Reading Reflection
Book: To Be Loved - Berry Gordy
What surprised you the most?
I was not aware of the hardships Berry Gordy endured during his career. Since he is a successful entrepreneur and an icon, I believed his current life was free from hardship. He describes the problems he has endured throughout his life – past and current. Although I know he was the victim of racism at certain points in his life, I did not know he continued to be criticized throughout his career. His financial struggles also highlight the fact that his life has never been easy, both before and after fame.
What about the entrepreneur did you most admire?
I admired his willingness to not sell Motown Record Corporation when he was experiencing difficulties with his finances and his reputation. He was very thoughtful of all the employees and did not want to see them lose their jobs. He definitely cared about all of his employees, from the artists to the secretaries.
What about the entrepreneur did you least admire?
Although this can be seen as a positive trait when viewed in a different light, Berry always believed he was right. There are instances of him treating his partners poorly and not admitting to his wrongdoings. He explains certain issues, such as his argument with Diana Ross, in a very one-sided manner. Although his confidence helped his career, this trait also caused problems in his personal life.
Did the entrepreneur encounter adversity and failure? If so, what did they do about it?
The book begins at a turning point in his career when he felt obligated to sell his company for financial and social reasons. This is one of the biggest dilemmas in the book. After choosing to not sell the company, he finds different ways to become financially secure again.
2) What competencies did you notice that the entrepreneur exhibited?
Gordy was very focused and persistent. He set goals and didn’t stop until he accomplished them.
3) Identify at least one part of the reading that was confusing to you.
I did not always understand the slang terminology used by Gordy. This is partly due to a difference in age and in culture.
4) If you were able to ask two questions to the entrepreneur, what would you ask? Why?
- What encourages you to remain calm and confident when your business seems to be failing?
- What influence has Motown had on your life?
5) For fun: what do you think the entrepreneur's opinion was of hard work? Do you share that opinion?
I believe Gordy thought of hard work as never giving up. He experienced successes and hardships and never became complacent.
What surprised you the most?
I was not aware of the hardships Berry Gordy endured during his career. Since he is a successful entrepreneur and an icon, I believed his current life was free from hardship. He describes the problems he has endured throughout his life – past and current. Although I know he was the victim of racism at certain points in his life, I did not know he continued to be criticized throughout his career. His financial struggles also highlight the fact that his life has never been easy, both before and after fame.
What about the entrepreneur did you most admire?
I admired his willingness to not sell Motown Record Corporation when he was experiencing difficulties with his finances and his reputation. He was very thoughtful of all the employees and did not want to see them lose their jobs. He definitely cared about all of his employees, from the artists to the secretaries.
What about the entrepreneur did you least admire?
Although this can be seen as a positive trait when viewed in a different light, Berry always believed he was right. There are instances of him treating his partners poorly and not admitting to his wrongdoings. He explains certain issues, such as his argument with Diana Ross, in a very one-sided manner. Although his confidence helped his career, this trait also caused problems in his personal life.
Did the entrepreneur encounter adversity and failure? If so, what did they do about it?
The book begins at a turning point in his career when he felt obligated to sell his company for financial and social reasons. This is one of the biggest dilemmas in the book. After choosing to not sell the company, he finds different ways to become financially secure again.
2) What competencies did you notice that the entrepreneur exhibited?
Gordy was very focused and persistent. He set goals and didn’t stop until he accomplished them.
3) Identify at least one part of the reading that was confusing to you.
I did not always understand the slang terminology used by Gordy. This is partly due to a difference in age and in culture.
4) If you were able to ask two questions to the entrepreneur, what would you ask? Why?
- What encourages you to remain calm and confident when your business seems to be failing?
- What influence has Motown had on your life?
5) For fun: what do you think the entrepreneur's opinion was of hard work? Do you share that opinion?
I believe Gordy thought of hard work as never giving up. He experienced successes and hardships and never became complacent.
Hey Ashley,
ReplyDeleteI previously did not know who Berry Gordy was until reading your post about him although I do enjoy listening to Motown music. I thought the story about how he decided to keep his company instead of selling it really spoke to Gordy's passion of his company and his entrepreneurial spirit. I also thought your questions were very fascinating and would be perfect for Gordy to answer.