The Magic of Mannie Fresh

This week I received an unexpected dose of inspiration from watching the Juvenile NPR Tiny Desk Concert from 2023. Now, first, I need to state my disclaimer: this is NOT an endorsement to watch the performance - especially if you are unfamiliar or not a fan of Juvenile's music catalog.

My intent is to share the leadership insights that I gleaned and allow you to follow along regardless of if you watch it or not.

While headliner Juvie was certainly captivating --as were the collection of artists that accompanied him from Grammy Award winners Trombone Shorty and Jon Batiste, NOLA Philharmonic string players and music duo The Armours and an full amazing band --the person who kept drawing my attention was his labelmate Mannie Fresh who holds titles such as rapper, DJ, producer, etc. In the 28 minute video, Mannie Fresh puts in an all-start performance playing several roles that weren't noticeable when I first listened to the audio version of the musical set. Only in viewing the performance did I see him wear several hats that made it a true musical experience which included:

• Producer - He added in special vocal effects in real-time. These vocals were timely, and it wasn't just his voice. As leaders, we need to think about how we incorporate both our and other's voices to enhance the experience of what we're creating or building.
• Musician - Beyond the electronic devices at one point, I saw him play a tambourine. Not everyone can be a "Jack of All Trades" but I have found in my career it is helpful to have more than one key skill that can benefit my team. Sometimes it is comms and marketing, other times, leadership/coaching and still others, it is facilitation and project management. If you can better understand your talents, you can more easily plug yourself in to help the team hit the right notes when the song calls for a different instrument.
• Chief Fun Officer - There were several times Mannie Fresh cracked a joke to keep the atmosphere enjoyable. I'm a firm believer you should have fun even while working and it was evident by the big smiles he wore throughout the performance, he and the crowd in the room were having a blast. Everyday may not be described as fun, but you should be mindful of the culture and environment that's being cultivated and it should be one people look forward to and not dread.
• Director - I don't know this to be true, but I have a sneaking suspicion he served as the musical director of the production based on the way he led with a quiet, noticeable, but unassuming command at the desk with his electronic instruments. Leaders don't always have to be loud and brash -- the best leaders can develop a vision and put the correct people in place to execute and lead subtly as the magic (music) unfolds before everyone's eyes (and ears).
• Teammate - There's no doubt when I watch this performance that Mannie Fresh is legitimately in it for the greater good, which is letting so many talented people shine. While the event is billed as Juvenile's Tiny Desk Concert, his support and contributions make it a gem to watch (again, only if you know the discography!!) One of the reasons this is so important to me is because two years ago I saw Mannie Fresh DJ live and it was by far one of my top five live musical entertainment experiences (and on this list I'm including seeing Prince, Stevie Wonder, etc. - so my list has some depth). His talent stands on its own but he isn't concerned about that in this moment. One of my favorite things is helping people behind the scenes and watching them step into the spotlight and shine. It brings my heart an enormous amount of joy as a leader.

In the business spaces where competition exists and breeds comparison or repetition can lead to boredom, I encourage you to find ways to stretch yourself by becoming the "Mannie Fresh" of your team. Consider how your talents can be orchestrated within the team performance to receive an audience-demanded encore which you can willingly complete with a big smile.

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