© 2009 Vinny Ribas
For as many years as I can remember, I have chosen to play the role of supporting actor in many people’s lives. For example, I was the assistant director of a nonprofit for 4 years, and was greatly instrumental in moving that company from literally having no income at all to having a $1M annual budget. There, my job was to make the executive director look great! I have played drums and keyboards and been the bandleader for many amazingly talented singers. Of course, my job was to make them look and sound like superstars. I have been an advisor to numerous CEOs. My job has always been to help each one of them be successful in their own right. I took great pride in every one of these roles because I love making other people shine, and I’ve been pretty good at it!
Some people live their entire lives playing those support roles, and are very content in doing so. However, there comes a time for some people when they feel that they’ve proven themselves enough times to believe that they too can play the lead, with other people playing the supporting roles. That is exactly where I find myself right now. I am running as hard as I can with an idea that I believe I have the ability, the passion and the work ethic to grow into a transformational organization that will benefit musicians and music fans worldwide (see www.indieconnect.net)!
I know that to many, that sounds egotistical. Others also might think it’s an unattainable pipedream rather than a realistic vision. But not to me. And the reason I know that it is achievable is not because of my own self-confidence. It is because of all of the amazing ‘supporting actors’ who have seen and believe in my vision. It seems like every time I realize that I need to fill a specific role, someone with the exact qualifications, skills, talent or connections that I need shows up! I could never accomplish something of this magnitude alone. But together, I know we will be more successful than even I can imagine at this point.
I don’t know how to express my unending gratitude to everyone who is supporting me in so many ways right now. It is truly quite overwhelming. I know, and I believe that they know, that I will do everything in my power to bring them each a hundred-fold return on the time, mentorship, encouragement and resources that they have and continue to invest in me.
Every one of us has people around us whose job it is to make us shine. For them to do their work willingly and to the best of their ability, they simply need to feel appreciated. We also have people who voluntarily go out of their way to help us be successful. It is not their job or responsibility, but they do it anyway because they believe in us, care about us and want to see us reach the top. They don’t ask for anything – they just give. But one thing that I am certain of is that they will disappear into thin air the second they feel that they are just being taken for granted. It is OUR responsibility to make sure that they get their share of our spotlight.
Look around. Who has been there holding you up when you fall? Who encourages you when life throws you curves? Who willingly works overtime to insure that you have everything you need to achieve your dreams? Who goes the extra mile to make you shine? Let them know that you know how much they have helped you. Acknowledge how big a role they’ve played in any success you’ve achieved or will achieve. And just as importantly, recognize that they too may someday feel the need to step into their own leading role. Let them know that you would be there to support them 110% should they ever make that decision, just as they have been there for you. None of us are self-made. It takes a large and dedicated team to make even just one person a star!
