Earlier this week, I had the honor and privilege of attending the 2024 ForbesBLK Summit in Atlanta. A community fostered by one of the most trusted business media outlets on Earth, ForbesBLK exists to champion a global community of Black entrepreneurs, professionals, leaders and creators that are driving systematic change in business, culture and society.
A highlight of this year’s Summit was a day’s worth of panels and interviews with leaders in business, government, healthcare and, of course, entertainment. I sat in the audience all day, furiously scribbling notes and takeaways from the world-class professionals before me. As it turns out, I had more than enough to bring home to share with you, UnderDogs.
As I combed through my notes this week, I found 10 key takeaways that every creative entrepreneur — musician or otherwise — would be wise to keep in mind. Please know that these items merely scratch the surface of the value shared from the stage at The Eastern on Monday. Alas, 10 is a nice round number, and I want to leave you plenty of time to take action on the inspiration you are about to receive.
Ready? Awaaaaay we go!
First of all, everybody on that stage was on a mission.
Regardless of their particular areas of expertise, every single thought leader featured at this year’s ForbesBLK Summit had one thing in common: they were clear on their values, mission, and vision. They understood the challenges in their sector, and showcased a clear understanding of how addressing these challenges will make the world a better place.
Throughout the day, these leaders were effective in their messaging by communicating the experiences and perspectives driving them toward purpose. More than any individual accolade, the presenters’ collective ability to communicate from a genuine place is what resonated with the audience.
As we build our creative platforms, this is an important lesson to keep close to our hearts: talent is certainly important, but the ways we use our talents — and the messages we spread through them — will ultimately determine our impact and legacy.
Your network defines your net worth.
You’ve almost certainly heard this one before, right?
Here’s what I observed about the network brought together during this year’s ForbesBLK Summit: the room was full of solution-minded business professionals. In addition, every conversation I had or observed throughout the Summit was focused on finding ways to collaborate, and provide greater value to the world.
There is a correlation behind this collaborative, focused, purpose-driven mindset and success. During my visit to Atlanta, it was evident that those who have mastered this mindset are also in a position to inspire, educate, and serve in greater numbers.
Your network should share your vision, too.
Fantasia Taylor — singer, actress, and 2004 American Idol winner — was, in my opinion, one of the most compelling individuals to grace the stage on Monday. I could probably write a whole article on her wisdom alone — from the ways she has re-defined her relationship with fear, to her differentiation between the pursuits of success and purpose.
However — in the spirit of continuing from my previous takeaway — I offer you another intriguing point offered by the newly-minted Hollywood Walk of Fame honoree.
“Make sure the people you bring in reflect who you are.”
As you establish your platform’s values, mission, and vision, keep in mind that you are also developing an organization in need of a consistent culture. Those who become a core part of your ecosystem must believe in your vision, share a similar mission, and come from a similar set of values. If any of these areas conflict, friction may arise, and your message may get lost in the shuffle.
Greatness is a habit.
Legendary hip hop producer and Atlanta native Jermaine Dupri closed out the afternoon’s program. As with Fantasia, there was so much wisdom in his fireside chat with Forbes Senior Writer & Editor Jabari Young, that it deserves its own analysis.
One of the So So Def architect’s most striking points, however, was this:
“Great artists don’t stop trying to be great.”
Yes, there is a difference between being great, and being “good enough.” Those who settle for “good” — and who don’t go the extra mile — may see moderate, if fleeting, success. However, those who are consistently looking for ways to improve their skills, systems, and processes are those who endure, adapt, and evolve. Especially in our ever-changing industry, greatness is the standard for which we all must strive.
That goes for the people around you, too.
With all of that said, nobody’s perfect, and we all need a push sometimes. Sometimes, we’re on the receiving end. Sometimes, we’re the ones giving it.
Gospel legend Kirk Franklin — another super-inspiring, worthy-of-his-own-article fireside chat participant — had this to say, when it comes to setting the tone for those around you…
“Push people and challenge people to be the greatness that they are.”
Not only must we hold those around us to the highest standards, but we must keep in mind why we’re doing it. We’ve already seen their greatness; that’s why they’re riding with us in the first place. Sometimes, they just need a reminder that it’s been inside of them this entire time.
And, if you ever find yourself on the receiving end of that push, leave your ego at the door. It’s for the greater good.
Become a student of your craft — in every way.
Staying in the entertainment industry, we were also treated to a chat with 9-time NBA All-Star and 2016-17 league MVP, Russell Westbrook. As an entrepreneur, Westbrook focuses on ways to uplift underserved and underprivileged communities.
To Russ, that means understanding the most effective ways to serve — and knowing as many details as possible about how to do it.
“Learn the business, and learn everything the right way.”
For the sake of artistry, it can be tempting for artists to downplay (or even ignore) the finer details of business. However, these details — yes, even the unsexy ones — are essential to anybody looking to build their platform into one that is transformative. Understanding the necessary inner workings of your own creative enterprise — and the roles and responsibilities contained therein — will help you set clear expectations, communicate more effectively, and know what to look for when adding to your team.
Not to mention, doing everything the right way, the first time, will save you the headache of having to clean up a mess later on.
Understand what *you* bring to the table.
Christina Lewis is the founder of Beatrice Advisors, an independent, woman and minority-owned multi-family investment firm. When asked about an important lesson she’s learned along her journey, she said the following:
“You have to find your edge.”
As musicians, how do we escape the trap of being just another “singer-songwriter from My Town, USA” in an oversaturated market? Find exactly what is unique to you — within your craft, your mission, or the way you approach both — and lead with it.
Figuring out your “edge” takes work.
In a world full of social media “gurus” telling us to “be authentic,” it can be difficult to know what authenticity is.
The answer lies within. Cam Kirk — photographer and videographer at the Mike WiLL Made-It Collective — emphasized that authenticity means something different for each of us.
“You’ve got to do the work to find out who you are.”
That means doing some digging — and, at certain points, facing your truth is going to get uncomfortable. The result, however, is a person who will resonate with your true audience; someone who is fearlessly, unapologetically you.
You can’t fake it, either.
During the same panel, Lola Banjo — founder and creative director at Silver & Riley — made sure to point out that there are consequences when we don’t uncover our unique gifts and perspectives.
“Your followers see through it.”
In some cases, you may see fleeting success while chasing trends or trying to “go viral.” However, sustained success and impact comes not from these moments, but from building a true connection with those who share your values, and developing ways to keep them engaged. You are who you are — and all of the filters and hashtags in the world won’t hide it!
So, stand on that truth — even when it’s uncomfortable.
To conclude our time together today, let’s share in some wisdom from longtime Georgia State Representative Stacey Abrams:
“Why would we abandon our principles when someone who doesn’t believe in those principles mocks them?”
As a leader in our modern political climate, Rep. Abrams is certainly no stranger to people combating her views. However, this lesson stretches far beyond our political system, and into any area of life.
As someone building a public-facing creative platform, you aren’t going to be everyone’s cup of tea. People are going to disagree with your views, criticize your abilities, and they may even be rude in the process. These are the times when you need to stand even stronger in your convictions, and understand the purpose your art is here to serve.
Not everyone will get it. That’s OK. Hold steady, and keep pressing ahead. Those who get it will still love you.
Which takeaway is your favorite? Were you there, and have a different one you’d like to share? Leave a comment!
