Jeff Radke

Speed Mentorship

HIGHLIGHTS:
1:11 | Background

2:39 | Sweetwater's Cultural Principles

5:08 | What does your typical day look like?

6:12 | What challenges are you facing with hiring?

9:01 | How do you maintain a healthy viewpoint on criticism

15:59 | Are you more introverted or extroverted?

17:37 | How do you manage your ego?

19:51 | What kind of mantras do you follow?

22:14 | What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced in your career?

25:16 | What are some of the top leadership issues you see?

26:53 | How do you help develop grit and resiliency?

29:02 | What kind of advice do you have for people who need to get out of their heads?

30:33 | What kind of advice do you give people trying to advance into leadership positions?

33:26 | How do you manage work-life balance?

37:12 | What is your vision for the music industry over the next decade?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Focus on Doing the Right Thing

The principle of doing the right thing applies to how they treat customers, employees, and vendors. It’s about maintaining integrity in all interactions, ensuring ethical practices are followed, and building partnerships rather than adversarial ones.

Handle Criticism and Move On

It’s easy to want everyone to like you, but that’s unrealistic. You must have thick skin, process feedback, and understand you can’t make everyone happy. You have to actively seek and respond to feedback to keep learning and growing.

Leadership Isn't Automatic
Aspiring leaders have to earn their stripes by putting in extra effort, being team players, and focusing on the greater good rather than personal gain. Leadership roles are not based on tenure alone.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. What is your "why" for wanting to be a leader? What is your motivation for seeking leadership roles?
2. How do you balance work in your own life? Are there specific strategies or non-negotiables that are effective for you to maintain a sense of balance, especially during busy or challenging times?
3. How do you see ethical considerations influencing decision-making in leadership roles, and what challenges might arise in balancing ethical practices with business objectives?