"Be in tune with how you feel in the present, and follow the curiosity of your inner voice that exists at that moment." Merciv co-founder Cam Lindsay pursued his passion for music to launch a dynamic startup that integrates AR with live performance. Here, Cam shares who inspires him and how he finds his way to unexpected people and places...

Tell me a little bit about your journey to the Academy? 
I realized USC Iovine and Young Academy would be an incredible place for me to develop many of my high school interests, including my passion for live music, and ultimately  become a well-rounded professional who operates at the intersections of disciplines to bring cohesion and dynamism to any multifaceted project or company.

Describe a passion project you’re currently working on?
I founded a company called Merciv, which is dedicated to integrating augmented reality with live performance in order to bring concerts to a new digitally immersive age.

What inspired the project?
My love and passion for live music events and my experiences of musicians who bring their creative universes to audiences around the world.

Is there a leader or mentor who inspires you?
Barack Obama is an inspiration of mine due to his ability to bring people together by effectively communicating ideas and philosophies to anyone from any background.

Is there an inspirational quote you live by?
"Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced." - James Baldwin


What advice would you give to a freshman?
Be in tune with how you feel in the present, and follow the curiosity of your inner voice that exists at that moment. If you do, it will take you to the places you want to be and meet the people you want to meet. 

Describe one thing most people don’t know about you?
Most people don't know that I lived in Chile for a year when I was five years old! It was an incredible experience and helped me be able to roll my R's in Spanish. 

What the one thing your parents taught you that you’d like to share?
Be kind to everyone and offer a helping hand because kindness isn't hard, and you never know who they might become.

Fav class at USC and why?
Noam Wasserman's "Founders’ Dilemma" because it was the most real-world-based class that was expertly guided and facilitated by Professor Wasserman. It fundamentally changed my perspective of entrepreneurship and the process of starting a company.

Favorite way to de-stress? 
Roller Skating in Santa Monica or watching a sunset from a roof! 

Guilty Pleasure?
Watching funny GIFs on Reddit for way too long... 

Thank you, Cam!

Senior Spotlight: Cam Lindsay