5 Lessons From Jennifer Hudson And The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’s Epic Performance

Written by: Simon T. Bailey, Executive Contributor

Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.

On a crisp evening, when the temperature dipped below 50 degrees, I decided to take my bride out for a date night. I knew that she loved Jennifer Hudson, and it would give us a chance to celebrate the opening of a new gem: Steinmetz Hall at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando. This is one of the world’s most acoustically advanced theaters that achieved an N1 sound rating – the highest standard for sound isolation. As we found our seats on the third level, Center Tier – Door 8, row D, seats 134 and 135, we were in awe of the design, warmth, and ambiance. The atmosphere was noticeably charged with the positive energy of familiar faces who had hibernated long enough. We were not prepared for what happened next

My wife and I, along with everyone around us, were on the edge of our seats as we witnessed an effortless, exquisite experience between Jennifer — an American Idol Season 3 finalist who has won an impressive collection of Academy, Golden Globe, Grammy, and Emmy awards — and the London-based Royal Philharmonic Orchestra—which has been around for 75 years. They performed under the direction of the brilliant Edwin Outwater, “one of the most innovative conductors on the scene today,” according to American conductor Michael Tilson Thomas.

This was a five-course meal of musical delight that was delicious to the soul.

The evening highlighted five important lessons that I believe can be applied to any person and/or business:

1. Connect immediately

The moment she walked on stage, Jennifer greeted the audience with the warmth of Whitney Houston and the confidence of Aretha Franklin. She started singing by drawing from a deep well of life’s highs and lows. Good times and bad times. Sunshine and rain. Within the first 10-15 minutes, she reached everyone. This was more than a performance. This was a conversation with our souls as we all walked down memory lane while listening to lyrics that were the soundtrack of our lives.

The connection was effortless and memorable. In your business, what are you doing to establish rapport early and often? This will set the tone for the rest of any experience.

2. Commit to Excellence

What happens when you combine 115 years of musical brilliance converging on one stage for one night? It’s a daily choice to be the best of the best. The decision to practice privately, study consistently and do the work shows up on stage with an effortless performance. This commitment to loving what you do takes the audience by the hand and invites them on stage to enjoy a curated experience of excellence.

3. Create Moments

At one point during this elegant evening, Jennifer decided to sit down and briefly converse with the audience. It was authentic, endearing, and sweet. It dawned on her during her performance that her career started in Orlando 15 years ago. She was now coming full circle to sing from the place that launched her career. She said, “I just want to take in this moment. You are all living in my dream.” Well, with that statement, you could’ve heard a pin drop. As a dreamer, I could totally relate. This was more than a concert. This was a special moment.

4. Conduct with Enthusiasm

I am a bit of a novice when it comes to classical music. However, I love listening to it. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra left me speechless. Every instrument was played with passion, and Edwin Outwater conducted as if his pants were on fire. I mean, that will all be due respect. You could feel and see his sheer joy in sharing an experience that left an emotional tattoo on our hearts. Do people connect deeply with the spark in your heart? If yes, then they will tell others about you and what you offer the world. They will become your unofficial marketing department.

5. Celebrate Everyone

Jennifer took time to acknowledge Fred Nelson III (Aretha Franklin’s former music director), who played the piano, Rickey Minor (former musical director and bandleader on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno), and Michael Scaglione, who played the tenor saxophone like it was the last performance of his life. WOW…he killed it! And, of course, she didn’t forget to acknowledge her background vocalists – George Huff, Siobhan McNear, Chelsea West, and Davon Fleming, who has been with her for a long time.

This is emotional intelligence at its best. We are only as good as the people around us. One minute of recognition equals one hundred minutes of the initiative.

Jennifer has the “it factor.” Whitney had it, and so did Aretha. The “it factor” is when pure brilliance intersects with vicissitudes of life, and one chooses to rise instead of sink. Share instead of hiding. Be strong instead of meltdown.

You heard it here first. Don’t be surprised if one day Jennifer is given an opportunity to have a permanent residence show in Las Vegas, just like Celine Dion did for many years and Whitney certainly deserved. This is just one of the many possibilities that await Jennifer. She is an international icon and humanitarian who has been anointed by God for such a time as this one. She is this generation’s Whitney, and Aretha all rolled into one person. Most importantly, she is herself, with her own unique voice, so that she can make a difference in her own way.

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Simon T. Bailey, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine

SUCCESS magazine calls Simon T. Bailey one of the top 25 people who will help you reach your business and life goals. He joins a list that includes Oprah Winfrey, Brene Brown, and Tony Robbins. Washington Speakers Bureau recognized him as one of the 12 business speakers who emboldened audiences to think big and lead with purpose. Simon was the first Black American sales director for the Disney Institute based at Walt Disney World Resort. Since leaving Disney, he has served more than 2,100 organizations in 50 countries. His three LinkedIn Learning courses have been viewed by 250,000 individuals in 100 countries. He’s also written 10 books and has one of the 100 most-read motivational and successful blogs.