In my career as a musician, youth empowerment coach, and keynote speaker, I’ve learned that growth often comes in unexpected ways. While I focus on empowering young adults through songwriting coaching, vocal coaching, and delivering keynotes that incorporate original music, I’ve found that even my side gigs—like delivering singing telegrams—have provided me with valuable life lessons. These lessons apply not only to my work as a coach and performer but also to my understanding of human connection, motivation, and personal development.
Here are 15 life lessons I’ve learned from delivering singing telegrams—and how they tie back into my work with young adults, as a keynote speaker, and in my creative journey.
1. Every Audience is Different
Whether I’m delivering a singing telegram to a birthday party, performing on stage, or speaking at a corporate event, every audience is unique. I often joke that a career as a musician, entertainer and speaker is basically a crash course in anthropology, but it's true: learning how to adjust to different personalities, energies, and dynamics is essential.
As a keynote speaker, I know that my success depends on my ability to read the room, adapt my delivery, and connect with the audience. In life, we’re constantly faced with situations that require us to be flexible, and understanding this is key to developing a growth mindset.
2. Music Brings People Together
Music has a universal quality that breaks down barriers and fosters connection. Whether I’m singing a telegram for a [quite often overwhelmed or even embarrassed] stranger, performing an original song on stage, or working with a young adult to express their feelings through songwriting, music creates a sense of unity.
This truth extends to the world of business and leadership as well: the ability to connect with others through shared experiences, emotions, and ideas is one of the most powerful tools in social psychology.
3. I’m Not Just a Performer, I’m a Messenger
In both singing telegrams and my core work as a speaker and coach, I realize I’m delivering more than just a performance—I’m delivering a message.
Whether it’s a song, a life lesson, or a keynote speech, I aim to convey something deeper.
This is why I write songs about everything from racism [Superhero] to sharing my own #MeToo experiences [SOLD], to encouraging teamwork and diversity as superpowers [Together We Rise], to recognizing that strength comes from adversity [From the Ashes]... every lyric and every song is intentional.
This sense of purpose applies to all aspects of life, reminding me (and others) to approach everything with intention, truth, and the knowledge that we are always communicating something meaningful to the world.
4. Preparation is Everything, but so is Spontaneity
You can practice and prepare as much as possible, but life often throws curveballs. In delivering singing telegrams and keynotes, I’ve learned that preparation builds confidence, but spontaneity allows for creativity.
And authenticity.
In both personal and professional situations, the ability to improvise when needed is crucial to growth, success and connection with your audience. Examples of this might be when you're asked a particularly left-of-field question whilst on a panel... or even tech mishaps when you're about to deliver your first TEDx Talk, resulting in you doing the running man to keep the audience engaged [true story - we'll talk about that later].
But whatever it is: speaking, singing, managing a team, or teaching young adults through coaching, I remind them that life is a balance between planning and being open to the unknown.
5. Sometimes You Have to Improvise
Improvisation isn’t just a skill for musicians or performers—it’s a life skill. Whether I’m adjusting a song during a singing telegram or responding to an audience question during a keynote, improvisation helps me stay present and engaged.
For young adults, in particular, learning to improvise in life’s challenges builds resilience. Improvisation allows for flexibility, helping us navigate life’s twists and turns with confidence and creativity. This can be through everything from scatting vocally, to riffing on a guitar, to freestyling [or attempting to]. Improvisation stimulates the brain and forces us out of our comfort zones.
And that is where the growth is.
6. You Can’t Predict the Reactions
No matter how prepared you are, you can’t always predict how people will react. Some audiences will cheer you on, while others might be more reserved. This unpredictability keeps things interesting, but it's also imperative for life.
Your boss isn't always going to be thrilled with your work. Your parents aren't always going to like the decisions you make. And your partner isn't always going to agree with how you want to vote. As a keynote speaker, I’ve learned to embrace the unexpected, understanding that every experience — whether positive or challenging—provides an opportunity for growth and self-discovery.
