In The Room with Ciara
In The Room Podcast’s very special Season 3 opener, Claudia and Madison sit down with the one and only, Ciara. We all know her as the Grammy-award winning singer and songwriter behind hit classics like “1, 2 Step,” “Goodies,” and “Level Up,” but she is also a businesswoman and entrepreneur behind multiple businesses. Ciara is the CEO and Founder of music label Beauty Marks Entertainment, through which she produced her latest album, as well as Co-Founder of The House of LR&C, a fashion house she started with husband Russell Wilson.
This week’s special episode walks through the themes of digital media’s transformation of the music industry, having a level up mentality, and surrounding yourself with people aligned to your vision. Let’s open the door.
Season 3 is brought to you by our partners at Silicon Valley Bank and Cooley.
Key Theme 1: Digital media’s transformation of the music industry
Ciara entered the music industry at an inflection point of when old school music production intersected with digital media’s transformation of the music industry. “Goodies,” which was released in 2004, was Ciara’s last song that launched heavily in the CD physical space. When “1, 2 Step” came out later in the year, digital media and streaming was already a key factor in the performance of records. Ciara feels lucky that was able to experience both old and new school music industries, making her a true timeless artist.
Key Theme 2: Having a level up mentality
For Ciara, “Level Up” and its meaning was inspired by her own life journey. The level up mentality is being your own boss, taking risks, being fearless, and refusing to settle. In order to be your best self, there is constant work to be done to reach another level of personal growth and potential. In true level up mentality fashion, Ciara didn’t stop at just writing and singing music but went on to create her own media production company. Fun fact: Ciara was also pregnant with her first daughter when writing “Level Up” and felt especially empowered to produce such a motivational song with a daughter on the way.
Key Theme 3: Surrounding yourself with people aligned to your vision
Part of the level up mentality is also surrounding yourself with people absolutely on your team. It means dropping the dead weight of those who do not align with and support your vision. Being aware of and managing your surroundings allows you to “play, change, and win the game.” Ciara’s journey is a testament to the thinking of why not me? “It’s important to encourage every young woman out there to know that, as I mentioned earlier, you know, you have all that it takes, everything that you need to thrive and survive and. You know, and achieve your goals. It’s within you. You just have to channel whatever those goals are.”
Thank you so much to Ciara for joining us on The Room Podcast, and we are so excited to kick-off a brand new season. This season, we will be joined with more visionary founders and funders that also asked why not me and now have created something great. We can’t wait!
