# Questlove on vulnerability and trailblazing

> Questlove shares how vulnerability drives change: 'I gotta be the change I want to be'.
- Title: Questlove on vulnerability and trailblazing · Variety
- Summary: Questlove shares how vulnerability drives change: 'I gotta be the change I want to be'. Questlove, a Roots frontman and NYU professor, says directing…
- Keywords: questlove, roots, nyu, documentary, vulnerability, change, entertainment, culture, trailblazing, Variety
- Source: Variety — https://variety.com/2026/biz/news/questlove-power-of-vulnerability-being-a-trailblazer-1236904881
- Author: Mya Copeland
- Published: 2026-10-08T00:33:28+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: questlove, roots, nyu, documentary, vulnerability, change, entertainment, culture
## Questlove's career journey
More than 30 years into his career, Questlove remains open to change.
## Questlove's roles
The Roots frontman has performed in Jimmy Fallon's band for over a decade, produced Hamilton's cast album, taught at NYU, hosted a podcast, and written eight books.
## Documentary work
Since 2020, Questlove has directed four documentaries, initially opposing this creative path.
## Vulnerability insight
Questlove said he had to work to realize: 'I know it’s cliché, I gotta be the change I want to be.'

> I know it’s cliché, I gotta be the change I want to be.
## What happens next
Questlove continues using vulnerability to drive change through his work and leadership.
## Key takeaway

Questlove, a Roots frontman and NYU professor, says directing documentaries helped him embrace vulnerability and becoming change he wants.