[Photo: Eric Frick]

The GenHERation^® 5 Questions series features our exclusive interviews with the most powerful women in the world to provide you with actionable advice on how to navigate your career path.

JoAnn Falletta is a GRAMMY-Winning Conductor.

What do you know now that you wish you knew at the beginning of your career? 

I wish I could have known how important it is to live every day in the present, enjoying the gifts, challenges and possibilities of the “now,” rather than worrying about the future. 

Which high school or college class best prepared you for your professional career?  

My conducting class at the Juilliard School provided both an excellent technical and artistic education in orchestral conducting. Plus it offered invaluable insights into the psychological and emotional aspects of working in the fascinating group dynamic that is the orchestra.   

What is the go-to question you ask interview candidates? 

Why do you want to work with us and why do you feel it is the right step for you?

What is the biggest risk you have taken? 

Making a decision at the age of 11 to become an orchestral conductor and in that way to be a catalyst to enable musicians to share their excellence and bring the joy that I felt in listening to music to as many people as possible.

What is your genius?

Respecting, admiring and loving the musicians in the orchestras with which I have had the pleasure of working. 

You can learn from more of the most powerful women in the world here.