7. Confidence is Key
Confidence is essential in everything, from performing a song to delivering a motivational speech. Without self-belief, it’s difficult to convey your message effectively. Confidence doesn’t come naturally to everyone, but it can be developed through practice and experience. In my work as a youth empowerment coach, I teach young adults how to build confidence through music and creative self-expression, helping them develop a strong sense of self.
8. Expect the Unexpected
Singing telegrams and busking, like life, can be unpredictable. Whether I’m dealing with a surprise reaction or adjusting to an unexpected situation, [like being hired by "Busk the Ballot" in the above picture]; I’ve learned to expect the unexpected.
The same principle applies to growth and development in life: being adaptable helps us stay open to new opportunities and navigate challenges with grace and determination.
9. The Right Song is Everything
Choosing the right song for a moment can transform the entire experience.
In both my musical performances, [from singing telegrams to concerts and especially my latest US tour with the Hard Rock cafe] and keynote speeches, music plays a critical role in setting the tone. The right song can make people feel seen, heard, and understood.
It can also help to hammer home key messages, ideas, thoughts and opinions.
As a songwriter, I know the power of music to express emotions that words alone can’t. In life, finding the right message, approach, or strategy is just as important. Think of John Lennon's "Imagine", Sam Cooke's "A Change is Gonna Come", to Public Enemy's "Fight the Power", Childish Gambino's "This is America" to Christina Aguilera's "Beautiful" and Lady Gaga's "Born this Way" = each of these hugely influential songs that communicate intensely powerful messages.
But, of course, these are other musicians' songs: just imagine what it would it would look, sound and feel like when that song is your own? That's why I incorporate my original songs into my keynotes - and often my singing telegrams too.
10. Connection is the Goal
At the core of my work—whether it’s singing, coaching, or speaking—is the desire to connect with others. Human connection is what drives personal development and social growth. Every time I work with a young adult, deliver a keynote, or perform, my goal is to create a meaningful connection. This focus on connection helps build stronger relationships and fosters a deeper sense of community.
Of course, we live in a huge country, where people aren't always as easily able to connect as they would like to, which is where - again - music can play a powerful role. This is where something simple like a singing telegram can come into play: as a reminder that - even if someone can't be with their loved one - they're still being thought of, loved and honored: through the power of song.
11. Joy is Contagious
One of the most rewarding aspects of performing music, in any setting, is witnessing the pure joy it brings to people’s faces. Joy has this incredible, contagious energy that ripples through a room, sparking smiles and laughter. Whether I’m performing in concert, delivering a keynote with my original songs woven into the message, or surprising someone with a singing telegram, that moment of connection is always profound. Music serves as a reminder that - no matter age, race or background - it can lift spirits and create an instant sense of community.
Whenever I’m performing for an intimate group or coaching someone through a personal breakthrough, I’ve seen firsthand how positivity and joy can transform not just the energy in a room, but the hearts and minds of the people in it. It’s a powerful reminder that joy—especially when shared—can inspire and motivate us in ways we never expected.
12. You Never Know Where It Will Lead
Opportunities often come from unexpected places. One singing telegram can lead to another, just as one coaching session can inspire someone to pursue a dream they hadn’t considered before. In fact, one of my very first US vocal clients, who was 12years old at the time, decided that he wanted to "do what I do", and consequentially: his vocal lessons turned into empowerment through songwriting coaching sessions which then led to him recording his first [and only] single which we actually produced a professional video for. At his release party, one of his friends decided she too wanted to write a song, and we ended up writing an entire album together [and filming two music videos] which then led to her being accepted to the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts studying under Paul McCartney: the man, the myth, the legend himself.
You never know where music can lead us.
In both my personal and professional life, staying open to new opportunities and trusting the process can lead to surprising outcomes and successes.
In fact, for the first five and a half years of living in the United States, and working as a street performer: it was something as simple as busking that led me to perform alongside the likes of Dave Chappelle and Glee's Noah Guthrie, as well as perform for people like Marianne Williamson and even at places like NAMM and the world's largest music festival: Summer Fest in Milwaukee, WI.
