Michael Bublé: How He Overcomes Self-Doubt Daily & The Ugly Truth About Fame
In this episode of The School of Greatness, Michael Bublé discusses his experiences navigating fame and the music industry. He shares insights about what it takes to succeed beyond raw talent, including the need for effective business strategies and promotion. Bublé also explains how he manages criticism and public attention through the use of an "alter ego" that helps him separate his public persona from his private self.
The conversation covers Bublé's approach to work-life balance, including how he structures his touring schedule around family time. He also opens up about the role of faith in his life, describing how it helps him maintain perspective in the entertainment industry and how becoming a father has deepened his spiritual connection. Throughout the discussion, Bublé addresses the challenges of maintaining authenticity while managing the demands of a high-profile career.
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1-Page Summary
Achieving Success and Breakthrough in the Music Industry
Michael Bublé shares insights about success in the music industry, emphasizing that talent alone isn't enough. He discusses how artists need a sustainable business model and effective promotion strategies to succeed. Drawing from his own experience, Bublé notes that even what seems like a hit song can fall short without proper marketing and promotion channels like TikTok.
Navigating Impacts of Fame and Reception
Bublé openly discusses his sensitivity to criticism, admitting that negative feedback can move him to tears. To cope with fame's pressures, he describes developing an alter ego - what he calls donning a "batsuit" - that helps protect his personal identity. This strategy, which he's employed since his early days performing in jazz clubs, allows him to maintain his authentic self while presenting a more confident stage persona.
Balancing Music Career With Family Life and Fatherhood
The demands of balancing a music career with family life have led Bublé to adapt his touring schedule, opting for shorter "bite-sized" tours instead of extended periods on the road. Despite the financial implications, he prioritizes family time, structuring his work around three weeks of touring followed by two weeks off. Bublé acknowledges feeling torn between his creative ambitions and being present for his family, particularly after nearly losing his son to a serious health issue.
The Influence of Faith and Personal Identity
Faith plays a foundational role in Bublé's life and career, ranking above both family and professional success in his priorities. He describes how fatherhood deepened his faith and helped him avoid the pitfalls of ego-driven fame. While discussing faith openly in the entertainment industry can be challenging, Bublé values authentic expression of his beliefs without becoming preachy, drawing inspiration from public figures like Matthew McConaughey who maintain an open dialogue about their faith.
1-Page Summary
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Counterarguments
- While a sustainable business model and effective promotion are important, some artists have succeeded through grassroots movements or viral moments without a traditional business model or heavy promotion.
- The reliance on platforms like TikTok for promotion might not be sustainable or suitable for all artists, and there are other avenues for success that can be explored.
- Developing an alter ego can be a double-edged sword, potentially leading to a disconnection between the artist's personal and public life, which might affect authenticity.
- Shorter tours might limit exposure and revenue, and some artists may find other ways to balance family life with their career, such as bringing their family on tour with them.
- Structuring work around family time is a personal choice and may not be feasible or desirable for every artist, depending on their career goals and personal circumstances.
- While faith can be foundational for some, others may find that different values or aspects of their identity take precedence in guiding their life and career choices.
- The idea that fatherhood inherently deepens faith or helps one avoid ego-driven fame may not resonate with everyone, as personal growth and the impact of parenthood can vary widely among individuals.
- Expressing beliefs authentically in the entertainment industry can be complex, and what works for one public figure like Matthew McConaughey may not be the right approach for another.
Actionables
- You can create a personal "batsuit" by writing down qualities you admire in others and adopting them during challenging situations. For instance, if you admire resilience, you might remind yourself of times you've overcome obstacles before responding to criticism or stress at work, effectively shielding your self-esteem.
- Balance your personal and professional life by setting a clear schedule that alternates between focused work periods and dedicated family or personal time. Start by planning your week with three days of intensive work tasks followed by two days reserved for relaxation and family activities, mirroring the structure of work and rest.
- Express your core beliefs through creative outlets without being overbearing by starting a blog or social media page where you share stories, artwork, or music that reflects your values. This approach allows you to share your perspective in a way that invites conversation and connection, similar to how public figures might share their beliefs through their art.
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Achieving Success and Breakthrough in the Music Industry
The dynamics of achieving success and maintaining it in the music industry are complex, with the landscape constantly evolving. Michael Bublé delves into this issue, offering insights based on his experiences and the broader context of the industry.
Talented Young Artists Missing Breakthrough Ingredient
A Lack of Business Model and Promotion Hinders an Artist's Progress Despite Musical Skill
Michael Bublé touches upon the multifaceted nature of the music industry, illustrating the challenges artists face beyond their musical talents. Bublé discusses his own journey, reflecting on a time when he wrote what he believed was a hit song and invested heavily in a music video, only to find the song didn't achieve the success he anticipated. He wonders if a different approach, focusing on modern promotion strategies like TikTok, might have yielded better results. Emphasizing the importance of a sustainable business model, Bublé observes that artists need more than a one-hit wonder; they need a strategy for consistent sales and audience engagement.
