Ep 511 - Andrew Norlen: CONNECTING THE DOTS

Speaking with author, actor, and artist Andrew Norlen led me to these takeaways. First, people tend to see you before you see yourself. They can see your talents and greatness before you do, and it can be hard to believe them when they tell you, but once you do believe you can put yourself out into the world. Second, don’t judge yourself too hard on your journey, give yourself grace and trust that the dots will eventually be connected. And finally more for me does not mean less for you, more means I get to experience a different version of myself that is taking up the space I was meant to. Andrew has performed for audiences all over the world and on tour across the United States with the Broadway hit Kinky Boots! Originally from Troutdale, Oregon, Andrew is a New York City-based artist, with his BFA from The Boston Conservatory of Music with an emphasis in dance and directing. Andrew is the author and creator behind When the Lights Are Bright Again: letters and images of loss, hope and resilience. A book of pandemic testimonials from the Broadway and theater community worldwide, published in 2021 by Applause Books. Andrew is a proud, queer man who strives to normalize the power in authentic vulnerability. His upcoming memoir—Finding Brave, is fueled by his deep desire to champion young adults and teens to build tools, live their truth out loud, and not apologize for who they are. He travels around the country with "Resilience: the workshop"—to inspire, coach, train, amplify, educate, teach, open up to, level with, demystify and empower the next generation of youth to learn to foster their own trademark to their success and longevity—in both career and this crazy, but beautiful thing called life. Get in touch:  Andrew Norlen  Website: https://www.andrewnorlen.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anorlen/ Ayana Major Bey  Website: www.ayanabey.com Instagram: @ayanambey, @theartistpivot  Monthly Newsletter: https://www.ayanabey.com/podcast Show Sponsor: Get 10% off your first month with BetterHelp at https://betterhelp.com/artistpivot  ******* Host & Exec. Producer: Ayana Major Bey  Editor: Kieran Niemand  Part of the Boundless Audio Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices