Remember it’s your dance after all | John Cole | TEDxBorrowdale

TL;DR

John Cole, a multi-award-winning choreographer from Zimbabwe, shares his journey from selling vegetables as a child to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the arts industry.

Transcript

foreign [Applause] I know we all ate there's a bit of energy hello everyone there we go you know I mean the snacks worked out great now all right my name is John Koh I'm a multi-wood-winning dance choreographer I'm a CEO of my own company which deals with PR in media and I'm the president for the Zimbabwe choreographers and dance Association and th... Read More

Key Insights

• 💦 John Cole's journey from a vegetable vendor to a renowned choreographer showcases the power of determination and hard work.
• 💃 He reshaped the dance industry in Zimbabwe by popularizing hip-hop dance and creating a demand for choreographers.
• 💪 Establishing a strong online presence and being "googable" helped John Cole gain recognition and opportunities internationally.
• 🥰 Success in the arts industry often requires sacrifices, including sacrificing family time and self-care, but the passion and fulfillment make it worthwhile.
• 💃 John Cole's journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring dancers and choreographers to pursue their dreams and strive for greatness.
• 🥰 The importance of recognizing one's own worth and demanding recognition for one's creativity is crucial in building a successful career in the arts.
• ❓ Success internationally requires persistence and continuously reaching out to promoters and networks to showcase one's talent.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did John Cole transition from being a vegetable vendor to a renowned choreographer?

John Cole's journey involved a strong work ethic, determination, and a mindset of becoming the best in his field. Through hard work and perseverance, he was able to establish himself as a respected choreographer.

Q: How did John Cole shape the dance industry in Zimbabwe?

John Cole played a significant role in shaping the dance industry in Zimbabwe by introducing hip-hop dance and popularizing it through performances and choreography. He created a ripple effect that made the industry more recognized and appreciated.

Q: What challenges did John Cole face in his career?

John Cole faced challenges such as being underestimated due to his background as a dancer and negotiating his worth as a choreographer. However, he overcame these challenges by demanding recognition for his creativity and talent.

Q: How did John Cole become successful internationally?

John Cole's success internationally came from his ability to showcase his talent through online platforms and social media. By creating a strong online presence, he gained recognition and opportunities to travel and perform around the world.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• John Cole started as a vegetable vendor in Zimbabwe before pursuing his passion for dance and music.

• He worked hard and developed a mindset of becoming the greatest choreographer, reshaping the dance industry in his country.

• Cole emphasized the importance of being "googable" and creating a strong online presence to establish a net worth and network.