You may know recording artist Alicia Keys as a musical prodigy who released her first album at the age of 20. I remember her first as the young woman sitting at the piano singing Donny Hathaway’s “Someday We’ll All Be Free” as part of the post-9/11 telethon concert, America: A Tribute to Heroes. I was spellbound. Maybe you’re most familiar with her from season-defining songs like this past fall’s “Girl on Fire,” or her 2009 collaboration with Jay-Z, “Empire State of Mind.”

When I sat down with Alicia yesterday, though, it was in an entirely different context: she was speaking as the Global Creative Director for BlackBerry, and moderator of a panel about Women, Tech & Ambition — on which I participated at BlackBerry Live 2013, BlackBerry’s annual user and developer conference.

I had a lot of questions for Alicia, mostly about what drives her to do more when her performing career — and her young family — would seem enough to keep her plenty busy. By the end of our interview, I was relating to Alicia as a another woman constantly taking on more as a way to fuel her passion and see her vision come to life.

BlogHer: You’re here as BlackBerry’s new Global Creative Director. It seems to be a trend for artists to take on new, meatier roles with brands beyond endorsements. What do you want to accomplish in that role, and why align with Blackberry?

Alicia Keys: I’m not here because it’s the trend. I can’t speak for anyone else, but I can say that artists have a strong desire to branch out, and we have so many levels of creativity. I realizes there’s synergy between me and BlackBerry. I was always an avid user; I loved it. It really helps me be more efficient in life. Tech is now such a big part of life, and who I am as an artist. These are the tools we use to use to reach people in the world. Everything is merging now. Music uses technology, and technology needs music and connection. So, that’s one big reason why.

And I love how they are reinventing the brand. I can see a vision for them. It’s cool that BlackBerry has the openness to have a new vision and try a new way to reach people. I can see that vision, and it’s very exciting. It’s cool that they’re open to collaboration. They’re willing to take risks — now is the time to do things that they’ve never done before.

Finally, the connection to women is a big driver. Women are the majority of BlackBerry users. There’s such a connection between me and women. That’s what my songs are about. I want to help bring that focus to the brand to make it female forward, and I want to drive innovation between entertainment and tech to start to create something that is unique to me, my vision, and their experience. There is a wide-open palette of creative possibilities. There are no limits there. And I am loving it. It’s an outlet for me!

BH: Tell me about your app (The Journals of Mama Mae and Lee Lee, released last fall). It’s beautiful to look at and has these great musical elements. But why? How did that happen, and how involved were you?

AK: The concept behind it was the beautiful story — and to allow children to access different cultural experiences. Each story is about Lee Lee and her grandmother, and it brings her to worlds where she can learn what other folks are going through that relates to what she’s going through. New cultures, such as Native American. It opens children up to that.

I had this desire after having my son. The app was a beautiful open space to introduce kids to words and sounds and stories. And I loved the grandparent/grandchild dynamic. The app is intergenerational.

The development process itself was unbelievable. Tech is so collaborative. You take all of these brilliant minds and put them together and see what happens. There’s nothing you can dream of that can’t be done. And in fact, you can’t even dream of what that kind of collaboration brings to life.

BH: I’m energized yet exhausted just hearing everything you’re up to. Why do women seem to want to take more on and take more on and take more on?

AK: I’m excited about doing new things. I always want to have a feeling that I’m doing something for the first time. It makes me feel an energy behind it. And I can imagine how it comes together. That dreaming aspect is cool to have. I want to feel excited about the things I’m doing. And I’m glad I am excited, because it requires a lot of work.

But there’s an outcome, because you have a passion.

BH:So, what do you do when overwhelmed with what you have to do? What’s your coping mechanism?

AK: Well, that reminds me of last Sunday, which was Mother’s Day. And I’m having this great day with my son, and I want to be present, but I’m also thinking: I have to pack for seven weeks! And I need to work on my keynote. I need to do it properly, so it reflects well, and it’s not quite right yet. And I have to continue gathering the curated concert I’m putting on here tonight. Have to articulate the vision and make sure all the artists are on the same page. And I have to study up on our women’s panel.

I need to be attentive to everything, but I do know that it will fall into place when I give it the attention it needs. I’ve learned, because I live in a fast-paced world, that when you stress out about things, and you get over-worried about it, you take away your clarity. I have learned to have trust in myself. I trust myself. And I have awesome people I work with, and I trust them too, so I know, together, we will pull it off. So, I try to enjoy the moments I’m in, so I can have a good life too. Some times are better than others. But when it all comes together, I end up being so proud.

BH: Thanks. Alicia, looking forward to sharing the stage with you for our panel!

I so related to her message about trust in yourself and trust in your colleagues. That’s what makes BlogHer tick, too: Even when it seems impossible that it will all come together? It comes together. Reminds me of my days in theater, as well.

Thanks to BlackBerry for bringing me out to BlackBerry Live, letting me share my perspectives on women and tech with an audience of more men than women, for a change, and for getting me this one on one time with Alicia. Thanks to Alicia for being a gracious, prepared moderator, and a passionate interviewee!

Interview By: Elisa Camahort Page of BlogHer

Here are a few of the great reviews from Twitter:

OMGGG @aliciakeys #settheworldonfiretour #Bahamas was beyond epic last night!!! Worth EVERY PENNY!!!! (^_^) – @ClaySagKid91

Alicia Keys Concert… Hands Down Best Performance I Have Ever Seen. #amazing #atlantis #bahamas @aliciakeys – @TastyyyTayy69

Alicia Keys show at the Atlantis is AWESOME!!! – @Distinguish242

@This girl is on fire!!! #AliciaKeys is just amazing @Atlantisresort – @joparke