It's You, Again!

From Def Jam to today, lessons in persistence, purpose, and the rhythm of not giving up.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Dear Muses,

Some of you already know this, but many of you may not, so I’ll share it again. I began my professional career in the recorded music industry, the first of many pivots over my 30-year journey across new industries and unfamiliar territories, often without the safety net of tenure.

My entry into music was the result of what some might call a rash decision. I chose not to pursue law school, even after spending my entire academic life preparing to become an attorney. After graduating with a degree in Political Science and a minor in International Relations, I found myself questioning whether that dream had ever truly been mine or if it was simply one I had inherited and carried dutifully.

Photo credit: Kenny Kennethh

My first role, in the early 1990s, was as an intern at the West Coast office of Def Jam Records, the premier hip-hop label home to Public Enemy, LL Cool J, and eventually Jay-Z and Rihanna. I worked under the legendary Tina Davis and loved every minute of it. It felt like earning a master’s degree in the school of music and culture, and I was completely enamored.

When my three-month internship ended, reality hit. I needed a paying job. My parents’ patience was running thin. To my surprise, Def Jam offered me a full-time role as office manager. It wasn’t glamorous or even what I wanted, but it was my way in.

I realized that while working in the Los Angeles office was cool, I wanted to be in the main office in New York where I felt “the real action” was happening. I got to know Kevin Liles who was at the time the EVP of Promotions for Def Jam. I started calling him and expressing my desire to work in the New York office. I would call him every single day without fail. Eventually he stopped taking my calls but that didn’t deter me from calling. I wanted to show up on his call sheet so I would stay front of mind. Bold right? But guess what happened?

After months of calling, he finally called me back on a Friday afternoon. He said “well kiddo, are you ready?” Of course my response was “ready for what?” (ahhh…the days of youth lol).

With a loud sigh he said “well you have called me relentlessly for months on end telling me how you need to be ‘where the action is’ so I now have an opening. And in spite of myself, the only person I could think of calling was you. So be on the red eye flight to JFK airport Sunday night.” And the rest is her-story. I worked in the music business for almost a decade at some of the most iconic record companies and with today’s current pop stars and legends.

I always had the mindset that a quiet mouth will not get fed and busy people have a lot on their minds. I never assumed anyone would remember me or what I needed so I must remain present, relevant and persistent.

The Quiet Strength of Persistence

There’s an old story about a woman who refused to give up. She kept returning to a powerful man, one who had no fear of God and no respect for people pleading for justice. Day after day, she showed up. She was ignored, dismissed, perhaps even laughed at. But she kept coming.

Eventually, the man gave in not out of kindness, but because he was worn down by her persistence. The story, told by Jesus in the Gospel of Luke, was meant to teach about prayer and faith. But even if you don’t come from a faith tradition, its lesson reaches beyond religion.

It’s about what happens when we stay the course. When we keep showing up for the thing that matters most, even when no one seems to notice. Persistence is often quiet work. It doesn’t always announce itself with bold declarations or visible results.

Sometimes it looks like another email sent, another audition taken, another conversation started, another morning you rise to face a day that looks just like the one before it.

For those who believe, persistence is an act of trust, faith that a loving God sees what we cannot. For those still seeking, it’s an act of courage, hope that meaning exists even when certainty does not.

Jesus ended that story with a haunting question: “When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” Maybe faith, in whatever form it takes, is simply persistence in motion. The refusal to stop believing—in God, in goodness, in growth, in the possibility of change.

Because persistence doesn’t always change the outcome right away.

But it always changes us.

Persistence in Today’s World

I feel being persistent is even more critical today than perhaps it was back in the early 90’s. People are moving so fast nowadays and getting someone’s attention is like winning the lottery.

Photo credit: Clark Young

I have two amazing stepsons who both have graduated from universities and are starting their professional journeys. The youngest just graduated from High Point University with a degree in and the oldest is currently working at Havas Health as an Account Executive.

My husband and I are very present and helping them navigate a very uncertain world professionally and personally. My youngest stepson has been having a lot of informational meetings and one of the things he struggles with is following up. He says he doesn’t want to bother the person. It’s a very real thing for his generation, but to be honest, I think it’s something we all struggle with. How do you find the rhythm between staying top of mind and being a real bother?

I read this article - “Five Simple Tricks: The Art of Following Up Without Being Annoying” by Gita Mirchandani for the Forbes Agency  Council and while it was penned in 2018, it still resonates today.

Key Takeaways

1. Avoid Monday mornings. The article recommends avoiding follow-up messages early on Monday since many people are catching up and may ignore additional outreach.

2. Always be cordial. Even if you’ve already sent multiple requests or feel frustrated, maintain a polite, professional tone. Coming across as annoyed or entitled will turn the recipient off.

3. Offer something useful. Instead of just asking for a response, include a helpful piece of value (an insight, a resource, a compliment, or a connection) so your follow-up feels meaningful rather than burdensome.

4. Know when to stop. It’s fine to follow up, but recognize that silence may mean “not right now.” The article advises wrapping up gracefully rather than persevering into a place where your outreach becomes irritating.

5. Tailor your timing and messaging. The right cadence and language depend on the person and context. One size doesn’t fit all. Being thoughtful and authentic about when and how you follow up helps you stay on someone’s radar without crossing the line into annoyance.

While young Amani was bold and ambitious (and maybe a bit of a stalker) back in the early 90’s, thankfully I have evolved my follow up and follow through style and cadence to be more intuitive and coupled with emotional intelligence. But what remains is this - people are busy, usually juggling too many balls in the air.

You can’t assume someone remembers to return your call because likely those balls in the air are one missteps from crashing to the ground. So follow up. Be persistent within reason. Tap into your emotional intelligence and push fear aside. Because that one phone call or email may be the catalyst that unlocks a new opportunity because you remained front of mind.

Go forth my Muses and be the way. I am rooting for you, always.