We Have So Many Miles To Go

Art is the lifeblood of our civilization. Artists tell our story. This has been a rough week for everyone, but I have found solace in some moments of peace through art. I’ve listened to more music. I’ve played my instrument more. I’ve taken deeper breaths and in my distancing, I’ve found more connection. I find most of my inspiration outside of my industry. This week, I’ve been reminded about Miles Davis and found new inspiration from his legacy. If you’re watching Netflix, I recommend watching the documentary “Birth of the Cool”. Miles was a genius. There is so much we can learn from his life story. He was unrelenting in his authenticity and beautifully honest in his art. He was also complicated and far from perfect. He had demons but found a way to tame them. He led powerfully in a silent way from the front and inspired and nurtured his band through his actions. He embraced his failures and was humbled because of his arrogance. He was nimble. He overcame adversity, racism, fear, and jealousy. He was psychedelic. One of my favorite memories was the first night I saw him in concert. I was sitting in the front row at The Beacon Theatre and his presence and music still resonates inside me today. As he would like to say, he was one hell of a motherfucker. For those of you who might be asking yourself what Jazz and Miles Davis have to do with real estate or your field I say this... Miles was the ultimate entrepreneur. Here are my top ten takeaways and lessons I can apply to my own life.

 

1. He was authentic. He changed the face of music many times over his career because he was true to himself.
   
   

2. He had the conviction to implement his vision. He didn’t listen to his detractors and wasn’t swayed by naysayers.
   
   

3. He overcame his obstacles. His challenges were numerous and he dug deep to overcome them.
   
   

4. He was disciplined and practiced. He worked his ass off on his craft.
   
   

5. He believed in quality, not quantity. One note from Miles’ horn could resonate more powerfully than an orchestra.
   
   

6. He gave himself the freedom to jam. (Watch my TEDx Talk)
   
   

7. He learned from others. Early in his career, he had mentors who taught him the music and the culture.
   
   

8. He had other interests. He was always connected to innovators in other fields.
   
   

9. He collaborated. He surrounded himself with artists and musicians who inspired him.
   
   

10. He knew his brand. He had it clearly defined and owned it.

I’m not a poet, but I felt like writing a Shakespearean sonnet this week for Miles, and us. Your music and spirit strike the notes kind of blue-blackened winds of change so sudden and extreme Float in the ether and take on a different hue Is this our new world or captured in a dream? What drives your desire and moves in your heart? Dig deep in your soul and find the truth alive you know, succumb or be torn apart Tempted by greed, lies, deceit, and some jive. Run into your path, your journey your ride Dancing on thorns and a bitch in a brew You’ll cut and you’ll bleed you can’t run or hide Flesh air on brass balls you are one of the few Stare in the mirror you can face the foolGive life to the music and birth to the cool ON SITEMy guest this week is Brendan Fairbanks, an entrepreneur in his own right. Brendan is the founder of Perchwell, a fully integrated online residential real estate search and collaboration product. Brendan talks about how he made the transition from private equity to founding a real estate startup and offers advice for anyone who wants to follow their passion and start a new company.