Bublé’s desire to support young talent in the industry is clear as he aspires to help them grow, and considers producing records for up-and-coming artists. He appreciates the variety of voices that contribute to a rich musical culture, and desires to protect and nurture the genre he is so passionate about.
Determining "Success" and "Breakthrough" Is Subjective and Relative
Sales, Streams, and Charts Don't Always Capture an Artist's Full Impact
Bublé debates what it means to be successful, contrasting a traditional viewpoint of financial success with modern perspectives of popularity, as indicated by social media presence. He points out that the number of online followers doesn't necessarily equate to financial stability or influence on culture. Moreover, he brings attention to a shared sentiment he has with Reba McEntire, stating that not only is it challenging to achieve success, but s ...
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Achieving Success and Breakthrough in the Music Industry
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- While a sustainable business model is important, some artists have achieved success through unconventional means or by prioritizing art over business.
- The idea that young artists lack business models and promotion strategies might overlook the resourcefulness and innovation many new artists bring to the table, especially in the digital age.
- The subjective nature of success and breakthroughs in the music industry can sometimes overshadow objective measures of talent and hard work.
- The emphasis on ticket sales and brand strength as measures of success could be seen as too narrow, not accounting for the cultural or artistic impact an artist may have.
- The notion that sales, streams, and charts may not capture an artist's full impact might underplay the importance of these metrics for industry recognition and financial viability.
- The challenges of sustaining a long-term career in music are not unique to this industry and can be found across various forms of entertainment and professions.
- The unpredictability of breakthrough moments does not necessarily mean that strategic planning and market understanding cannot increase the chances of success.
- The focus on modern promotion strategies l ...
Actionables
- You can create a personal brand narrative to enhance your marketability, regardless of your field. Start by identifying your unique skills and values, then craft a story around them that you can share on social media and networking events. For example, if you're a graphic designer with a passion for sustainability, your narrative could focus on creating eco-friendly designs, which you showcase through a portfolio of work for environmentally conscious clients.
- Develop a side project that aligns with your interests to explore new revenue streams. This could be anything from starting a blog about a topic you're passionate about, to selling handmade crafts online. For instance, if you enjoy baking, you could start a blog with unique recipes and eventually monetize it through ads or by selling an e-book of your best recipes.
- Engage in continuous le ...
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Navigating Impacts of Fame and Reception
Michael Bublé shares his personal struggles with fame, from handling criticism to maintaining his self-worth and identity beyond his public persona.
Handling Criticism and Negative Project Feedback Can Challenge Experienced Artists
Artists Take Criticism Personally Due to Their Sensitivity and Investment
Michael Bublé admits that he takes criticism very personally and reveals that negative feedback can even move him to tears. He shares the pain he feels when a project he's invested money, heart, and soul into fails to meet his goals. For instance, even after performing in front of thousands, Bublé becomes fixated on a single person's lack of attention and endeavors to win them over due to his sensitivity. Bublé acknowledges his sensitivity and suggests that it plays a role in making him good at what he does, as it is linked to his desires for love and recognition.
Managing Ego and Self-Worth Independently Of External Validation Is Crucial for Longevity in Music
An Alter Ego Protects One's Identity From Fame Pressures
Bublé discusses his efforts to stay grounded amidst his fame by living in Vancouver and keeping his longtime friendships intact. These relationships help him maintain a sense of normality, treating him no differently than before he was a known figure.
Moreover, Bublé talks about separating his personal identity from his stage persona, describing his on-stage appearance as donning a "batsuit," which his children associate with him becoming "that guy"—cool, charismatic, and unaffected. He underscores the importance of this alter ego, saying it serves to defend him spiritually and mentally. He emphasizes that this more confident and attractive stage persona safeguards his deep-seated insecurities.
Bublé extends this concept of an alter ego to advising a par ...
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Navigating Impacts of Fame and Reception
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can create a personal alter ego to boost confidence in challenging situations by identifying qualities you admire in others and embodying them during specific events, like public speaking or job interviews. For example, if you admire the calmness of a certain athlete or the eloquence of a renowned speaker, practice adopting these traits when you face your next challenge.
- Develop a feedback filter system by writing down criticism you receive and categorizing it into constructive and non-constructive feedback. Use the constructive feedback for improvement while learning to let go of the non-constructive by acknowledging it doesn't serve your growth. This can help you focus on actionable insights and maintain emotional balance.
- Reinforce your self-wor ...
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Balancing Music Career With Family Life and Fatherhood
In a candid interview with Lewis Howes, Michael Bublé opens up about the challenges and adjustments he's had to make in order to manage a successful music career while also prioritizing fatherhood and family life.
Balancing Tours, Recording, Promotion, and Parenthood
Artists Must Choose Between Creativity and Family Time
Bublé admits to feeling like a failure in being present with his family due to the demands of his career. He acknowledges that his ambition and work ethic often lead him to work too much, even when he's home, possibly setting a positive example for his children. However, the toll on family time is evident. As Bublé's career took on a new direction after becoming a parent, his touring schedule has had to adapt. He used to be on the road for extended periods, but now manages his tours in "bite-sized" pieces, opting for three weeks on tour followed by two weeks off, despite economic efficiencies of longer tours and the resulting financial loss.
