At this year’s CADA conference, Grammy-nominated songwriter Shelley Peiken delivered a keynote that was nothing short of inspiring. In a room filled with educators dedicated to leadership and student growth, Peiken’s words resonated deeply, weaving together powerful stories of resilience, authenticity, and human connection. Her journey through the music industry and her advocacy work offered profound lessons for anyone striving to master their craft, no matter where they are on their professional or personal journey.
Overcoming Struggles and Turning Red Lights into Green Lights
Shelley Peiken opened her speech by asking the audience to reflect on their own journeys: “How will we overcome struggles that will rear their heads along the way? How can we help our students do the same? By example.” Her story of feeling despair at a red light and transforming that moment into inspiration for a Grammy-nominated song was a testament to resilience. She emphasized that even on days when everything feels like it’s falling apart, we must remember: “If it came together once, it can come together again.”
Peiken’s transparency about moments of self-doubt and imposter syndrome was refreshingly relatable. She reminded everyone that even the most successful people experience moments of uncertainty, but these can be used as opportunities for growth. Her powerful message was clear—challenge those red lights, and don’t let them stop you unless you’re in traffic.
Authenticity and Self-Acceptance
One of the most impactful lessons Peiken shared was the importance of authenticity. “Try not to project what you think people want from you. They don’t. They want your truth. Your unique brand of you.” In a world driven by social media and societal expectations, this reminder was not only timely but necessary. For educators guiding young minds, teaching students to embrace their authentic selves is one of the greatest gifts they can give.
Taking Chances and Embracing Failure
Peiken passionately encouraged the audience to take chances and embrace failure, referring to it as the key to unexpected magic. Her philosophy of “Dare to suck” inspired everyone to step out of their comfort zones and take risks. She reminded us that mistakes often lead to beautiful, sometimes lucrative, accidents. It’s through daring to fail that we truly innovate and grow.
Her story of co-writing the song “Bitch” illustrated this beautifully. At a time when no female artist had used the word in such a bold way, Peiken and her co-writer Meredith Brooks reclaimed its meaning, embracing the complexity of womanhood. They dared to take a chance, and in doing so, they changed the narrative.
Connecting as Global Citizens
Shelley Peiken’s speech wasn’t just about personal growth; it was about connecting with others. “Get out from behind your screens and go meet other humans—not just your friends. Connect. Look people in the eye…You never know when you’re gonna meet someone who can change your life.” This call to action was especially poignant for educators, as it reminded them to teach students the importance of human connection in an increasingly digital world.
Peiken’s advocacy work with SONA (Songwriters of North America) showed the power of coming together for a common cause. What began as four people fighting for creator’s rights blossomed into a movement of over 1,000 members. Her story illustrated that real change happens when people unite with purpose and passion.
Dare to Be Brilliant: A Call to Action
As Peiken wrapped up her speech, she left the audience with a powerful challenge: “Dare to be brilliant. Dare to be different. Dare to make mistakes.” She urged educators to encourage their students to find their voices and speak out on issues that matter to them. Whether it’s through songwriting, activism, or simply living authentically, the key to leadership is daring to make an impact.
Conclusion: Coming Together to Inspire the Future
Shelley Peiken’s keynote wasn’t just a speech; it was a call to action. It was about daring to be vulnerable, embracing failure, and connecting with the world. It was about coming together—not only with each other but within ourselves. For educators and student leaders alike, her words served as a reminder that every day matters, every interaction counts, and every voice has the power to inspire change.
In the spirit of this year’s CADA theme, let’s come together. Let’s connect, create, and lead by example. Let’s challenge the red lights and dare to be brilliant.