An artist’s work speaks a language that needs no translation and their spirit is communicated best through their expression. Richy Squirrel is one such artist who is the star-making secret weapon behind many of today's top recording artists. Richy is a choreographer and creative director who has worked with notable names and brands including Nicki Minaj, Katy Perry, Meghan Trainor, Nick Jonas, Barbie Inc., Jack In The Box, Jojo Siwa, and the legendary Lady Gaga.  He has established himself in the industry as the choreographer of everything entertainment and today Richy continues to create inspired artistic interpretations for artists both established and yet- proven. Don’t wait, get right into this episode as Richy talks about what it takes to break into the entertainment industry! Things you will learn in this episode: [00:01 - 07:08] Opening Segment I introduce today’s guest, Richy Jackson A.K.A. Richy Squirrel Choreographer and creative director  Helping artists today break into the industry  Some background about Richy’s favorite people to work with Working with Will Smith Working with Missy Elliot  I talk about my experience with Richy Richy talks about why it’s important making others feel heard and appreciated The experience when the person isn’t like that  You don’t make people better by breaking them down Bringing the best out of people Recognizing the dancers themselves 

[07:09 - 15:51] The Journey Setting Out Into the Industry  How dance became who Richy is  Inspired by ‘The Greats’  Always loved to dance  Wanting to become a lawyer at one point Made the pivot after watching Aaliyah’s Are You That Somebody The journey setting out into the industry  The reaction from his mom Staying with a friend in LA and getting kicked out immediately  Sleeping on a floor for 6 months Making it all work You have to survive - you will figure it out

[15:52 - 29:46] What it Takes to Break into the Entertainment Industry Richy talks about what artists that make it have in common Coming with ideas, flexible, hard-working, and consistent Wanting it for the right reasons The ones that don’t make it Nurturing confidence in yourself Nature vs. Nurture, Taught vs. Caught The importance of a good coach Things that are overlooked and undervalued  Overlooking their own selves  The importance of leaning on your own story The importance of picking a focus It’s good to be a jack of all trades, but pick one thing first  Examples  Creating momentum  What Richy did to get to the top The process of helping out first  Moving onto collaboration  The experience from the bottom level will be important at the top

[29:47 - 36:36] Closing Segment Why Richy went into coaching People looking for answers  The contrast between back then and now New definition of success Richy talks about what’s offered in his workshop Breaking down the journey  Adjusting to different choreographers  What to look like Booking auditions Testimonials  How to find more of Richy Links below  Final words

Tweetable Quotes:  “You know you’re not gonna make anyone better by breaking them down… When I’m working with anyone whether it’s artists, or dancers, or directors, I’m just trying to figure out, how do we get the best you or them out of themselves.” - Richy Squirrel “You gotta survive… The fire may burn but you gotta put it out - somehow, someway.” - Richy Squirrel “The artists that really make it - they come with ideas already, they change, they listen, we collaborate, we rehearse over and over and over and over again; and they literally want to be the best… it’s out of confidence not cockiness.” - Richy Squirrel “There’s no reward without work.” - Richy Squirrel

Resources Mentioned:  https://itsrichyjackson.com/ (Richy Squirrel Workshop)

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