We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Wize Grazette a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Wize, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Looking back, what’s an important lesson you learned at a prior job?
I learned about the professional working world at my first internship. My boss at the time challenged me to “just get ‘er done” and I’m so blessed to have had that happen to me early in my career. I was so focused on following specific steps to get things done, and her stating that opened my eyes to “paths less travelled”.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Wize Grazette, and I’ve been passionate about podcasting since 2011. I was first introduced to it at Hunter College—a moment that completely changed my life. After running my own podcast for three years, I founded The Indie Creative Network (ICN.DJ) to connect independent Black and Brown podcast producers with the tools, resources, and support they need. Through ICN.DJ, we help creators streamline their production workflows, master industry-standard software, market their podcasts effectively, and make the process more affordable.
On August 3rd, 2025, ICN.DJ will celebrate 10 years—a milestone that reflects our commitment to elevating independent voices. One of the accomplishments I’m most proud of is expanding elements of our launch class into a STEAM-based curriculum for K-12 students. This has been in the works since 2018, and seven years later, I’m thrilled to continue this mission in New York, Charlotte, and Barbados alongside local leaders who share the vision.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
In 2019, after taking a product management course at General Assembly, I made the decision to shift to a digital membership model, allowing podcast creators to access resources and support remotely. This move was strategic, but what I didn’t anticipate was how essential it would become—when COVID hit, the shift to digital became crucial. The pandemic forced many businesses to go virtual, and my early pivot positioned me to adapt quickly. That moment also opened the door for me to relocate my podcast studio brand to Barbados, expanding my business beyond the U.S. while maintaining a digital-first approach.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
Word of mouth. Building strong relationships and delivering quality work have led to organic referrals, which continue to be my most reliable source of new clients.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.icn.dj
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealwize
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therealwize/
- Twitter: https://www.x.com/therealwize/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUcrF9ACD23C8yW_qC8x9Nw?sub_confirmation=1