What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?

Every industry has its myths—stories insiders repeat until they sound like truth. But behind the slogans and the spin are unspoken (and sometimes unnoticed) realities – we asked some of the wisest folks we know to share what lies they’ve noticed in their industries.

Michael Rainwater

Classical music runs on three lies. First, that perfection is the same thing as excellence. Perfection can be tidy and lifeless. Excellence breathes, risks, and still holds together. Second, that purity protects standards. Purity becomes a wall that keeps out ideas that would actually strengthen the craft. Third, that talent is destiny. Talent is raw material. Read more>>

Tameka Mitchell

That we do not have a societal maternal health crisis. The truth is, we do. Families are struggling, outcomes are uneven, and mothers are being asked to carry more with less support. Read more>>

Bri Broskie

That you need to be famous or be signed to a label. Even as a music producer myself, I am a freelance musician and if I were to speak to my younger self, I would say to not focus on being seen. Focus on being heard. Read more>>

Iris Elliott

The biggest lie the art industry tells itself is that nothing is enough. The urge for more and more only leads to self destruction. We’re also at a point where the basis of success is popularity. So self identity is a lost and forgotten art. The industry is nothing more but a high school cafeteria. Read more>>

Simon John Thomas

The biggest lie in the events industry is that bigger is better. Everyone chases headcount, hype, and vanity metrics: ticket sales, foot traffic, social impressions. But you can pack out a room and still leave people feeling disconnected. At Octus Network, I don’t believe scale equals success. Read more>>

Bridgett Battles

“Perfection equals presence.” Many people think you have to be flawless—perfect wardrobe, perfect speech, perfect posture—to be respected. The truth is, presence comes from confidence, authenticity, and how you make others feel, not from perfection. “Style is superficial.” Some think executive presence is just about clothes or appearance. Read more>>

Cas Epps

Anyone with talent can make it. It’s a lie, anyone who works hard, has talent, and really sacrifices makes it! Sprinkle a little nepotism in there and your for sure in the door! Read more>>

Tanya Wideman

One of the biggest lies in the photography industry is that everything has to be flawless. The perfect angle, the perfect lighting, the perfect body type. But real connection doesn’t come from perfection. It comes from authenticity. People don’t resonate with airbrushed lives; they resonate with real stories. Read more>>