It has been my observation over the years that great people, no matter what their profession, whether in business or in the arts have a few things in common. They do not bash and make snide remarks about those in the same profession. They are not envious of the accomplishments of others. Although, they take pride in their own accomplishments and they should, they also give credit to people who either helped them along the way or are still part of their lives and helping to ensure that success continues. I was telling someone during a recent conversation about business that when I held a senior management position with a company many, many years ago that it was my staff who played a key role in us tripling the offices revenue during my first year there and taking us from having the worst financial situation out 29 offices to number one in less than a year. Some of the most accomplished artists that I know surround themselves with people who make them even better at their craft. Oh and those same people, live their lives with sincere gratitude. I think it has now been 4 1/2 years since I interviewed Bobby Curtola, the first Canadian artist to ever sign a million contract to perform in Las Vegas, a Canadian music icon from the 1960s and what impressed me most during my 1 1/2 conversation with Bobby, who by the way was my childhood hero, was how he at several points wanted to make sure that I understood the people in the music business that helped him along the way, especially the DJs who back in the day actually could decide some of the music that was played on air, not like today where it is all programmed. It was about 18 years ago that I was invited by Canadas former Prime Minister Joe Clark to have breakfast with him, just the two of us for an hour. Mr Clark was everything that I hoped he would be, he was modest, he was grateful for what life has given him and he took a sincere interest in me, someone he had never met before that morning. You do not forget those experiences or those kinds of people. I have had the honor this past few weeks to interview three people who reminded me once again what a privilege it is to do what I do as a writer, when I hear them talk about their careers and just the way they live their lives, Tamara Champlin, Nina Söderquist and Dave Darling.
Posted on: Sat, 27 Sep 2014 06:31:33 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015