Today we’d like to introduce you to Annett Bone.
Annett, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I had high hopes of becoming a professional dancer after studying dance in college and getting my Bachelor’s degree. I quit as soon as I graduated due to fear and outside financial pressures. I took various office jobs through temp agencies and ended up in insurance. I also got involved in a business model with aspirations that this would be my financial and emotional savior. What happened was quite the opposite. I doubted myself even more and tried so hard to fit into what this business model wanted me to be, based on their definition of success. During this time of being away from dance, I also went through depression and massive weight gain. In 2014, I decided to get back to dance after 20+ years, to at least get my health back. I was missing dance so much. Fast forward to 2019, it has been one of the best decisions that I’ve made. Because of this choice, I am stronger in my 40’s than I ever was in my 20’s and my mindset continues to expand. I perform and speak which was never part of the plan. I also have a podcast on dance, life, and business, that includes interviews with entrepreneurs/leaders in dance from all over the world, including choreographers, artistic directors. dance studio owners, product creators and more. There are over 200 episodes to date with a global audience.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has not been a smooth road. Anything worth doing is not easy. Some of the struggles were impatience, doubting whether I was on the “right” path, comparing my weaknesses to others’ strengths, and unexpected deaths of people close to me, to name a few. I would tell young women starting their journey to remember that their journey does not have to look like someone else’s. Their definitions of success and happiness do not have to fit into what seems appropriate or popular. Be open to learning, implementing and adjusting based on the seasons you go through. Learn to ask yourself the questions that will help you move forward. Be aware and acknowledge any negative feelings, but don’t stay there any longer than necessary. Remember that you are valuable as you are and that you have everything within already to succeed.
Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I never thought I would be a podcaster, as I was very self-conscious of my voice and any type of public presentation. I am most proud that I can stand as an example through my work as a dancer, speaker, and podcaster that you can overcome obstacles and that age is only a number. It’s because of my journey of returning to dance after a 20+ year hiatus and putting myself in uncomfortable situations for self-growth that resonates with people from different demographics.
We’re interested to hear your thoughts on female leadership – in particular, what do you feel are the biggest barriers or obstacles?
One of the biggest barriers is the expectation, sometimes self-imposed, to feel like you need to be masculine or aggressive to be a leader, even if that goes against your nature. I also believe that other barriers include fear and thinking you have to have control of everything.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://AnnettBone.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/annettbone
Image Credit:
Annett Bone (Personal Photo), Image (black top at beach) by Shaun Charney, Image (on floor) Annett Bone, Headshot by Donna Agnes Arrogante, Annett Bone (side by side “before” photos), Dance studio photo by Jeff Baker, Image (green outfit) by Farrah Su
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