2023 Reflections

2023 Reflections

Originally, I had a completely different newsletter article planned but, as we hit December, I decided to pivot. In fact, "pivot" might be the word that best defines my year (and I'm sure the same is true for so many others).

This time last year, I was still in the thick of prepping for 2023 initiatives to support the amazing teams at Warner Chappell Music and Warner Chappell Production Music . Little did I know that other things would be in store for me.

Saying farewell to my friends and my team at WMG was a low point, after a lengthy career there, where I grew as a professional and a leader, and had the opportunity to learn end-to-end aspects of the music industry. There are some truly wonderful people in the WMG world - we achieved many great things together and I'm looking forward to hearing about whatever is next for them.

Highlights!

While I delivered projects earlier this year that I'm very proud of, most of these highlights have come in the last 2 months, as I've been embracing (and challenged by) a completely new journey. I'm also going to take this opportunity to give a shoutout to some people that I haven't known for so long, but have already been impactful to me.

  • Starting my own business, Equalizer Consulting , where I am looking forward with excitement at the prospect of helping a whole new set of music companies and individuals achieve their goals in the upcoming year (and beyond!)
  • Connecting with Nick Maiale and the team at jump.global , including volunteering at their inaugural summit focused on personal development and meeting some amazing music industry humans in the process.
  • Joining Janice Polizzotto to support Music Will and Tom Morello, who were donating a full band set to a local high-school - an amazing non-profit bringing modern music education into schools.
  • Speaking at the CDM Media Chief Data Officer SoCal Summit, where I outlined many challenges we face in the music industry, and learned how other industries have similar struggles.
  • Reconnecting with and growing my network, and feeling so supported by my family, friends, and colleagues (too many to tag here) as I forge this new path.
  • Joining a local women's entrepreneur group, where I met Ashley DelBello , who has been a wonderful resource for encouragement, support, and providing tools to structure goal setting for the upcoming year.
  • Starting this newsletter, which is really taking my love of teaching others about the music industry and hopefully bringing some impactful insights to you!

Things I've learned

During the jump.global summit, one of the keynotes broached the difference between resilience and tolerance; where tolerance is "putting up with" something, resilience is the ability to overcome difficulty and deal with change.

As part of this change, this year has been a time to evaluate where I've been and where I'm going.

I've learned:

  • How much I love educating others on the intricacies of the music business.
  • How much the persistent problems of how to best solve a data issue, or streamline a workflow, speak to my long-time love of solving puzzles!
  • How much I value the opportunity to be a leader, mentoring others to achieve to their potential.
  • How much unexpected change can be a positive transition, and while uncomfortable, it can reveal the resilience inside.

Looking forward

I have many more data insights planned for this newsletter, including topics such as works-to-composition matching, licensing, forging a data culture, and ensuring good data for improved adoption... If you have a topic that you'd like me to cover, please shoot me a message or an email.

For the rest of this month, I'll continue to work on broader upcoming goals for my professional transition to ensure I start my new year with both passion and purpose! Perhaps you are inspired to do the same, and I would love to hear what your accomplishments and goals are so we can help each other celebrate and/or achieve them.

With that, this newsletter will see you in January!


Natalie Jacobs is the founder of Equalizer Consulting, specializing in helping music companies improve the operations of music data through:

  • Data reconciliation and harmonization
  • Collaborative data management solutions
  • Workflow process review and optimization
  • Training for data standards adherence
  • Consultation on best practices in music data management

For a free 30-minute consultation, please use this link to schedule.


Janice Polizzotto

Passionate about making the world a better place through social impact investments.

11 个月

So happy we are connected and looking forward to seeing what new connections and opportunities come your way in the new year!

Brenda Ceja

community cultivator ?? bridging arts and events for social impact | Youth Engagement Specialist at REACH LA | Founder of 562 Arts | DJ

11 个月

It was a pleasure volunteering with you at the jump.global conference! Wishing you the best in the new year with your consulting & would love to keep in touch.

Anita Collins

Contracts Specialist | Music Licensing

11 个月

I was also impacted by layoffs this year. I consider my previous role a huge accomplishment because I learned a lot about my work style, what type of management I prefer and how to handle burnout. I also learned that I can survive a layoff. I trusted myself and took some to recharge and I truly enjoyed my summer. I love to help. My goal for 2024 is to take on a role that allows me to help create and improve on music licensing processes. I’m excited for my next opportunity and what lies ahead in 2024.

What a year this was!! So glad to have had the chance to work with you and excited for all that is to come!

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