By Whitney Spencer
Insight into what makes someone successful is something that most college students covet before the reality of the real world sets in. To hear firsthand the humble beginnings and current success of a black male is not only something to desire but to admire as well.
On Nov. 17, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated gave students at the University of Louisville the opportunity to experience this insight first hand during their “Know What Makes Them Tick” Entrepreneurship Seminar. Max Siegel, a leader in the sports and entertainment marketing industries, spoke to students in the College of Business about success, what it means, and how to attain it. As the first black person to graduate with honors from Notre Dame’s law school and the former President of Jive Records and vice president of Verity Records, Siegel has been no stranger to success. He was named to Crain’s New York Business ‘New York’s Rising Stars 40 under Forty’ in 2004. During his deep and, at times, comical walk through his life and its highs and lows, Siegel outlined the simple yet thorough keys to success.
“For me success is defined by having an impact and making a difference,” said Siegel. Some people measure it financially, that’s one way, but for me if I know what I’m doing is making a positive difference in whatever organization or community that’s success to me.”
During the seminar, Siegel touched on the various aspects of life that college students face today and will continue to face in the future as they embark on various paths toward their desired success. While his road wasn’t the easiest paths to take, he affirmed that setbacks will occur so the ability to learn from those are what’s important or as he stated it “don’t be all doom and gloom.”
Going from law school to running the world’s largest gospel recording label, Siegel’s journey has led him to have an understanding of what is necessary to find success and a peace of mind.
“I think you have to find something that you’re really passionate about,” said Siegel. “Because you’re really passionate about something then you can put up with more adversity because to you there is a purpose.”
His time speaking wasn’t just focused on the work force but the college experience as well. Siegel touched on the importance of people in his life and how they shaped his future. Encouragement, examples, and knowledge were just a few of the many advantages he found in having mentors. His belief is that the most flourishing relationships with mentors are when both mentor and mentee can give and take.
Inside the classroom, he held firm to his belief that learning doesn’t just entail taking a test of writing a paper. This idea is one he says he feels like he needs to express to college students regularly because he didn’t pick up on it until his time in graduate study.
“Typically, there are very few students who know what they want to do undergrad,” said Siegel. “I think that once people find out what they want to do, then they kind of get into it and it kind of happens naturally. I just want to send the message especially in college that education is much more than the classroom – is it about this whole experience. If you can just take it in then you can take more out of it.”
Students that were in attendance sat attentive and hung to Siegel’s every word as his presence seemed to fill the entire room. By the end of the seminar, students seemed to share the same sentiment about the message they received.
“I thought it was inspirational and motivational,” said junior Darrissa Dodson. “He made me realize I really haven’t been giving my best and if I want to succeed I need to do more than I’m doing right now.”
In his new book, titled “Know What Makes Them Tick: How to Successfully Negotiate Almost Any Situation,” Siegel outlines nine universal rules in negotiating strategies in every aspect of life. With testimonials from the likes of Grammy Award Winner Kirk Franklin, BET founder Bob Johnson, and the CEO of USA Swimming Chuck Wielgus, Siegel’s impact is clear across several different realms.
“Siegel shows us how to successfully navigate situations that may arise at work, in the home, or in personal relationships,” said author of “The Pursuit of Happyness” Chris Gardner as quoted on the cover of Siegel’s book. “More he shows how, if the cards are played right, everyone walks away a winner – an empowering feeling if ever there was one.”
The most significant contribution given by Siegel during his seminar was his thoughts on the position that minority students play in their own futures in the real world. While difficulties may arise, his empowering words gave students the means to push toward their goals.
“You should celebrate being different,” said Siegel. “It’s not a bad thing. Your perspective is as valid as anybody else’s. I think you should just really embrace and be proud of who you are and where you come from. To me that is more the rule than the exception so the sooner that you learn how to deal with people from all walks of life or being in the minority and making an impact, the better off you’ll be.”
Determination, work ethic, and integrity – those are Siegel’s three keys to success and with the right timing those will get you where you desire to be in life.
