Today we’d like to introduce you to Susanne Puerschel.
Hi Susanne, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I always knew that I was born to be on stage. Ballet was my first love and since I grew up in East Germany, I had the privilege to gain an exceptional free education. After several years in professional companies all over the world the intensity and demand of the industry had caught up with me and I needed change. I found that in Cooperate America. I learned a lot about business, leadership and profit. I spent a lot of time building someone else’s business and it showed me that I naturally was great at innovation, asking uncomfortable questions and leadership.
When 2020 forced all of us to re-think our life’s – so did I and I started with building a community amongst dancers that still is experiencing the same challenges that I did- 30 years ago! I expanded into all fields of the performing arts while learning about Web3 technology and that was how R.I.S.E. or the idea of it was born. I realized that if we as a society do not change how we approach the survival of the performing arts…. we won’t have that industry available in the next 30 years.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I don’t think innovation is ever “smooth”. And, NO, it has been everything else but smooth and I am not expecting it to be smooth. Innovating an industry that has its business model based on tradition is perhaps one of the most “unsmooth” rides one could ever sign up for. I personally have bootstrapped the transition into R.I.S.E. while running other projects to “pay my bills”. My personal most challenging realization was that I can not do this project by myself. How will I attract exceptional co-funders that will walk alongside of me and change the world…….
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in finding new ways to end the starving artist mentality by building the bridge between business, technology and performing arts. I think I am known for not letting failure define my future, building community, asking uncomfortable questions, initiating change, and thinking big. I am most proud of my incredible children. I have three boys, ranging in age from 11-18. My husband and I have definitely changed our legacy by raising them NOT the way we were raised.
What sets me apart is my grit and unwavering knowing that I can be the person that provides the base for change in the performing arts
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Connect with everyone that you and interesting and with people that are reaching out to you. Don’t let your ego get in the way- if that person is not aligned with you, do not re-connect. And I also would advice to get into the rooms where you are the least experienced or knowledgeable person. That is the quickest way to grow, to find people that will mentor you and business partners as well.
Feeling worthy of investing in oneself has been the game changer for me.
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