With all the global uprisingS and worldwide phenomenon of hashtags like #MeToo, #TimesUp, #YESALLWOMEN, it makes one think back over the past 10, 20, 30 years and maybe even 40 years. Truth is the needle hasn't really moved that much but maybe it is really about to MOVE.
START UP. Try starting a new company, putting a solid runway together of creative ideas, people and private investors in the crazy and unpredictable land of startup---and you not only experience the pushback of a powerful mountain of resistance but a lot of people quietly hoping you don't succeed. What is it about people, gender aside, who secretly wait alongside you, behind you or possibly in front of you--either wanting to try to trip you, sabotage, threaten you or even worse, intentionally attempt to steal your creative vision? I wanted to find out and I might have cracked the code.
THE GIRL IN THE DEAL. I've been the girl in the deal all my life. I never thought of myself as less than but equal to in somewhat of a female force. I never cared about a studio executive calling me honey or baby or sweetie. As long as they bought my show or invested in my project or partnered with me in a way that furthered me to my finish line. It’s all ego anyway. And there was a lot of scenarios and situations that I might have viewed as silly or pointless, but I went along to get along in my very own way.
IS THERE A MESSAGE IN THE MUSIC OF OUR LIVES?. Fast forward to 2024. Its coming up fast. It's taken multiple years to get through the liars, tramps and thieves of the business. You mistakenly think you know someone till you work closely with them. Recently I asked a young entrepreneur what questions he was asked as he was first interviewed for a really great opportunity. The first question he was asked was, "Have you ever been arrested?" He replied, "No." Because it was the truth. I would never think of asking such a question but as it turns out-- it's a very valid question in today's society. And it's now on my list. And that goes for both men and women. I even Google their name with ‘fraud’ after it. Because you just never know. And basically it comes down to there's so much resentment and haters out there that you wonder where did the generations go wrong? Does a generation or two of music tell us ANything? The 70's were "Smile On Your Brother", the 80's were "I'm Alright" to "Invincible," then the 90's "I Want It That Way" and "I Will Always Love You”, to the 2000's with "Gold Digger" and 2010’s were collaboration and experimentation with new sounds. ON to 2020’s as one of the most difficult times in music history. And even as we move toward 2024, it Feels like it’s still just a revolution of the sexes— and someone should have predicted this. Maybe they did but we just didn’t listen.
IT'S BEYOND YOU. As I travel along the road to announce something way bigger than myself, its attributed to all ‘those’ people who tried to stop the vision, took advantage in one way or another, lied, cheated, stole, threatened unsuccessfully. But as our roads become runways it presents challenges and teaches you your forever lessons. It teaches you to look beyond our differences, see beyond taking it personal, and get past any of ‘those’ efforts to impede you from getting to where you want to be. And remember the ones who give selflessly--their friendship, their counsel, their words, their support, because without some of those kind words along the way, it can be a hard and lonely road. TODAY the girls in the deal are well equipped to endure a lot more emotional challenges than any man--any day of the week. Sure, we’re emotional creatures to the bone but we endure it. Because We are truly in it for the long haul.
.
THE MESSAGE. So if you find yourself realizing you are THE GIRL IN THE DEAL, take it from someone who has traveled that road. It’s never too early to show your power. ‘You don’t get what you don’t ask for’ mantra rings as true today in every profession as it did 20, 30 and probably 40 years ago. Stake your claim and demand (nicely) what you want. Act like it can’t be done any other way. And here’s the most important thing no one ever tells you. Once you ask for what you want. Just be SILENT. LISTEN. And in the worst case scenario, your response is tactfully, “Let me think about it and get back to you.” Probably it’s one of the biggest lessons the GIRL IN THE DEAL will ever learn, besides---just say no!
