193: Erik Wahl - How To Rediscover Your Creative Genius
The Learning Leader Show With Ryan Hawk
First Paid Gigs and Early Momentum
Erik recalls his first $1,000 gig in LA and how early bookings snowballed through word-of-mouth.
Episode 193: Erik Wahl - How To Rediscover Your Creative Genius
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The Learning Leader Show
"Performing is not an act of extroversion, it's an act of connection."
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- The fascination with "live theatre" -- Erik is a performer on stage (art, speaking, message, theatrical)
- "Transport so the molecules in the room change"
- How to reverse engineer what we love
- What happened after Erik was told that "Art was not his strength"
- Relationship with money and success -- how it can be unhealthy
- Why artists have a different take on life... A life of philosophical gratitude
- "I built this plane as I flew it"
- Pursue mastery... Be insatiably curious on how to connect with audiences
- The power of vulnerability and why you should share more of yourself
- First paid gig? $1,000 in LA -- "I probably sucked."
- The tipping point to kick off his speaking/performing career
- The definition of being introverted... Erik is an introvert. He gains energy from alone time... Stage time is where the energy is spent
- Erik's writing process -- "Verbal Vomit" -- Fortunate to have great team of editors
- Why we should all study acting and stand up comedians
- Thinking, "What will fascinate the audience?"
- Pre speech routine -- Stretching, meditation. Taking energy from "Me and giving it to them"
- Decluttering of the mind. Meditate. Think at a higher level
- "Art is about producing... Thinking... Expanding consciousness"
- Understanding the value of being uncomfortable
- "Money is not important to us, we do not sell my paintings"
- Why audiences are drawn to authenticity and trust
- Why we should rehearse creativity on a regular basis
- How much does Erik get paid per speech now? $40,000
- New ideas? Holographs, Drones, Cirque Du Soleil
- "Pursue excellence, pursue mastery... Let the money come where it may"
"Creativity is a muscle that must face resistance to create more... Be stronger."
Continue Learning:
- Follow Erik on Twitter: @ErikWahl
- Read: The Spark and The Grind
- Read: Unthink: Rediscover Your Creative Genius
- Join our Facebook Group: The Learning Leader Community
- To Follow Me on Twitter: @RyanHawk12
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Episode 107: Simon Sinek – Leadership: It Starts With Why
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If you enjoyed hearing Erik Wahl on the show, please don't hesitate to send me a note on Twitter or email me.
Episode edited by the great J Scott Donnell
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