests in so many different ways but generally I think it requires holding space for disagreement with a generous spirit.
Lastly, I think everyone should DANCE (any form, any style, alone in your house, with friends, socially, in classes, professionally, etc)!!!
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
I have to credit my partner here! In the 20 or so years of our relationship, he has been an advocate in so many ways. In all the areas that I feel insecure (cue: imposter syndrome!!!), he’s not only a support but a reminder that I’ve felt this way before, AND that I have a consistent track record of working super hard and rising to any number of situations that have come up thus far on my artistic journey. It’s been crucial for me to have someone who’s always in my corner and who has the same kind of approach to life, leading with kindness. I also love that we are equally obsessed with our dog!!!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.robinconrad.com
- Instagram: @rocostar1
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robinconrad.roco/about
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/robin-conrad-rocostar1
