Sony Music Entertainment’s Post

Yesterday I delivered a speech at Guildhall School of Music & Drama on People and Culture in Organisations through the lens of unconscious bias. As part of an incredible list of speakers including James Ainscough OBE, Dr Diljeet Bhachu, Dr Amy Blier Carruthers, members of the Trinity Laban Senior Leadership Team, Professor Jonathan Vaughan, Roger Wilson and Dr Charisse Beaumont (DMus) I had the great privilege of speaking about a critical topic: rethinking how we define and find talent, the relationship between bias and the impact that our own individual biases have on company culture. I was truly humbled by the applause and the reception I received from that audience comprised of #conservatoires and #orchestras. I was inspired and encouraged by their presence and the levels of #engagement and wanted to share a few takeaways: 👉 Talent can look like, sound like, act like and be like many things. We often limit ourselves with rigid ideas of qualifications, job titles, or traditional markers of #success. It’s time to expand our perspective because titles aren’t indicators of #success. True #talent can emerge from unexpected places when we start searching with creativity and open-#mindedness, focusing on skills based hiring you might find that your next Director may have only ever been afforded the title of Senior Manager but has all of the skills. 🤔 👉 Inclusion is a choice. It’s not accidental or passive, it’s an active decision. Challenging bias isn’t about waiting for #change, it’s about choosing change. STILL. 👉 Bias is not permanent. We often treat bias as an immovable obstacle, but that’s far from the truth. By engaging our prefrontal cortex, the decision-making, reflective part of our brain, we can actively question and #disrupt our default #patterns of thinking. This is how we go beyond the constraints of #unconciousbias and create space for real inclusion. This #work requires intention and effort, but the outcomes, innovation, #equity, and progress are worth it. Let’s commit to making those choices, to looking beyond the surface, and to unlocking the full #potential in #people. #blacklivesinmusic #BliM PRS for Music PRS Foundation

As musicians, artists, and entertainers, we owe it to ourselves—and to the world—to constantly strive to be the best versions of who we are. In the words of Aristotle, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” This pursuit of excellence isn’t just about talent; it’s about discipline, innovation, and a deep commitment to our craft and community. Music and art are about more than entertainment—they inspire, heal, and connect people in profound ways. Maslow’s hierarchy teaches us that self-actualization is the pinnacle of human achievement. For creatives, this means leaning into our potential, breaking through barriers, and creating work that resonates deeply. But excellence is also about how we uplift others. Collaboration, mentorship, and creating spaces for other voices to shine are essential to leaving a lasting legacy. To my fellow creatives: let’s challenge ourselves every day—not just to be great at our craft, but to lead, inspire, and elevate. Let’s redefine what success means in our industry, push the boundaries of what’s possible, and set the standard for those who follow. #Leadership #Creativity #MusicIndustry #PersonalDevelopment

💡 What High-Performance Sport and Music Leadership Have in Common This week, I had the pleasure of leading an All Blacks Performance Labs session for the leaders of Sony Music Entertainment UK & Ireland at their London HQ. It was incredible to work with the heads of their iconic labels—Columbia Records, RCA Records, Epic Records, and Ministry of Sound—brands that champion some of the biggest names in music. And you can see why:  the heart, care, and kindness demonstrated by this leadership team were immense. As complex and varied as our roles can be, the fundamental human need to connect and care is something we all share. Allan Bunting, coach of the New Zealand Black Ferns, calls this “Heart Performance before High Performance.” In the All Blacks, it’s said, “Better People Make Better All Blacks.” I left the session reflecting on a simple insight ☀️ why is it that the highest-performing teams place the greatest importance on connecting and belonging? Perhaps because, in the end, it’s the strength of these authentic connections that fuels exceptional performance. 🔥 🔥 🔥 It’s a powerful reminder: good people, united by purpose and care, make truly great teams. Thank you Sony Music UK & Ireland. I loved our time together. Jason Iley, Liz Jeffery, Charlotte Edgeworth, Christopher Crellin FCPA, dipesh parmar, Stacey Tang, Glyn Aikins, Damaris R., jo kalli, Jessica Carsen, Negla Abdela, sarah lockhart, Brooke Salisbury, Cassandra Gracey, Adam Cardew, Annette Donnelly, Andrew R. Davis, Ben Farmer #Leadership #TeamCulture #HighPerformance #AllBlacks #MusicIndustry #Connection

A recent study found that 60% of teams reported increased success due to diversity, and diverse teams are 87% better at decision-making. Yet, the music industry lags in diversity and inclusion policies. Only 13.9% of top executives in major music companies come from underrepresented groups. PPL, a leader in diversity and inclusion, showcases how this commitment can enhance workplace culture and business outcomes. Read the full story by Ellie Thornton on our website to learn more about how diversity and inclusion can benefit your music business. Find the full article in the first comment. #diversity #inclusion #edistrategy #businessdevelopment #musicindustry #employeeexperience #cxmnews