Same goes for delivering singing telegrams. It may be surprising, but you truly don't know what doors will open, and who you might meet.
13. Singing in Unconventional Settings is a Skill
As a former street performer, I’ve learned the value of adapting to unconventional performance spaces—skills that have only sharpened with my experience delivering everything from singing telegrams to keynotes. Performing in unexpected settings, whether it’s someone’s living room for a house party, a sidewalk for a busking session, or a surprise performance for the likes of New York Times' 4x Best Selling Author Marianne Williamson, has taught me how to thrive in environments where most would feel out of their element. This adaptability isn’t just crucial for musicians; it’s a life skill that applies to anyone navigating unpredictable challenges.
The unconventional adventures that have been my musical career to date have opened doors I hadn’t imagined—what started as small, surprise performances has led to opportunities like house parties where the personal connection with the audience is unparalleled. My time busking in city streets led to being commissioned to write theme songs for million dollar companies and organizations like the American Association for the Advancement of Science, proving that visibility and being present in unexpected places can turn into something bigger. Similarly, performing in seemingly small venues and cafés has resulted in collaborations and partnerships I never saw coming - like my recent Hard Rock Cafe US Empowerment Tour.
The lesson is clear: embracing unconventional spaces and opportunities can open doors to success in ways you don’t expect, both in music and in life.
14. It’s Not Always About the Crowd
Sometimes, the impact of my work isn’t measured by the size of the audience but by the depth of the connection. Whether I’m performing for one person or speaking to a large group, the goal is always to reach people on an individual level. This is a powerful reminder that in life, it’s not always about quantity but the quality of the connection we make with others.
Several years ago, I had an experience that brought this home in an unforgettable way. During a busking session, I was approached and later hired to perform, what was essentially a singing telegram of 3 songs, for a six-year-old's birthday party. But this wasn’t just any party. She wanted to celebrate by protesting outside the White House with a group of her friends, each carrying signs about everything from chocolate to puppy dogs. Her own sign, though, simply read, "Time's Up for the Bad Stuff." I was so inspired by her conviction that I wrote a special song for her, inspired by what she deemed to be “the bad stuff” in the world.
It was a small gathering, but the depth of that connection—the pure, heartfelt belief of a six-year-old determined to make the world better—reminded me that impact is not measured by numbers. It’s measured by the moments that stay with you, the connections that inspire you to create something meaningful. Whether through music, speaking, or coaching, my goal is always to reach people where they are and leave them feeling seen, heard, and inspired.
Here's the song:
15. Referrals Are a Gift
Every successful performance or coaching session has the potential to open doors to new opportunities. Connections and referrals are more than just a nice compliment; they’re a powerful form of validation, a sign that my work has made a meaningful impact. When someone refers me to a friend, colleague, or family member, it shows that the connection I created resonated deeply enough for them to trust me with someone else’s experience. Whether it's a singing telegram, a keynote performance, or a youth empowerment coaching session, these word-of-mouth recommendations are some of the most genuine indicators of success.
In life and business, relationships and referrals are incredibly valuable. They serve as reminders that the quality of our work speaks for itself, rippling outward and creating opportunities we may never have anticipated. A single session, performance, or conversation can lead to a lasting relationship or partnership. That’s why I always aim to put my best foot forward, ensuring that I deliver value, leave a positive impression, and offer something meaningful in every interaction. When people feel inspired, moved, or empowered, they’re more likely to share that experience with others, and those organic connections are priceless.
At the heart of my work as a keynote speaker, singer-songwriter, and youth empowerment coach is the belief that music and creativity have the power to transform lives. Whether I’m delivering a singing telegram, coaching a young adult through a difficult time, or speaking to a crowd, the lessons I’ve learned from all aspects of my career continue to shape my approach to personal growth, leadership, and connection.
If you’re looking for a dynamic speaker, a motivational coach, or someone who can help young people find their voice, I’d love to connect. Let’s explore how we can work together to create something truly meaningful.
Reach out by clicking here, and let’s talk!
