2025

Daisy Jopling

Classical/Rock Violinist & Composer

“If we can accept our own fears, mistakes, and negativity, we won’t act out in destructive ways.”

As a female leader in your space, how is impact part of your journey? What do you feel are the qualities of personal power?

The first word that comes to mind is empathy. The second is grounded—by that I mean being connected to something beyond the material world, open in the moment, and inspired by love. The third is loving, which for me is about accepting the darkness—our anger, sadness, grief, resentment—and embracing those parts as much as the light. When we accept both, we stand in a place of true power.

With everything happening today—gun violence, gender equality, child poverty—what do you feel is the most pressing issue?

For me, it comes down to accepting the darkest parts of ourselves. If we can accept our own fears, mistakes, and negativity, we won’t act out in destructive ways—hurting others or our planet. On a broader scale, valuing ourselves and every aspect of our being is the most urgent step. When we learn to value ourselves, we begin to value others and the Earth.

Was there a time in your life when you faced a major challenge, and how did you overcome it?

I’ve had many. One of my greatest challenges has been not trying to fix other people’s negative emotions. I used to throw myself into solving their problems, which only harmed me and didn’t help them. What I’ve learned is to use challenges as fuel—to keep going, to take the lesson, and not give up. For example, I’ve had to allow myself to prioritize the things I deeply want—like playing my violin—without guilt, even if it means stepping away from other responsibilities.

What do you feel is your most uncomfortable personal trait?

It’s very hard for me to say clearly what I really want, and to ask for it without guilt.

What do you feel is the most overrated virtue?

People often call me “talented,” but in truth I am incredibly disciplined and hardworking. Talent, to me, is only a small part of it. Most of what people see is the result of hours of joyful practice every day. Discipline is undervalued; people think I just step on stage and play, but behind that is a huge amount of work.

What is one of your unbreakable rules?

I always hope to be kind. It’s not a rule I succeed in perfectly, but kindness and non-judgment are my deepest intentions.

Who do you yell at in your head sometimes?

Myself, mostly. But also when I meet people who are absolutely adamant in their views and closed off to other perspectives, I feel that frustration internally.

What do you feel is a big risk, and what do you feel is a small risk?

The biggest risk is to show who we truly are. That’s frightening because it’s vulnerable. A smaller—but still significant—risk is running your own business and taking on projects that feel impossible. For me, a real dream always carries risk, otherwise it isn’t really a dream.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

The advice that resonates with me now is to let everything be as it is. Something that feels bad in the moment may turn out to be the best thing that ever happened, and something that feels wonderful may look different in hindsight. The lesson is not to judge too quickly—let it be what it is.

If you could have a pet, what would it be?

I love animals like jaguars and chipmunks, though they wouldn’t belong in a house. If I had to choose a pet, it would be a cat—independent, affectionate, but also able to say, “Leave me alone.”