When Keeping It a Buck...Well Makes You More Bucks

If you didn't catch the raw, unfiltered energy of Katt Williams' recent interview on Shannon Sharpe's "Club Shay Shay" you are no doubt missing out on the most controversial sit-down of the year, and it aired a few days ago. The Interview Broke the Internet and instead of the Internet remaining undefeated Katt Williams takes the title.?

He is the internet.?

With over 30 million views and counting, the interview has become the most-watched episode of "Club Shay Shay" to date, trending across YouTube and igniting conversations far beyond the web. In an age where truth feels obscured by filtered and censored content, Katt Williams holds no barred with his story siting, "The Truth Needs No Motivation."?

However, as a business owner and a person who grew up in the same faith as he did, there are a few lessons we can learn about being true to our brand and still being able to experience success.?

How It's Been

From the Midwest and growing up as a Jehovah's Witness, I related to parts of Katt's journey. The religion has major boundaries. However, most former Witnesses can attribute any type of business success to vigorous training. I, like Katt, had to recite and give biblical speeches in front of hundreds if not thousands of people. Yep, talk about developing boldness. My sales acumen was from selling bible literature and salvation, at three years old.?This type of courage from what I gathered in his words helped him present without fear. So telling your audience about your childhood upbringing can create a connection.?

How It's? Going

This wasn't just a comedian chopping it up, this was a seasoned strategist, a survivor of Hollywood's systemic manipulation, baring his journey with an uncensored honesty. From weathering the tempestuous storms of his Jehovah's Witness upbringing to navigating the experience of teenage homelessness, Katt's journey is a testament to resilience and self-made success. All events were building blocks of his accomplished career.

He also doesn't shy away from controversy, owning his decisions to turn down multi-million dollar deals, and identifies perceived hypocrisy in the Hollywood industry. He holds nothing back as he calls out the lack of talent, shady movement, and the compromises that his colleagues have made to rise to the top of the food chain. It's his story. Many of us are pretty silent about the ish we deal with as entrepreneurs. I do believe there is a conversation to be had as business owners. That conversation is the conflict of partnerships gone bad, loss of money, bad decisions, and business deals that were (insert choice f-word) off! My clients confide in me about many things and this is their truth as well as mine. Most couldn't fathom the things it takes to "make it" year after year. Yet most of us veterans in this boss life have an earful to tell.??

Bragging Rights

Most are taught to be humble in business and not to let any of our accomplishments go to our heads. Not Mr. Williams. He boldly declares all of his accomplishments and punks fellow comedians. It's not about the dollars but his stack of comedy production. He is no doubt the hottest comedian under the sun! Have him tell it. After listening to him, I began to see that we as bosses need to lean in and be fully expressed in our tenures. After being beaten up and surviving these "trenches" there is no time better than now to flex every milestone made and every peak conquered on our way to the top.??

Compete or Go Home

Now I know most of us have done a good job at honoring the cultural saying, "Collaboration over Competition." However, as a football mom whose son played at the college level and as a sitting board member of a Step Competition Team, you better believe I understand competition and I don't shy away from it. Competition doesn't mean losing, it means bringing your best to the playing field and in comedy the best material. In business bring the best you in your realm which will give you an edge.?It's why clients choose you!

It's a Wrap

Katt Williams' "Club Shay Shay" appearance isn't just an interview; it's a cultural defining moment.? It's a reminder that authenticity gives you the edge.? Keeping it a buck is the ultimate power play in life yes, but also in business. Most people are fearful of what others think and afraid that it could hurt their brand. However, according to Media Take Out The Dark Matter Tour tickets have increased by 40%. I also looked up a show in Tupuelo, MS with a price point of more than $2k per seat. Crazy because if any of you have been to Tupuelo...I rest my case.

So, the next time you're tempted to be hesitant about who you are in your narrative as a business owner, remember that even if we exercise an ounce of Katt Williams' courage and humor it could be when keeping it a buck will make us bucks or a least give us hella street cred!