The NJ Podcast

In this episode, we unpack lessons from Black Coffee.

He is a legend from South Africa who has taken the music world by storm. He is highly respected as a DJ, producer, entrepreneur, and global brand. He is hailed by the greatest artists in the world as a transcendent DJ. Forbes has noted he has a net worth of $USD 60 million. His unique sound and style of playing have garnered much praise and he is not shy of using his platform to uplift others. His name is Black Coffee and here are some lessons we can learn from him.

Black Coffee is a rare breed of human who has cultivated an impenetrable mindset. He has a disability, comes from harsh conditions growing up where he used to herd livestock and spent many years building his career. Making it at the highest levels in the entertainment industry in a time when some people disapprove or don’t understand is incredibly hard. However, the strong mindset and grit allowed Black Coffee to build a global brand coming from South Africa and to be the top 100 DJs in the world, and to put its craft on the map. “I saw this all before it happened,” he said in an interview. What you see is what you will be and you will only create what the strength of your mind will allow. You need a strong mind.

Black Coffee has been in the game of DJying and producing over an extended time. Patience and consistency have underpinned his success. From starting as an unknown DJ to collaborating with the biggest stars in the world, quality consistency has been the epicenter of his philosophy. We all have heard of the 10 000 hour rule of reaching mastery in one area of expertise and this holds for Black Coffee’s career. When he started reaching international prominence, some called him an overnight success but that's not the case. People overestimate what they can do in a year but underestimate what they can do in two decades. To reach the pinnacle of anything, you need to build over a consistent time.

Over the years Black Coffee has employed international agents, been part of promotions with major beverages, collaborated with various artists, and formed its record label Soulistic where collaboration went further. Coffee has interacted with and worked with artists such as Kelly Rowland and David Guetta; been on a plane with Drake and played at Jay Z and Beyonce’s party. Above that, he is open to giving assistance to those who are up and coming because he values all levels of partnerships and invests in them for the long term.

Black Coffee has been wise in creating his distinct sound. When you hear a set, song and playlist and it was done by Black Coffee then you will know. Characterised by soulful, African infused, instrumental laden beats, his sound has distinguished him from everybody else and he has inspired a new generation of African inspired techno music and deep house. “Track selection is very important and the right mix of songs and sounds can save your set,” said Coffee. In the world of being a DJ, the most important element is the right infusion of track selection. Having the right tracks blended will create a sound that pleases your listeners. Coffee is also known for performing with live bands that further elevates his unique sound. As a result, he is now able to have events where people only come to see him. Create your unique proposition in whatever your chosen field is so you can separate yourself.

In good times and bad times, people need inspiration. People can source this from listening to an audio, a podcast, watch a video or see a post on social media. There are many external sources of inspiration and motivation that can change our story, state, and empower us with practical strategies. There are times when the inspiration needs to come from ourselves. Nobody should know what drives you more than you do. No one will be able to drive, inspire and get you to work hard as you do. When no one else is there for you and you are by yourself you will have to look in the mirror and deep inside and be your own inspirational and motivational speaker. You may have to say “Self! You can do this! Self, you are more than able. Self, if you don’t do this then no one else will.” No one other than your Maker gave you the vision you have for what you want to achieve so you should sometimes rely on yourself. You need to be your inspiration.

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In this episode, we uncover lessons we can learn from Christiano Ronaldo.

He is a footballer who has been called one of the best scorers and players in football history. He has won league, domestic champions league titles and Ballon D'Or titles with both Manchester United and Real Madrid. He is was once the world's most expensive player and recently signed a lifetime contract with athletic powerhouse Nike.

I personally have great admiration and 'man crush' on this player who has redefined the game of football. There are multiple lessons we can learn from him in life and in our work. His name is Christiano Ronaldo and here are some lessons that he taught me.

We have many pressures to perform, give our best and reach our targets. A consequence of this is that we often tend to forget to have fun while we work. If you are an employee you spend about 70% of your day at work. If you are an entrepreneur, then you spend 100% of your time on your chosen business. It is imperative to have fun.

Ronaldo is a player who has a lot of fun on the field. He is known for some of the best football celebrations such as "calm down", "power pose", "I can't hear you" and "I'm here." In training and after the game he is known for his light-heartedness. There was an experiment where he was dressed as a homeless person, playing football as well as asking women for their numbers. After playing around, he revealed himself and then he started giving his signature to people around him. He also reveals that if you are not having fun, then it's time for a change.

