Here's what I learned from Prince's former fiancee, Sheila E. about business and life

When the heat index climbed to triple digits on July 21st, the temperature increased a few more degrees when drummer Sheila E. graced the main stage at Artscape in Baltimore City and headlined the three-day event. Marketed as the largest free arts festival, Artscape attracted more than 350K residents and tourists from July 21st – 23rd.

Dressed in white shorts, a silver lightly-sequined sleeveless top and black leather sneakers, Sheila E. performed her critically acclaimed, career-defining songs The Glamourous Life and A Love Bizarre. During one set she and the band performed the iconic Prince Rogers Nelson classic, Purple Rain, as the crowd lifted their hands and swayed from side to side. An emotional moment for some, as the sweat begin to mix with their tears ~ reflecting on the passing of the "Purple One."

For 90 minutes under hot, bright lights with hues of purple, the 5’3 singer and multi-instrumentalist performed with a full band and two back-up singers before thousands of fans, many of which passed album covers toward the stage in hopes to get her autograph.

In the midst of her performance, she signed each one.

Here's what I learned from Sheila E. ~

1. Dance to the beat of your own drum ~ Do what you do best. Develop your craft. Expand your knowledge and grow in the space that your in. Don't compare yourself to others. "A flower doesn't look at the flower next to it and compares itself. It just blooms."

2. Acknowledge people ~ A little goes a long way. A DM or text message is okay ~ but a phone call is a thousand times better. Making that personal connection is worth its weight in gold. Acknowledge people in the space where they are. They may not perform the same function as you, but they are relevant and what they do is important. Respect their space.

3. Consider your legacy ~ Remaining steadfast is more than just about your ego or a paycheck. Consider your happiness. Consider your value. Consider even greater ~ How well will they speak of you years after the eulogy is delivered?

Sheila E. respected Prince on many levels and in turn her value increased in the eyes of others.

It's evident.
Iron sharpens iron.

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