We were lucky to catch up with Nick Kelso recently and have shared our conversation below.

Nick, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Have you ever had an amazing boss, mentor or leader leading you? Can you us a story or anecdote that helps illustrate why this person was such a great leader and the impact they had on you or their team?

I’ve had a few amazing bosses and am lucky enough to have one now. They trust implicitly and lead by example. They are mentors and friends more than supervisors/superiors. I don’t “report to them.” We work together towards joint goals. We share things beyond work. We inspire each other. We laugh.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’ve been a rapper since 2nd grade, rapping at school and on the bus. I grew up on Tribe, PE, Biz Markie, the Beastie Boys, DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince. Rap was life for my brother and me. Car stereos. It was a realization of so much more existing beyond the suburb we grew up in. But I never expected rap to pay my bills until I landed a dream job teaching it for an after-school music program in 2006. Learned soooo much teaching across Portland schools for a few years, eventually helping lead the program and finding my path in nonprofit work. I can honestly attribute the work I do know in nonprofit fundraising to following my rap heart.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Heard a podcast the other day where a very serious creative bro was talking about goal VS vision. Maybe goals are smaller chunks, but I’d call my creative journey a vision because it’s never over, always changing, always moving to what’s next. I’m proud of my past work, but I know I would never make this or that beat or song the same way today, which I find super beautiful.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

I’m for sure a product of Thích Nhất Hạnh, Patrick Rhone, and Julia Cameron (The Artist Way). As I got older readings from these folks and others helped me lean back into what I love about art and life.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.hype.church
• Instagram: @illslur
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-kelso/