A Simple Discussion That Changed An Elaborate Outlook

“Vulnerability is our most accurate measurement of courage.” This has to be the most profound statement that Brene’ Brown made during her TED session “Listening to shame.”

In this session, Brown begins by captivating the audience with a personal story, an instance in which she found herself at her most vulnerable state. Brown polled the audience to see if the majority of them had the same initial perception of vulnerability: weakness. The results were just as expected; many people only relate vulnerability to a state of weakness. This is how the above-mentioned quote was birthed. “Vulnerability is our most accurate measurement of courage.” Vulnerability occurs when someone is positioned in a way to receive emotional or physical harm. Brown breaks down this often feared word as, “to be vulnerable, to let ourselves be seen, to be honest.” Understanding this take on vulnerability clearly shows where courage is moved to the forefront. Brown explained to her listeners that she “did not learn about vulnerability and courage and creativity and innovation from studying vulnerability. [She] learned about these things from studying shame.” She further explained that there is a very significant difference in “shame” and “guilt.” My favorite example she gave is “Guilt: I’m sorry. I made a mistake. Shame: I’m sorry. I am a mistake.”

I loved Brown’s approach in this session because she began with a personal experience. It was an experience that was directly related to the audience she was addressing, therefore, they were able to immediately connect with what she was revisiting. Brown also incorporated several sly instances of humor during this session. I kept the tone of the session light and easy to follow. Another thing I liked about Brown’s presentation was the she made everything easily flow together. Her story of vulnerability created a great transition into what vulnerability is, and then further into how it relates to shame.

Now, not only did I like Brown’s TED session because of her presentation, but I also enjoyed it because I found it very helpful. After listening to her speech, I am able to incorporate what she expressed, into my every day thinking. Prior to watching this TED session, I was one of those who only associated vulnerability with a weakness, and did not bother to understand a difference between guilt and shame. This session has helped me tremendously. 

Who Are You?

Who Are You?

It seems as though now a days, more and more people are becoming “managers” for different artists. However, I wonder how many of those “managers” really understand their role in the artist’s career. It is almost like it is becoming a fad. While this can seem okay and not harmful in the beginning, as time goes on, that may change. The same way artist’s talk to each other to gain knowledge and learn what works and what doesn’t, new artist managers need to do the same.

Talent Managers Association is a great resource for this very need. The Talent Managers Association consists of entertainment managers all over the world. This is a resource that the managers use to network with other managers, as well as gain access to many other resources that Talent Managers use all of the time. The Talent Managers Association hosts various events throughout the year, in an effort to create a physical gathering for all of the members to meet and network even more. This association is known for its major focus on ethical behavior towards artists from their manager. In order to become a member of the Talent Managers Association, the interested individual must first agree to abide by the Code of Ethics that has been established with the association. By agreeing to do so, and joining this association, this brings a great amount of credibility to the talent manager.

Throughout my journey of entrepreneurship, one of my major focuses is on artist and musician management. I do not want to be just another manager lost in manager heaven; I desire for my management company to stand out amongst the others. I know that becoming a member of the Talent Managers Association will do one part of making this happen. The ample amount of members who have already joined this association will serve as great networks to help me execute my goals.