Harriet JW, Founder, CEO
Harriet JW is the founder of the artist network and Podcast GIRLS TO THE FRONT, a platform to connect and educate artists that identify as womxn. She is also the founder and host of the music platform Secret Sessions. What started as a YouTube channel has grown into one of the UK’s most well respected live shows and music brands. Harriet has worked with 100s of influential artists and creators, from male acts like Ed Sheeran, passenger and Bastille to females like Kacey Musgraves Mahalia and Freya Ridings.
What is your favourite social media platform, and why?
Clubhouse allows people to make deep, authentic connections without many of the negative sides of social media.
Tell us about you and your current role or area of interest.
I work with female musicians to build their brand and business to help them get the income and recognition they deserve. I am running several programs through GIRLS TO THE FRONT and will be developing this further over the coming months.
What do you like about your career or area of focus?
The current music industry is not well set up for artists to make money, particularly womxn. Artists have everything they need to build a successful career, just by using the tools that the internet has to offer, I believe that we are entering a new world that gives creators everything they need to have a successful career by building relationships directly with their fans, without needing to pin their dreams on a record label.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf!
What inspires you, motivates you, or helps you to move forward?
Giving talent a platform, honouring the effort of creatives and connecting people through creativity.
What are you proud of in your life so far?
I am proud of the platforms I have built that helps get talent noticed, from over 10 million streams on YouTube to thousands of happy faces in the crowd at our shows. But most of all, I am happy with the effect that we have had on artist's careers that might otherwise have not had the chance to succeed.
What is your preferred way to meet new people/network?
Currently, Clubhouse is working very well.
What skills or qualities do you feel have helped you?
Tenacity and commitment to an idea.
What do you wish you had known when you started?
That success is a culmination of lots of small wins, and we need to celebrate these at every step.
Who do you most admire in business, academic or creative circles and why?
I love the work that Nadia Khan and Vick Bain are doing for womxn in music. The reports they have created shine a light on the problem and add much-needed data to the conversation.
Outside of your professional/work area, what hobbies or interests do you have?
Meditation, cold water immersion and weightlifting.
Has the pandemic had a positive or a negative effect on you and/or your business, and how have you managed it?
It's had a catastrophic effect on my live events business, but it has given me the time and headspace to build a brand new artist development business and podcast, which has now been ranked number two on Apple.
Do you have a mentor, or have you ever mentored anyone?
I am committed to my own growth, which means that many people have mentored me over the years. I also mentor female talent on an ongoing basis.
What advice would you have for someone looking to get into the same area of work or interests?
Always be kind, be yourself and continuously ask how can I help?
What do you feel is the most common reason for people failing or giving up?
Self-doubt and being affected by other peoples views or opinions.
Is there a phrase, quote or a saying that you really like?
That which is for you will not go past you.
What companies, brands, or institutions do you like or do you think are getting it right?
The North Face, Peloton, KOBALT, TikTok and Clubhouse.
How do you define success, and what lessons have you learned so far?
Success is about how many people you have helped.