Ep. 38: Elizabeth Rowe

Written By Christopher Still

Podcast Summary

In this episode, host Christopher Still speaks with acclaimed flutist Elizabeth Rowe about redefining success, moving past harsh self-criticism, addressing implicit bias in classical music, coping with professional setbacks, and making hard choices to align with your values.

Guest Bio

Elizabeth Rowe is the principal flute of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. She is also an advocate for women’s rights and gender equality in classical music and a career/leadership coach for musicians and other high achievers.

Key Takeaways

  • Don't reduce your identity solely to a job title or label. Figure out what success and fulfillment mean for you personally.

  • Meet yourself with compassion instead of criticism. Friendliness enables lasting excellence more than harshly driving yourself.

  • Acknowledge that everyone has implicit biases. Be honest about your limited experience with certain groups in leadership roles.

  • Fall with awareness and acceptance. Reflect on what you can learn personally from setbacks while recognizing institutional problems.

  • Make the uncomfortable choice you can understand and live with. Difficult experiences often prove to be immense gifts.

Memorable Quotes

  • "The way that we achieve sustained excellence is by meeting ourselves where we are with friendliness, with encouragement, with compassion."

  • "We are all biased. Before we can advocate for structural changes, we need to own our individual roles and responsibilities."

  • "Part of what is important to me as I'm moving through this myself is to be really clear that big feelings doesn't make something wrong."

Resources Mentioned

  • Elizabeth Rowe's website: https://iamelizabethrowe.com/

  • Book: "More Time to Think" by Nancy Kline

  • Elizabeth's guide: "The High Achiever's Guide to Moving Past Failure"

Connect with Elizabeth Rowe

  • Website: https://iamelizabethrowe.com/

  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamelizabeth.rowe

  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamelizabethrowe/

Additional Links

  • Elizabeth's TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7lbT0485wI&t=368s

 

Christopher Still https://www.honestypill.com
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