David Solomon, the CEO of Goldman Sachs, who had a famous side hustle as a DJ, has stopped DJing.
Why? Seems there are 3 reasons:
1. DISTRACTION TO THE DAY JOB
According to media sources, it was because “the media attention became a distraction to the day job.”
The irony here is just too funny.
2. UNWANTED ATTENTION
Some media sources cited criticism from Goldman’s board that their CEO’s DJing career created unwanted attention for the bank.
“Yeah, totally David. Stop being normal and fun. It sends the wrong signal about our bank!” Lol
3. REPUTATIONAL RISK
Some board members were uneasy about David Solomon’s decision in 2019 to perform at Tomorrowland, a Belgian music festival known for heavy drug taking.
Yeah, investment bankers never take drugs…
Now on to my rant.
As a CEO and standup comedian who’s in the public eye for both of my careers, I find the idea of pressuring someone to give up a unique and harmless side hustle to be a joke.
This is especially the case if that side hustle does not directly conflict - or interfere - with their work, which it clearly doesn’t in this case.
For all of the ranting that multinational companies do about “diversity”, it appears that “life experiences” and “hobbies” rank pretty damn low on their list of considerations.
Let employees have a life outside of work.
Let them have fun.
Let them be themselves.
And let them tap into sources of happiness and inspiration that can help them recharge from - and in many cases, better engage with - their day jobs!
If anyone told me to stop telling jokes because it “sent the wrong signal” or was a distraction from my day job, I’d tell them they were clueless and to take the world’s longest hike.
Nearly all of my clients have seen me do my thing on stage.
And instead of showing them I’m irresponsible or that I’m distracted from delivering them results, it tells them I’m human, fun to work with, and have a life.
More importantly, my side hustle keeps me grounded and balanced.
It helps me to reset after a stressful week, puts a smile on my face (and others), and gives me a unique skillset in a boardroom that I believe none of my competitors can replicate.
Literally everyone at Quinlan & Associates has some form of side hustle, be it big or small. That’s what makes us a diverse and rounded team.
Am I the only one who sees diversity through a different lens???
In all honesty, it’s amazing how spinning some records and donating the proceeds to charities combating addiction can be considered as anything but positive for the reputation of an investment bank.
Just goes to show you that most investment banks have no idea how bad their reputations already are!
Look at the unwanted media attention you’re getting now…
#sidehustle #goldmansachs #dj #comedian #career
https://lnkd.in/ghz2kFd3
Wow, this looks like so much fun, and well deserved for the dream team! Do you find employee engagement and productivity increase after these types of events?