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Quincy Jones is one of the greatest music producers of all time.

He helped musical talent, from Michael Jackson to Frank Sinatra, to reach their potential as performers. The more he succeeded by helping others, the more he sought to work with fresh talent.

I listened to an interview with him recently. He was asked to state some of his beliefs.

Here’s one he offered: “I’d rather say ‘I’m sorry’ than ‘I wish I had.’”

He didn’t elaborate much, but it sounded like an encouragement to take risks.

A guy like Quincy Jones could have been labeled as one kind of producer.

Because he took risks, his leadership, coaching, and mentoring skills were honed and tested. He was able to take a variety of paths and have a variety of experiences. The more he stepped out of his comfort zone, the more he experienced things many would have thought impossible.

To be bold, we must try new things, go places we haven’t been, read stuff we haven’t sampled before, and take on new responsibilities.

Be bold! 

-Howe Q Wallace Jr