Knowledge is Always Power: Interview with B. Taylor

I recently went one on one with B. Taylor. B. is a number one Billboard-charted musician, writer, producer, and performer.

Adam: Thanks again for taking the time to share your advice. First things first, though, I am sure readers would love to learn more about you. How did you get here? What experiences, failures, setbacks, or challenges have been more instrumental to your growth?

B.: Well I got here with hard work, faith, perseverance, and a whole lot of prayers

One of the main challenges I had to face was trying to get everyone to understand my brand and mission. Record labels didn’t know how to market a person like myself, who was a former athlete that was discovered by the Classic Motown Legends,  and a decorated Navy Veteran who was working with the leadership of the Pentagon and VA. 

This led to so many of the label executives coming up with different excuses on my project, my mission, and myself. I was presented with clear excuses that stemmed from systematic racism and a lack of hope of why they could not sign me. So many labels and publishing passed on, without giving me a chance. It was a big slap in the face and disrespectful especially to the Motown Legends, Smokey and The Miracles,  these iconic Rock and Roll Hall of Famers.

Another big controversy to my story and these historical video shoots, that took place on the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier, Naval Recruiting Bootcamp, during the Pandemic Shutdown, was that there were not any military or veterans in the entertainment space or with corporate american companies that had their story and brand being widely promoted, especially veterans that looked like me. 

Being African American was a disadvantage to my everlasting dream.  My management team and I experienced some systematic racism, disrespectful words, and presumptuous attitudes that would result in somebody getting canceled in today's times. There was a lack of diversity in this industry as well as with corporate America and there was no representation of anybody besides the white man when it came to the major military and veterans community stories. I wanted to represent the outnumbered. I wanted to represent the hard-working black man. I wanted to represent the minorities in the military and veteran community who have done epic things and contributed greatly to this country and our freedoms. Minorities represent over 35% of the U.S. Military And I wanted to represent the children who needed to push in the right direction towards their dreams. 

This had me face tremendous setbacks and numerous challenges, but what I instilled into my management team was the military never quit, never die attitude and will that led us to dig down in the trenches and keep going.

With willpower, dedication and faith, I eventually started to break through with number 1 records, and I am currently on The Orchard/Sony Music and Sony Music Publishing. 

Adam: In your experience, beyond natural talent, what are the common qualities among those who have been able to enjoy success as performing artists?

B.: Common qualities that I see of us all is the work ethic, the drive, and just not being afraid to think outside of the box. My biggest piece of advice is to be innovative! If you look at the biggest entertainers in the history of music, they all were unique in their own way. For example, David Bowie was best known for his ever-changing persona and mix of feminine and masculine fashion taste. Michael Jackson, who challenged racial boundaries and revolutionized a new era of pop music through dance and disco-inspired beats. Madonna, who had a constant reinvention as a pop performer every couple of years, and her free-spirited soul that encouraged sexuality and acceptance. And Whitney Houston, who was best known for her powerful and soul-filled vocals that revolutionized the power of women, especially minority women within the culture of television and live performances for more representation. If you are looking to become a successful performing artist, really dig deep. Dig deep into your vocal range, practice playing instruments, take the moments of solidarity to write songs, learn the production side, learn the business side, and most importantly embrace who you are and fight for what you believe in. All of the best have dealt with challenges and plenty of “no’s”, but it only takes one “yes” to make your wildest dreams become reality.

Adam: What are the best lessons you have learned through your career that are applicable to those who will never earn a living as a performer?

B: The best lessons that I have learned is to always ask questions, take notes on everything, listen more than you speak, and learn about finances and how to handle your money. Within all of these lessons, it is important to understand you do not know everything and it is okay to ask for help. Listen to those who came before you, the people who have more experience and stories to share. Whether that is a manager, a parent, a teacher, or even a friend who has more personal knowledge of that specific endeavor, they may surprise you with advice that you would never be able to find on the internet or within a book. One day, you will be the one somebody else is learning from. Knowledge is power so listen. 

Adam: Who are the best leaders you have been around and what have you learned from them?

B.:Some of the best leaders that I have been around include the Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Vern Clark and Admiral Greeniert, the Secretaries of the Navy, Admiral Moniyhan and Captain Hicks, White House National Security Council (NSC), Admiral John Kirby, Motown Legends of Smokey and The Miracles, my football coach Don Tanney, college basketball Coaching Legend Norm Stewart, and lastly, but most importantly my father Rev. Taylor. 

What I learned from all of these people is how to do things right, with respect for yourself and others. There is no room to make excuses and there is certainly no room to step on others to get to the top. What you put into the world is what you will get back and I believe that wholeheartedly. I learned mental toughness in the U.S. Military from my SOCOM brothers, which is much more important than physical. It is important to believe in yourself and your mission. If you do that others will believe in your mission as well. You can not expect somebody else to have faith in you if you do not have faith within yourself.

Adam: What are your three best tips applicable to entrepreneurs, executives, and civic leaders?

B.: The three best tips I have are attributes that one should follow to be a successful leader. The first is dedication. You need to be 100% in your project, 100% believe in your mission, and 100% stand up for yourself and your team. Dedication is early mornings, late nights, and weekends, no excuses.  If you can walk and breathe then you can work!

The second most important attribute is about understanding others. Whether it is an employee, a client, or a friend, understanding that everyone is different and has different needs is highly important to the success of your personal and professional endeavors. Like I stated before, listening is quite important in any relationship. You will never be successful if you are not open to hearing others out and listening.  What are their concerns? What are their critiques? What are their praises? By listening and understanding others you will be able to adjust solutions to specific needs and wants for each individual. The loudest people tend to know the least about others. 

Lastly, another important attribute is understanding how to execute a plan. This normally involves a team of other individuals with extensive knowledge and skills to facilitate a strategically smooth presentation of your project. Every experience will be different. No two projects are the same and no two people are the same. Learning how to execute a plan is important to your success. You may have a great product or service, but if it is not executed in the right way, whether it's a marketing campaign, social media content, advertisements, events, etc. it will never be successful.  

Adam: What is the single best piece of advice you have ever received?

B.: I received two pieces of advice that I carry with me today and everyday.

The first one, is from my Grandma Taylor, “ If a task is once begun, finish it until it's done. Be its laborer great or small, do it well or not at all.” 

The second piece came from my father Rev. Taylor, “ A man’s name is more precious than any riches or glory.”

Both of these spectacular quotes of advice have been the reason I believe that I stay humble and grounded to represent the Taylor family name within a respectful reputation. They both represent the epitome of hard work, patience, kindness, and belief in God. 

Adam: Is there anything else you would like to share?

B.: To all of the kids out there, especially the minority kids. Remember knowledge is always power. Stay motivated. Education is key. Keep good people within your inner circle, I mean you are a mix of the five people you are closest with. Be a positive light to someone as much as you can. You are our future, so stay bright.

Adam Mendler is the CEO of The Veloz Group, where he co-founded and oversees ventures across a wide variety of industries. Adam is also the creator and host of the business and leadership podcast Thirty Minute Mentors, where he goes one on one with America's most successful people - Fortune 500 CEOs, founders of household name companies, Hall of Fame and Olympic gold medal winning athletes, political and military leaders - for intimate half-hour conversations each week. Adam has written extensively on leadership, management, entrepreneurship, marketing and sales, having authored over 70 articles published in major media outlets including Forbes, Inc. and HuffPost, and has conducted more than 500 one on one interviews with America’s top leaders through his collective media projects. A top leadership speaker, Adam draws upon his insights building and leading businesses and interviewing hundreds of America's top leaders as a top keynote speaker to businesses, universities and non-profit organizations.

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