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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Howard Hewett.
He shared the journey that took him from Akron, Ohio, to becoming the lead singer of Shalamar and a successful solo artist. Beyond music, the discussion highlighted lessons that apply to entrepreneurship, business ownership, and personal success.
The interview demonstrates that success is rarely accidental; it is usually the result of years of preparation, visualization, discipline, and honoring one's commitments.
Key Takeaways 1. Success Begins with Vision
Howard began visualizing his future long before he became famous. As a teenager, he practiced signing autographs and imagined himself performing for large audiences.
Lesson:
Create a clear vision of the future you want before opportunities arrive.
Quote:
"I always said, I'm going to live in California."
Quote:
"I would sit there literally and say, 'Love, Howard Hewett.'"
2. Visualization and Meditation Matter
After moving to California, Howard developed a routine of sitting by a pool each day, visualizing successful performances and a thriving music career.
Lesson:
Mental preparation and visualization help build confidence and clarity.
Quote:
"Every day about 12, 12:30, I would go down to the pool and just visualize what I wanted to do."
Quote:
"I'd visualize singing in front of thousands of people."
3. Preparation Creates Opportunity
One of the interview's central themes was that opportunity alone is not enough. Howard stressed that years of singing, touring, and developing his talent prepared him for the moment Shalamar called.
Lesson:
Preparation is what allows you to capitalize on opportunity.
Quote:
"You've got to be in the right place at the right time and be prepared."
Quote:
"You can be in the right place at the right time, but if you haven't taken the time to prepare yourself, that opportunity can slip away."
4. Every Experience Serves a Purpose
Howard spent years performing in show groups and touring internationally before joining Shalamar. At the time, those experiences may not have seemed connected to his ultimate breakthrough.
Lesson:
What feels like a detour may actually be preparation for a bigger opportunity.
Quote:
"All those things... were preparing me for that moment."
5. Integrity Is More Valuable Than Contracts
When Shalamar offered him a position, Howard still gave the Motown producers he was working with an opportunity to correct their payment issues because he valued his word.
Lesson:
Reputation and integrity often determine long-term success.
Quote:
"Your word is worth more than any piece of paper you could ever sign."
Quote:
"What you say you're going to do is what people look at."
6. Be Ready When Opportunity Knocks
Howard received the Shalamar opportunity unexpectedly while sitting in a Motown office discussing unpaid money. Within three days he had auditioned, joined the group, learned choreography, and performed on television.
Lesson:
Major life changes can happen quickly if you're prepared.
Quote:
"Friday I got the offer. Saturday I did the audition. Saturday night I was on that plane."
7. Longevity Comes from Consistency
Howard discussed having spent virtually his entire life singing professionally, beginning at age ten.
Lesson:
Sustained success comes from continually developing your craft over decades.
Quote:
"This is all I've been doing."
8. Sometimes You Must Ignore Skeptics
When Howard was offered the lead singer position in Shalamar, people advised him against taking it, believing the group and its record label would not succeed.
Lesson:
Not everyone sees your opportunity the way you do.
Quote:
"Shalamar is nothing but a fly-by-night disco group. They won't amount to anything."
Yet Howard trusted his instincts and accepted the opportunity that changed his life.
Most Memorable Quotes On Vision
"I always said, I'm going to live in California."
On Visualization
"I would go down to the pool and just visualize what I wanted to do."
On Preparation
"You've got to be in the right place at the right time and be prepared."
On Missed Opportunities
"You can be in the right place at the right time, but if you haven't taken the time to prepare yourself, that opportunity can slip away."
On Integrity
"Your word is worth more than any piece of paper you could ever sign."
On Experience
"All those things were preparing me for that moment."
On Readiness
"Because I was prepared, that's how that opportunity came about."
Bottom Line
Howard Hewett's story is not just about music—it is a masterclass on vision, preparation, persistence, and integrity. His journey shows that breakthroughs often arrive unexpectedly, but only those who have invested years in developing themselves are truly ready to seize them. His message is clear:
Dream deliberately, prepare relentlessly, keep your word, and be ready when opportunity arrives.
#SHMS #BEST #STRAW
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