Today we’d like to introduce you to Stefan T.Wong.
Hi Stefan, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
It’s probably easiest to begin with where I am today. I believe I’ve arrived in spaces by giving myself to the wind. No plans, simply flowing with what is and giving fully to each moment. I have the fortune of experiencing the world through the lenses of attorney, singer-songwriter, professor, strategist, and author. For years, I have kept each facet separate and distinct. But more recently, I have begun to appreciate them as a collective and understand that it is ok to be multi-faceted or multi-dimensional, which has afforded opportunities for experiences like meeting wonderful people abroad and speaking at TEDx.
I will keep this brief because it could go on for a while. I grew up predominantly on S. 22nd Street in Columbus, OH. I graduated from Eastmoor Academy, OSU, and Capital University Law School. My mother and father are and were, respectively, beautiful parents. They allowed me to experience the world unrestricted, unfiltered, and unabashed. I often say they are the true definition of love – unconditional and without judgment. My mother is insightful and intuitive and was (and still is) unyielding regarding my ability to excel beyond perceived barriers and limitation. My father, a provocateur of thought and strong.
When I passed the bar exam, I felt a pull to explore my musical nature, which has familial roots. My mother taught me piano at a young age (I gave her a time, sometimes). She is also a vocalists, multi-instrumentalist, and was making her way in the gospel circuit. Her oldest sister is a Julliard alumna. And my mother and her sisters cut a record or two.
My exploration was taken to another height when I met Brandon Chapman (now GRAMMY-nominated). He produced my first projects. This unexpected marker blossomed into a musical world that I hadn’t considered. I have been able to work with awarded, billboard charting, and GRAMMY award winning artists, musicians, and producers like Cedric Easton, Jonathan Baker, Marlo Scott, Danyel Morgan, Mark Abrams, and Chauncey. I’ve performed before thousands and have opened for award-winning artists. I’ve established incredible relationships and received recognition. Currently, I work with one of the top producers in this region, the unbelievable Parker Louis. My live set is headed by the incomparable Aaron White. And, live and in studio, I am often supported by and have so much love for the incredible musicians Jordan Lewis, LeRon White, and Ray Napier.
Simultaneously, my legal arm was maturing and enlarging. After exiting a mid-size law firm, I merged with my law school friend (now family), Ashley Ingram, to form Thomas Ingram Ingram Law Group (“T I Law Group”). We’ve had some relative lows (which we look back and wonder and laugh and check to see if they’re trying to sneak up on us), and we’ve had some relatively notable moments. I have been flown to other states to advise organizations, supported with acquiring and preserving multi-million-dollar historical property, supported signed artists and professional athletes, and engaged in a number of other endeavors.
To wrap this because it is much longer than I intended, I received calls to teach at universities, so I did. Somehow, business strategy whispered to me, and I responded. Becoming Harvard certified and now developing organizational strategy for businesses and organizations from various parts of the U.S. And most recently, I became a conduit in order to release the book, “Talking to Crows.”
So, how I got here? I’m not sure where here is, but I’m sure it was by way of the wind. And I can only hope it keeps blowing and I am able to flow with it.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I think all journeys are filled with what some consider obstacles or challenges. But I think they’re relative to each person. And I tend to look at everything as a happening (although that doesn’t change the periodic sting or agitation or even a not-so-subtle response).
I have had technical challenges like the intensity that can be law school (or at least certain classes), competition in the marketplace, the ever-evolving music industry and listener preference, and being denied business loans no matter the gross, net, or margins and substantiating financials.
And I have had non-technical challenges like experiencing my father transitioning from this world, not being the highest on the socio-economic ladder, being young and Black in corporate and court settings, and being passed by on assumption of my capability.
But, I believe these things just were or simply happened. And I say that because we are still having this exchange. They didn’t prohibit any day from coming and they didn’t prevent me from living fully in the moment in order share this moment with you (unless I had chose to allow that). So, to me, they were just a part of my journey.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I think to sum it up I move in a blend of intuitiveness, analytical thinking, and artistic creativity (I think we are all creative just in different forms and mediums). I don’t have anything that I am most proud of. I tend to simply be grateful. Grateful for the ability, opportunity, and each moment.
Attorney-Director: Thomas Ingram Law Group
Singer-Songwriter: T.Wong
Adjunct Professorships: Otterbein University and Capital University Law School
Strategist & Chief Listening Officer: Six K
Author: “Talking To Crows”
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I have a number of people who have been impactful on my life-journey. So, I try to refrain from answering these types of questions so not offend or short-change. But, I will give mention to one person who supported me in a major and amazingly selfless way – Lisa Tye.
Lisa was my first music manager who truly dedicated her all. She worked tirelessly to cause opportunities such as my opening for awarding winning artists, my music being considered by the GRAMMYs, and my attending my first GRAMMY awards. She unexpectedly transitioned, and my music journey has not been quite the same. Thank you, Lisa.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.stefantwong.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twongcreates
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/twongcreates
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/twongcreates
- Other: https://youtu.be/gqaCWVhDsZQ?si=_NdxlBdHNhw_LvLl
Image Credits
Ryan Jones
Kenny Alonso
Janeen Holmes