Children's Growth Shifts an Artist's Perspective and Priorities
Work-Life Balance Concerns: Scale Back Obligations
Parenting has not only altered Bublé's touring schedule, but also how he perceives success and allocates time. He chooses fewer performances to avoid feeling miserable at the expense of family time. Bublé also discusses the profound impact of nearly losing his son to a serious health issue, emphasizing the need to be "all in" when it comes to family, even if that decision affects his career trajectory. Illustrative of his commitments, Bublé mentions having to leave an interview to assist his wife with her success in the film industry, showing the real-time decisions he must make between professional and family obligations.
He further conveys the importance of not missing out on daily memories with his family, finding a balance between meaningful fan engagement, even during personal trips like a Disney cruise, and being present at home. Such connections are maintained through tools like social media, which he uses to directly interact with fans before tours.
Lewis Howes relates this to his own experience, where his wife, despite her successful acting career, chooses to prioritize motherhood. This reflection supports the idea that it is possible to balance a career with parenting, although it requires careful management to avoid burnout from constant publicity and t ...
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Balancing Music Career With Family Life and Fatherhood
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Actionables
- Create a "Family First" calendar where you block out time specifically for family activities, ensuring that work doesn't encroach on this sacred time. By visually demarcating when you're unavailable for work, you commit to being present with your loved ones, much like setting a meeting in a professional context. For example, if you typically work late, schedule dinner time or a bedtime story with your kids as a non-negotiable event in your calendar.
- Develop a "Memory Jar" where each family member can drop notes about daily moments they cherished. This practice encourages mindfulness about the importance of everyday interactions and creates a physical reminder of the value of family time. At the end of the week or month, you can go through the jar together, reliving and discussing these memories, reinforcing the idea that these moments are as significant as professional achievements.
- Implement a "Tech-Free Hour" each day where ...
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The Influence of Faith and Personal Identity
Michael Bublé opens up about the profound impact of faith on his personal and professional life, emphasizing that it remains a priority over family and career.
Faith and Beliefs: Foundational to an Artist's Identity
For Bublé, faith is not only a priority but the bedrock of his existence, shaping his identity as an artist.
Faith Offers Purpose, Humility, and Morality to Counter Ego-driven Fame Pitfalls
Bublé cites fatherhood as an experience that increased his empathy and deepened his faith in God. This growth in faith helped him steer away from ego and focus more on life's broader aspects beyond fame. He suggests that his belief in God provides a sense of purpose and a moral framework that guides his identity and offers him humility amid imperfection. Bublé treasures the spiritual connection he shares with his family, describing his relationship with God as something deeply cherished.
Before performances on "The Voice," Bublé recalls praying with colleagues like Gwen Stefani and Snoop Dogg, seeking the power to support and inspire youth with messages of love, empathy, and kindness. He also shares an analogy from his pastor, comparing faith to a generator that maintains light even in darkness, symbolizing faith's ability to sustain and illuminate during life's challenges.
Authentically Expressing Faith and Values in Entertainment Without Being Preachy Can Be Challenging
Genuine, Vulnerable Spiritual Connection: Avoiding Hypocrisy or Pretense
Discussing the complexity of openly expressing faith, Bublé mentions the discomfort some may feel when the topic arises and contrasts this with the tendency not to react the same way to other subjects. He values the opportunity to discuss faith openly with fellow entertainer Damian Lewis a ...
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The Influence of Faith and Personal Identity
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Counterarguments
- Faith as a priority over family and career might not resonate with everyone, as some may argue that family should come first due to tangible responsibilities and emotional bonds.
- While faith can shape one's identity, others might argue that identity is also heavily influenced by a multitude of factors such as cultural background, personal experiences, and intellectual pursuits.
- The idea that fatherhood universally increases empathy and deepens faith may not hold true for all individuals, as personal reactions to parenthood can vary widely.
- Some may argue that a sense of purpose and morality can be derived from secular philosophies or ethical frameworks that do not involve a belief in God.
- The act of praying with colleagues in a professional setting could be seen as exclusionary or uncomfortable for those who do not share the same faith or prefer to keep their spirituality private.
- Comparing faith to a generator might not be a fitting analogy for those who find resilience and illumination through other means, such as personal fortitude, community support, or secular ideologies.
- Open discussions about faith can be valuable, but they must be approached with sensitivity to ensure inclusivity and respect for diverse beliefs and the non-religious.
- Genuine faith expression is subjective, and what fee ...
Actionables
- You can create a personal faith manifesto to clarify and solidify your beliefs. Start by writing down what faith means to you, how it influences your daily actions, and the role it plays in your relationships. This exercise will help you understand your spiritual identity and how it intertwines with your personal and professional life, much like an artist's identity is shaped by their core beliefs.
- Develop a routine of shared reflection with your family or friends to strengthen your spiritual connections. This could be a weekly discussion where everyone shares how their faith has impacted them recently or a moment of collective gratitude. By doing this, you're fostering a deeper bond with your loved ones, centered around shared spiritual values.
- Engage in small ac ...
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