Ava

What’s been taking up your headspace recently?

A few things. One of the biggest things that’s been on my mind recently is working in a male-dominated space and finding ways to create environments where women are recognized and given the same respect. Not necessarily creating entirely new spaces, but making the spaces that already exist better. There are already so many powerful women doing incredible work who don’t always receive the recognition they deserve. As somebody entering the industry, that’s something I think about often. Another thing I think about is a made-up word called “sonder.” It’s the realization that every person around you is living a life just as complex as your own. I think about that a lot when I’m on the train or walking through the city. In industries that move so quickly, it’s important to slow down, find moments of peace, and remember that everyone is carrying their own experiences. That perspective helps me give people more grace. I think we can be overly sensitive at times and forget to have genuine conversations with people who see the world differently than we do. And then, of course, there’s music. Music sits at the intersection of so many different people, cultures, and experiences. It’s one of the few things that can truly bring people together.

What trends have you noticed women facing in the music industry?

First, I want to acknowledge that there are many powerful women who are recognized for their work. But when you compare the number of women in leadership positions to the number of men, there’s still a noticeable imbalance. Women often face additional perceptions and assumptions that men don’t. With men, people are more likely to simply say, “They’re good at business. That’s why they’re here.” For women, there’s often more scrutiny. What’s frustrating is that many women are doing incredible work behind the scenes. They’re helping organizations succeed. They’re creating opportunities. They’re solving problems. Yet they aren’t always the people receiving the credit. At its core, I think it comes down to respect. Recognition shouldn’t only exist at the CEO level. It should exist at every level. I’ve learned that the value you bring eventually speaks for itself, but that doesn’t mean the barriers disappear. There are also misconceptions about how women achieve success. People sometimes assume women have to present themselves a certain way or make certain sacrifices in order to succeed. But that’s not true. Now more than ever, it’s about the stories you’re telling and the value you’re creating. When we look at who’s in power across industries, the imbalance becomes obvious. Creating more visibility for women would create a healthier balance for everyone.

What’s your manifesto right now?

My manifesto is simple. Learning. I’ve become increasingly aware of how important it is to continue learning long after school ends. We have access to so much information. We can teach ourselves almost anything. Learning doesn’t stop when you leave a classroom. You can remain a student forever. Whenever I enter a new environment, whether it’s an internship, a job, or a conversation, I try to approach it like a sponge. I’ve learned so much simply by talking to other people and listening to perspectives that differ from my own. Learning can come from books. It can come from podcasts. It can come from music. It can come from everyday conversations. Everything can be a learning experience if you’re willing to pay attention. That’s been my manifesto. How else can I learn?

What role does being a good person play in that?

I think being a good person goes a long way. People say common sense isn’t so common, but I think kindness isn’t always as common as it should be either. When you show up as your authentic self and genuinely try to be a good person to others, things tend to align better. That doesn’t mean life becomes perfect. There will always be challenges. But when you consistently put your best foot forward, opportunities seem to find you more often. I don’t know if that’s luck. Maybe it’s energy. Maybe it’s the law of attraction. But I do believe that when you’re good to people, and good to yourself, things have a way of working out. Not immediately. But eventually.

Has music changed the way you see the world?

Absolutely. Growing up, my mom was one of the first female DJs in Florence, Italy. Because of that, I was exposed to everything. Bob Marley. Lauryn Hill. The Rolling Stones. Bruce Springsteen. So many different artists and genres. Today I listen to a lot of hip-hop and R&B, but recently I’ve even developed a love for country music. For years I thought I didn’t like country music. Now it’s all over my playlists. That’s what music does. It introduces you to worlds you didn’t know existed. It changes your perspective. It challenges assumptions. You hear one song and suddenly an entire genre opens up to you. Music reminds us that growth often begins when we’re willing to explore something unfamiliar.