Wk 4-Leadership Role Model

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When asked to consider a leadership role model that I admire, Berry Gordy is my number one choice. I have loved and enjoyed Mr. Gordy's contribution to popular music, all of my life.  His book "To Be Loved," has been a staple in my life, as I have read it over 100 times.  I feel that Mr. Gordy is an excellent role model, because of his ability to develop and lead a group a gifted songwriters, producers, and artists in a way that changed popular music forever. Motown is the leading model today, for current music production companies.  The products created at Motown have never stopped playing on commercial radio. Motown music is also used in commercials, movies, and a host of other venues.  Moreover, many of the producers and artists who worked with Mr. Gordy, have become some of the key figures in the music industry, and leadership role models also. The most fascinating thing about Berry Gordy to me was his tenacity to create Motown in the first place. Mr. Gordy had marginal success as a songwriter for Jackie Wilson, however when he received his royalty checks, they were less than impressive. A young Smokey Robinson suggested that if this was all he was going to be paid, he may as well start his own record label. Mr. Gordy took that to heart and did just that. Motown Records was founded in Detroit, Michigan January 12, 1959. This great feat was done at the height of the Civil Rights movement. Motown was sold in March 1984, but Mr. Gordy has remained the face of a musical movement.  He is my role model.

After EMDT, I hope to use my new skills for further develop young people. Early in my life I was convinced that my contribution would be made in the music industry, This was the case for many years of my life.  However, I have now been in trusted with developing young minds, through education. I hope to continue to contribute to society in a positive way.