Lizzo is the Business Coach I Never Knew I Needed... But Can't Live Without

Lizzo is known for being a plus-size, black, radical, body-positive, flute-playing pop superstar. But to me, she’s become the best business coach I’ve ever had.

Last spring, we were having a bit of a rocky time at MACKEY. A large, long-term client had just informed us they were moving to a new advisor, a key employee was having difficulties working within our culture, and I was STILL trying to get my sea legs back after my 2nd maternity leave in 3 years. I was feeling pretty low and a bit helpless. I had been talking to my wife about how much I was struggling. One Friday morning after she’d left for work, a playlist popped up within our text chain. It was just entitled Lizzo with the message, “Listen to this. It will make you feel better.”

I hit play, and “Truth Hurts” comes blasting out of my earbuds. I couldn’t help but start dancing in the kitchen. Next, “Good as Hell” then “Juice” and on and on it went—every song lifting me higher and higher. And every song was like a tiny message urging me to listen to myself to resolve the issues within my business.

Now, whenever I’m feeling particularly low or stressed or stuck, I put on that playlist. It’s never failed me. I’ve compiled a list of my favorites for you.

Key Employee Leave? You need Truth Hurts. Employee turnover is a natural occurrence in business, but maybe one of the most devasting, especially when it’s someone who is critical to your operations. Take Lizzo’s advice…. Employee problems make you human; solving them makes you a goddess. Chances are, when you look at your business, the employee that left was holding you back in some way. So, take a minute, metaphorically treat yourself (and your business) to a spa day, and move on. Find yourself an employee that will take you further faster.

Fired by a Client? Pump up Good as Hell. It’s hard not to take a client's departure personally, but again, listen to Lizzo….. “If he don’t love you anymore, just walk your fine ass out the door.” Because there is someone out there that you & your business will fit perfectly. Organizations, like people, grow & change over time. It’s NATURAL to have client/customer churn. Take a deep breath, focus on you & learn from it. Boss up and go out there to find the next great client.

Struggling with your value proposition? Feel yourself with Scuse Me. Don’t look around your marketplace and try to find where you fit. Look directly in the mirror and bask in all the things that make your organization uniquely awesome. Then proudly wave that freak flag as high as you can.

Planning a recruitment effort? Better in Color should be your (pretty explicit) anthem. The best, most innovative teams are diverse in background, age, sex, race, ability, experience, etc. “Love looks better in color,” as does your business. Make it a strategic priority to diversify your team, give everyone a voice, and support each of them in the best way possible.

Work in a male-dominated industry? You need Like a Girl on repeat. In the early 80’s when my mother was building her business, she had to act, think, feel, and dress (hello shoulder pads) like a man to succeed. It’s 2020 and we’re finally coming around to the idea that women can lead in a different way that is just as successful…. And oftentimes more so. Work your femininity. Don’t shy away from using your empathy, collaborative nature, or vulnerability. It makes you a fierce leader.