WOMEN OF NAMM I SARAH HOLLANDSWORTH Support as a Power Move: Why Going it Alone Isn’t the Flex You Think it Is
I t’s no secret that music industry professionals are hardwired for self-sufficiency. We solve problems, hustle for opportunities and figure things out on the fly. Whether we’re managing global brands or repairing a student’s first flute, most of us have built careers on resourcefulness and resilience. But here’s the truth: nobody does it alone. And those who try often hit a ceiling. That might show up as a loss of creativity, diminished emotional resilience or lack of motivation. As a coach and leader, I’ve come to see support not as an optional act of “self-care,” but as
our thinking or challenge us to stretch beyond what feels com- fortable. RELATIONAL SUPPORT This is about belonging — feel- ing part of a community. When we know we’re not alone, we’re more likely to not only stay the course, but reach even further. Here’s the twist. The more responsibility you carry, the more intentional you need to be about cultivating support. Leaders often fall into the trap of supporting everyone else while neglecting themselves, but no one is meant to lead in isolation. In my experience, support isn’t a one-way street. It’s a cycle. When we receive it, we’re better positioned to give it. And when we give it, we strengthen our teams, our organizations and our entire industry. So, how can we create a more supportive culture? Normalize asking for help, offer support proactively, and acknowledge and appreciate support when you receive it. Support creates momentum. It turns stuckness into move- ment, isolation into connection and burnout into reinvention. In an industry that thrives on col- laboration and creativity, let’s keep finding ways to support one another. Radically. Consistently. Wholeheartedly. So, reflect on this: How would you show up differ- ently if you were fully, radically supported? MI Sarah Hollandsworth is an ICF certified executive coach, strategic consultant and former sales and marketing executive with more than 15 years in the music products industry. She is a member of Women of NAMM.
essential infrastructure for thriving in work and life. But what does support really mean? At its core, support is anything that lifts us up or helps us move forward. That might look like a trusted colleague who helps you troubleshoot an obstacle, or a coach or mentor who sees something in you before you’re ready to see it yourself. It might be a team that gives you honest feedback, or a friend in the industry who checks in when things get hard. Support creates space. It gives us breathing room to think, reflect and grow. It allows us to make bolder decisions because we know we’re not carrying ev- erything alone. It doesn’t need to be a grand gesture. Sometimes it’s simply someone saying, “I get it. I’ve been there, too.” Most people aren’t practiced in asking for what they need. It can feel vulnerable and uncomfort- able. Start by getting clear on how you’d like to be supported. Support isn’t one-size-fits-all. Different types of support meet different needs, and all of them matter. Here are a few examples: TACTICAL OR TECHNICAL SUPPORT This is the how-to help. It’s the person who walks you through a CRM integration or shows you the ropes at your first trade show. It saves time, increases effectiveness and builds confidence.
“The more responsibility you carry, the more intentional you need to be about cultivating support.”
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT This is the person who listens without trying to fix it. The one who gives you space to vent or process, who reminds you that you’re human when you’re having a hard time. Emotional sup- port fosters resilience, and without it, burnout is inevitable. STRATEGIC SUPPORT Sometimes we need someone to help us zoom out and see the bigger picture. Strategic support can come from mentors, coach- es or leaders who help align our actions with our goals, clarify
26 I MUSIC INC. I AUGUST 2025
Powered by FlippingBook