Some of the best lessons I’ve learned came from individuals facing their own struggles.

Some of the best lessons I’ve learned came from individuals facing their own struggles.

It was the late 90s.

My concert promotions business was taking off.

It was a time of glamour, excitement, and endless possibilities.

Amidst the glitz, I met a figure who would forever change my perspective on relationships.

Johnny Vegas.

Johnny, a fellow promoter, stepped out of the ’70s, always wearing flamboyant outfits.

He commanded every room he walked into with undeniable charisma.

As a young promoter, Johnny took me under his wing.

His advice?

“Treat your friends like rockstars and rockstars like your friends.”

His words turned into my guiding principle.

The weekends meant everything to our guests.

Making those moments feel special was crucial.

Treating them like rockstars meant acknowledging their desire to celebrate and feel special.

Conversely, we treated actual celebrities like friends, offering familiarity and warmth.

Musicians, actors, and models were made to feel at home, just like everyone else.

It fostered genuine connections that kept them returning to our events.

Fast forward to today.

The lesson from Johnny Vegas still resonates deeply, but now it’s…

“Treat your employees like rockstars and clients like friends.”

Our team members deserve rockstar recognition, respect, and celebration.

Making them feel valued is essential for our collective success.

Clients are often viewed as “rockstars” for their influence and budgets.

But treating them like our friends cultivates a collaborative and respectful relationship.

Whether a concert or boardroom, the core of meaningful connections stays constant.

Genuine relationships transcend the environment.

Show excitement and respect to those who admire you, as if you’re meeting a rockstar.

Give people in high places the same comfort and kindness you would to an old friend.

Doing so builds a world where everyone feels valued, respected, and genuinely connected.

Johnny passed a few years ago after facing personal struggles that proved too much to overcome.

Even with his struggles and flaws, his impact on me is unforgettable.

Rest in peace, Johnny Vegas.