Performing or working under someone can feel structured because you have guidance and someone to correct you when things go wrong. But what happens when you are both the artist on stage and the CEO calling the shots? That dual responsibility brings a unique set of pressures and decisions. We sat down with ALL’N, who balances life as a singer and CEO, to explore exactly how he manages this dual role. Here’s what he said!
Q. When an artist underperforms on a music show, the CEO criticises them. When you have a bad day on stage, what does that internal conversation look like?
A. “That is actually one of the strangest parts of being both the CEO and the artist. Normally, if an artist underperforms, there is someone above them who can give honest feedback. In my situation, the person responsible for the artist and the artist receiving the criticism are the same person.
That can become dangerous because you can either make excuses for yourself or become way too hard on yourself.
So I intentionally created outside accountability. I recently brought back my former choreographer and dance teacher from my trainee days because I know that if I want to improve, I need people around me who are willing to tell me when something is not good enough.
If I have a bad performance, I try not to make the conversation “You were terrible.” I try to make it specific: Was it breath control? Stamina? Timing? Movement? Nerves? What actually went wrong, and what can I change before the next stage?
It has also created a relationship I had never experienced before. I may be the CEO who hired someone, but when rehearsal starts, I also have to become the student and listen. That balance is definitely difficult, but I think learning how to accept constructive criticism while still leading the company has made me better at both roles.”
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