Our latest post

Usher is not just a legend—he’s a global force in entertainment. For nearly three decades, he’s not only redefined R&B but reshaped the cultural landscape, constantly evolving while staying rooted in his undeniable artistry. From headlining the most-watched Super Bowl Halftime Show in history to his electrifying world tour and timeless music, Usher continues to push the boundaries of performance, creativity, and influence. As a visionary, he’s proven that legacy is built not just in music, but in uplifting the next generation through his New Look Foundation and his relentless commitment to excellence. Usher’s impact is a blueprint for what it means to be an icon in the modern world: ever-evolving, globally influential, and forever shaping the culture. This is what it means to be the 2024 #EBONYPower100 Global Visionary of the Year. This is Usher. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eN7GA4wC

Collective management organisations (CMOs) play an essential role in the professional life of every #performer. From their first steps in the life of #acting, #dancing or playing #music until long after their retirement, CMOs stand with their #performers to help them get remunerated for their work. CMOs are partners to the EU and its member states in striving towards a fair working environment for performers and promoting cultural diversity. This partnership should be further strengthened by empowering CMOs with a level playing field and better access to the use of the works of their members. This is one of the most important objectives the EU must pursue over the next five years to create a fair digital environment for performers. Read our full list of "2024-2029 Policy Guidelines for a Fair Environment for Performers in Europe" via this link: https://shorturl.at/T5pTt. #performers #fairpay #neighbouringrights #relatedrights #collectivemanagement #AEPOARTIS Henna Virkkunen Glenn Micallef Margrethe Vestager

🎶 "I am on the floor tonight, I feel like singing..." Last night, Dobie Gray's anthem reverberated through the packed Wolverhampton Civic Halls as Northern Soul Orchestrated wowed an ecstatic audience. With #BBCRadio6 Music’s Stuart Maconie hosting, the tour launches to ride the wave of its recent success at the #BBCProms. Northern Soul is more than just music; it's a vibrant culture of dance, fashion, and community. Those legendary nights at the #TwistedWheel, #BlackpoolMecca, and #WiganCasino were about coming together, united by a love for soul-stirring tracks—and last night encapsulated that spirit perfectly. But as we revel in the nostalgia, we also ponder a crucial question: Is Northern Soul merely reliving its golden days, or are we witnessing a vibrant regeneration? Here’s how the experience economy and cultural industry could help #KeepTheFaith and the Northern Soul movement alive and thriving? Why not embrace immersive experiences like Netflix's Bridgerton ball or Secret Cinema, Northern Soul events could transport attendees back to the iconic days of its most celebrated venues. Interactive narratives where attendees play roles within a meticulously recreated 1960s and '70s soul scene, coupled with workshops on dance, vinyl DJing, and fashion, can offer a full-sensory journey into the past. This not only blends education with entertainment but also connects participants to the movement's cultural impact more deeply. As Northern Soul continues to fuel passions and fill dance floors, these initiatives could ensure it not only survives but evolves with each spin of the turntable. What other ideas do you think could help propel Northern Soul into the future while respecting its rich heritage? #NorthernSoul #MusicCulture #ExperienceEconomy #CulturalRevival #InnovationInMusic #ImmersiveExperience #KeepTheFaith #WildThoughts #OutOnTheFloor #WiganCasino #Wild #MomentsThatMatter #ThoughtOfTheDay #EventIndustry #Activation #EventActivation

The engagement of local residents in initiatives in their locality is important. Community engagement is key

Chappell Roan's journey to stardom is a fascinating case study in modern fan engagement and career strategy. Her rapid ascent highlights a unique dynamic where fans feel deeply intertwined with her success. This connection, bolstered by her team, has undeniably fueled her rise but also set high expectations. An interesting facet of Roan’s career is her "100% rule" for decision-making: every choice must be an unequivocal yes, or it’s a no. This reflects a deliberate and intentional approach, prioritizing authentic alignment over mere opportunity. However, the recent backlash over her show cancellations in favor of a VMA performance underscores a critical tension in the industry. Despite industry norms, the move felt dissonant to fans accustomed to her authenticity. The late notice and scant communication only widened the gap. This discussion on the /r/Fauxmoi subreddit is a reflection of the volatile nature of public perception, especially in the pop sphere. Artists must navigate these choppy waters to build enduring careers. ➡️ How crucial is transparent communication in maintaining fan trust? ➡️ Can artists balance industry demands with the expectations they set for their fans? The nuances of Roan's situation highlight the broader challenges and strategies necessary for sustained success in pop music. #ChappellRoan #FanEngagement #PopStardom #MusicIndustry #CareerStrategy #Authenticity #PublicPerception