13A – Reading Reflection No. 1

Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown Records was more than a music executive/ businessman. During an area of time in which not many African Americans wore leadership hats as executives in large companies Berry formed his own. At the height of his success, the Motown empire boasted 100M dollars in annual revenue, and had headline stars such as Diana Ross, Billie Holiday, Michael Jackson, and more.

In reading To Be Loved, Berry Gordy, what surprised me the most was his upbringing. Two life changing careers of which I believe undoubtedly shaped his life, was that of having served in the military, and formerly being a boxer. Both were surprising to me but assisted me in understanding where his laser focus for success came from. Having grown up in a hard scrabble neighborhood of Detroit during the 1930’s, what I admired most about him as an entrepreneur, was his ability to departmentalize his personal circumstances for him to focus on being a success. What I admired least, was on some levels, his business acumen. Gordy was known as a scrupulous businessman. Motown’s contracts with their talent were some of the worst in the industry. As such, many died broke and owing money to Gordy for professional services and the like.

Gordy faced significant level of push back as he entered an emerging market where most of the competition was white. Instead of becoming disenfranchised like many of that time, Gordy lowered his head and redirected his energies to becoming an industry titan.

Gordy possessed various core competencies at differing times in his life. Decision making using sound judgement is what ultimately garnered Gordy his success. From his time in the military and boxing, he was also able to excel in planning and organization. These competencies were relied on heavily in various areas of To Be Loved, Berry Gordy.

While there were no areas within the book that confused me, there were areas where I felt the author could have gotten more specific in information. I believe some areas were intentionally left to be very vague. Areas related specifically to his personal life.

If I were able to ask two questions to Berry Gordy, I would ask more specifically about when he decidedly dropped out of High School. What led him to that decision. I would also ask what he gleans from for motivation. Gordy is known to be very charismatic. What gave him in the earlier years such a high ideal of self-worth.

I know from the reading Gordy was no slacker. As such he looked down upon those who didn’t tackle the hard works first. This characteristic I am very aware of, mostly because it is easier said than done. As Gordy believes, I too understand there are no easy roads and that no objective can be met with short sighted planning.