Ronaldo is a man of high standards and principles. Due to this nature, he is always competing, pushing himself and reaching for the next level of achievement. Whenever he loses or comes in second, it is something he takes personally - he is known to become emotional during matches - in the Euro championships when Portugal lost in the finals, he was visibly distraught. The reason is that he always wants to compete at his very best and his very best ends up in a victory. Since he started being noticed as a world-class player and the present day, he has become better and better each year - this is only possible due to his competitive nature.

We should always be competing and reaching for our best - aiming to be in the top 1%. The best way to be in the top 1% is to constantly work to best your last performance. I am against lane watching and unhealthy comparisons. As Ronaldo, to be the best, compete with yourself and take it personally when you don't produce your best knowing that you could have.

There is a practice in the profession of sports. Sports psychologists work with sports professionals to constantly reach peak performance. The practise of visualisation is the foundation where the sports professionals are constantly encouraged to only rewatch their best performances and the performances of just winning. This practice helps cultivate the belief that we are able to create the best results possible.

Ronaldo has a conviction that he is the absolute best in the world. This may not always be true, due to the Argentine who plays for the Catalans but he genuinely believes he is the best. He surrounds himself with the best players, memories, visuals possible. This belief enables him to score 50 goals per season consistently, win club and individual awards year on year and ultimately a championship for his country.

It is easier for us to think in negative terms than it is in negative terms. This school of thought stops us from reaching our best. Believe in yourself and that you are the best and you can achieve the best results for yourself and your company.

People who don't understand you, or place their own values on you and judge you. However, if you are doing what you believe in and love, there is no need to worry about other people's judgements. Other people's definitions of you do not matter - all that matters is how you see yourself.

Ronaldo is criticised as being arrogant, haughty and nonchalant. However, Ronaldo is very generous, loving and willing to give back. Being, the superstar that he is, he will always come under scrutiny and misunderstood. However, this does not stop him from achieveing the greatest heights of achievement.

You are a person who wishes to change the world - do not be the person who listens to those who live in the world. If you dare to do anything great, you will be judged; don't worry about it and just grind on.

There is no substitute for hard work. Hard work - pure hard work - is what separates people. The only difference in people is their standards, period. The difference between number 1 and the rest is not talent but hard work. Many people run and shy away from hard work but it is the only way to succeed.

Ronaldo does not shy away from hard work at all. His exercise regimen is very intense hence why he is able to perform the way that he does. He stays in later after every training session, watches his diet, jumps as high as an NBA player, runs as fast as a track athlete and is the fittest man on earth. This is always a result of his work ethic.

Hard work is what will make the difference after talent, knowledge and skill have been worn out. There is no easy way around hard work so embrace it and don't run away from it.

The biblical book of 2 Corinthians 10:12 mentions that "Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding."

Ronaldo is constantly being compared to the Argentinian Lionel Messi. Many others believe Messi is better or Ronaldo is better. Many can get lost in comparisons to other people and get caught 'lane watching'. Once this starts happening, we lose focus on the results that we produce. Ronaldo doesn't get caught up in the comparisons but rather focuses 100% on the task at hand of doing his best.

In life and business, it is easy to compare ourselves with our peers, those ahead of us or those who are now dead. However, we must realise that no two people's stories are the same. The grass is not always greener on the other side, the only thing that is different is the fence. Avoid comparisons with others - stay in your lane.

Consistency is the ability to produce the same and better results over a period of time. Consistency is the key to producing great long term results. A top fashion professional said that 'being consistent is better than being the best on one day.' Consistency means that you are reliable, can measure performance and can improve on the last results.

Ronaldo consistentyl produces the best results. He consistently gets nominated for FIFA world player of the year, score 40-50 plus goals per season, win championships and earn the highest income for a sportsman. His best asset is his ability to produce results consistently.

Those who get promoted, make changes, constantly improve are those who are consistent in their rituals and their results. Focus on consistent results rather than peaks and troughs in your performance and you will always improve. Ronaldo interesting insights

• At age 8, Ronaldo played for the amateur team Andorinha, where his father was the kit man. 
• In 1995, he signed with Nacional, and, after a title-winning campaign, he went on a 3-day trial with Sporting CP.
• He came to the attention of Manchester United manager in 2003 when Sporting defeated United 3–1 in Lisbon.
• He became Manchester United's first-ever Portuguese player when he signed for £12.24 million in 2003.
• He made his international debut for Portugal in August 2003, at the age of 18.
• He's the first Portuguese player to reach 50 international goals.
• By the age of 22, Ronaldo had received Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year nominations.
• Ronaldo - Messi rivalry has been compared to legendary sports rivalries such as the Muhammad Ali-Joe Frazier..
• He holds the record for most goals in a single UEFA Champions League season, 17 goals in 2013–14.
• He has won three Premier Leagues, one La Liga, one FA Cup, two Football League Cups, two Copas del Rey.

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