Q&A with Wayne Jones, CEO of Black Lion Entertainment Music Group
1. Tell us a bit about Black Lion Entertainment Music Group.
Black Lion Entertainment Music Group is an independent recording label located in the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn. We currently have a roster of 14 artists in the genres of Reggae, R&B, and Hip Hop. We are expanding our versatility by launching a Gospel division. It is headed by co-CEO’s Wayne A. Jones and Synthia R. Robinson. Currently we work with, develop, produce and promote underground and independent artists throughout the United States, Europe and Asia.
2. What gave you the idea for your business and how did it start?
Well, I was already operating Wayne Management Company for five years. Wayne Management Company started as an internet marketing and advertising company. My fiance’ at the time, was an up and coming singer making a comeback into performing again. We decided that I would manage her to keep an eye on her career and to help with her development.
That one decision opened the door for a flood of performing artists looking for assistance and guidance. In 2012, I had a roster of 15 performing artists and decided to create a division under Wayne Management Company devoted strictly to the promotion, assistance, management and development of the artists. What I didn’t see coming was the division becoming bigger than the parent company. It was then that I decided to separate the companies and Black Lion Entertainment Music Group launched as its own company in December 2013.
3. What’s your favorite thing about your job?
Meeting new people. Networking with colleagues. Being a power of example and inspiration to others considering my trials that I’ve been through with paralysis and cancer.
4. What are your keys to making yourself productive?
Never staying stagnant. I always keep myself active as much as possible. I start my day with prayer. I then do physical therapy and work on strengthening my legs through various exercises. I move forward with working on the branding, development and marketing of my company and its products and services. I attend events regularly and I remain very sociable.
5. Tell us one long-term goal in your career.
To go from being an independent record label to a major recording company. To go from a sole proprietorship to a corporate giant.
6. What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned through the course of your career?
Your health is more important than your career. If you do not have your health up to par, you will not have a career, family or life for that matter. It’s OK to delegate authority and trust the people you have around you to help your company grow.
7. What advice would you give to others aspiring to succeed in your field?
First thing I would say is to prioritize. It is so easy to get caught up in the development and growth of your company. Don’t do what I did, which was put my business in front of my family and my life. If you have family, make time for them. If you don’t have family, take time for yourself. Cars can’t go on and on without refueling. Such is the same with our lives and careers. We have to take time to recoup, regroup and refuel. Plus all work and no play turns you into a grouch.
8. What are your favorite things to do outside of work?
Spend quality time with my family, my daughters, my grandchildren. Go out to events, go to church. I also do motivational speaking in various places. I am also on the Advisory Council for the Prostate Cancer Foundation and am part of the crowdfunding effort MANY VS CANCER; I am also on the Honoring Committee for CITY GALA.
9. Name a few influential books you’ve read and/or websites you keep up with that you’d recommend to readers.
One of the first books I read that has been a tremendous help to me in my career is The One Minute Manager. I am one of the authors in the upcoming book War Stories, which is a series of books by Think Pink Publications, founded by Ms. Trina Cleveland, who is also the creative director behind the stage play The Pink Elephant in the middle of the Ghetto
