Terance Takyi is mastering the worlds of finance and music with his day job at UBS and his nighttime side hustle under the alter-ego, djTAO.
Terance Takyi is not your typical Wall Street executive. Known in the music world as djTAO, he balances his daytime role as Managing Director at UBS Financial Services Inc. with his passion for DJing, crafting a unique narrative that intertwines the worlds of finance and music, where he embraces diverse passions and the possibilities that arise when one pursues multiple interests.
Takyi’s journey into finance began with a straightforward goal: financial stability. “What initially attracted me to finance was the straightforward goal of making money,” Takyi told Ethos via email. Growing up in a middle-class family, he was determined to surpass the financial limitations he witnessed in his youth. Born in the 1980s and raised in the 1990s, he saw his parents live paycheck to paycheck, which fueled his ambition to achieve greater financial success. His interest in economics and finance naturally led him to major in business and economics, setting the stage for a career that would span nearly two decades on Wall Street. His strategic insight and leadership have earned him a reputation for excellence in wealth management.
“While [my parents] managed well and this isn’t a rags-to-riches tale,” Takyi says. “I was aware that greater levels of wealth existed, and I aspired to earn more than my parents. For me, money is a means to provide experiences and quality time with my family, rather than just acquiring material possessions.”
Takyi’s story extends beyond the success he’s experienced at UBS. As djTAO, he has built a parallel career in the music industry, captivating audiences with his eclectic mix of hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and EDM. His performances for prestigious brands like Cartier and Remy Martin, as well as high-profile events such as the James Beard Foundation Dinner & Awards Gala, highlight his versatility and creative flair.
Side hustle culture
Takyi’s success is an example of the growing side hustle culture. Recent data shows more than half (54 percent) of Americans now have a side hustle; for millennials, the number rises to 68 percent. Men are more likely to have a side hustle than their female counterparts with 59 percent of men reporting at least one side hustle. While not all side hustles are as high-profile as Takyi’s, they can be lucrative, earning on average, more than $800 per month. For millennials, that number jumps up to more than $1,100 per month for work that often requires less than 12 hours a week.
According to MarketWatch, inflation over the last few years has more Americans looking to supplement their income. Even though the inflation rate has been on the decline since 2022, the Consumer Price Index is still up 3.2 percent from early 2023 — more than a point higher than the Federal Reserve’s target of 2 percent. “Two-thirds of Americans say they’re living paycheck to paycheck,” MarketWatch notes. “Perhaps that’s why they’re turning to side hustles to make ends meet.”
And top earners aren’t immune to the pressures, either. Takyi may earn more than the average worker in the U.S., but for him, the side hustle is as much about a means for self-expression as it is for amplifying his earnings potential. “Creating my DJ sets involves blending technical skill with an understanding of the crowd’s energy,” Takyi says. His approach to DJing is informed by his varied life experiences and the ability to read and respond to the energy of his audiences. His goal is always to create an immersive experience that reflects both his professional demeanor and his creative spirit. “Being both a banker and a DJ allows me to connect with people on different levels,” Takyi says. His dual roles enable him to build unique relationships and networks, bridging the gap between finance clients and music enthusiasts. “When I share my passion for DJing with my finance clients, it often surprises them and opens up conversations about music and personal interests, breaking down barriers,” says Takyi.
This blend of roles fosters meaningful connections, allowing Takyi to support and inspire others in both fields. “I’ve built my personal brand by blending my finance career and DJ passion into a cohesive identity that resonates with diverse audiences,” he says. By leveraging skills from one field to enhance the other, networking broadly, and maintaining professionalism, he has successfully cultivated a multifaceted brand.
In addition to his musical and financial pursuits, Takyi has also been a proponent of financial literacy and education. He believes that understanding finance is crucial for everyone, regardless of their profession. “Finance and financial literacy are always important because everyone seeks financial stability and retirement,” he says. This belief has driven him to share his knowledge with others, helping them achieve their financial goals while also exploring their creative passions.
Takyi emphasizes the importance of finding balance and personal fulfillment. “Today, having multiple income streams is essential for financial stability,” he noted. “The traditional single career path is no longer sufficient. I encourage others to pursue their passions alongside their main career. Diverse passions provide balance and prevent burnout from overworking. They also offer opportunities for personal growth, networking, and additional income,” Takyi says. He advises against relying solely on a single career path no matter how successful or rewarding it is, advocating instead for the pursuit of diverse interests to provide balance and prevent burnout. “Corporate America will continue with or without you, so it’s important to find happiness and fulfillment in all areas of life.”
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