An Interview With Edward Sylvan
I look at my work as part of a generational lift. It isn’t about one specific person. It is about shifting the lives of many and changing the narratives. Giving people access to equity and making a more caring world is what I am about and when I work with my organization I can feel how effective we are.
As a part of our series about stars who are making an important social impact, I had the pleasure of interviewing Benny Pough.
Pough was the President of Roc Nation Music and served as Executive Vice President of Epic Records, a division of Sony Music Entertainment, where he oversaw day-to-day operations. Pough had previously overseen the label’s promotion and marketing strategies as Executive Vice President of Urban Music and is credited with leading Epic’s urban team to great success, including becoming the #1 Urban record label of the year in 2017.
Thank you so much for joining us on this interview series. Can you share with us the backstory that led you to this career path?
My journey into music was pretty unique. I was actually doing standup comedy when I fell into the music business! I was attending St John’s University doing standup for a few years when the promoter for Motown Records hired me to do a show. After the show, she asked me to be her intern. It was crazy because I was a senior and didn’t even have my resume written out. But I said yes. I realized an opportunity was involved. I went down to Motown Records in Manhattan and got to work. My background was in sales, so I came in with a professional salesman mindset. I worked specifically with the college promotions side and that’s when I fell in love with the business side of music. I realized the value of changing people’s lives by helping them gain exposure to the masses.
Can you share the funniest or most interesting story that occurred to you in the course of your career? What was the lesson or takeaway you took out of that story?
I had no idea how the business worked in a corporate setting when I first got there. For example, the woman I was working for had me working with her in the T&E(Travel and Expenses ) department. I did it even though I didn’t know it was. So one day I mentioned to her I had reservations looking at her checks because I saw the expenses we incurred and thought she was getting this taken out of her personal expenses! I’m old school and I was raised that we stayed out of people’s business! So I spoke with her about and she chuckled, saying, “No baby that’s T&E! They pay for my travel, insurance and other expenses!” Right then I fell in love. I saw the other side beyond being just a creator. You gotta consider also I was working four jobs at the time so that was inspiring.
What would you advise a young person who wants to emulate your success?
The first thing I would say is to know who you are. A lot of times we want to clone or parrot, but what you do is look at the recipe which is foolproof and remix it! But you have to be an original first. There is value in being yourself and learning from others. Do your homework, be committed to your craft and see it through. If you can’t see it, it can’t happen!
Is there a person that made a profound impact on your life? Can you share a story?
Wow. For me, I’d have to divide that up into eras. I would say for example had it not been for Dedra Tate who decided to give me a chance to work at Motown Records and protect me, I wouldn’t be here. She developed me, allowed me to grow, and protected me when I made mistakes because she saw something in me. Without her, I would never have gotten an opportunity with Sharon Hayward who then allowed me to work with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. All of those blocks led me up the chart to work with artists like Monica, Usher, and OutKast and then later executives like Ken Wilson at MCA Records and then Kevin Liles, Lyor Cohen, LA Reid, Sylvia Rhone and other heavy hitters.
How are you using your success to bring goodness to the world? Can you share with us the meaningful or exciting causes you’re working on right now?
I’ve learned a lot during my time in the media and music business and have been blessed to have success in my career and family. With D’Verse Media, our goal is to get our clients the marketing and publicity they need to elevate their careers. We plan to give people the knowledge and help they need to be successful. I want to get my brand as big as it can to help as many people as we can. In regards to social causes, I serve on the board for Studio Samuel which supports Ethiopian women’s efforts to receive a proper education. A lot of people don’t know but when a young girl has her menstrual cycle in Ethiopia, she’s prevented from attending school and pursuing a job. I also serve on Prison Fellowship which is geared towards giving prisoners a second chance to find God. I believe heavily in people getting the right to an opportunity.
Can you share with us a story behind why you chose to take up this particular cause?
My mother’s impact on my life is a part of it. I am who I am because of her and it made me realize how none of this is about me. She made me realize that when you have gifts you have to give them to others and it hardwired me to think that way.
Can you share with us a story about a person who was impacted by your cause?
I look at my work as part of a generational lift. It isn’t about one specific person. It is about shifting the lives of many and changing the narratives. Giving people access to equity and making a more caring world is what I am about and when I work with my organization I can feel how effective we are.
Are there three things or are there things that individuals, society, or the government can do to support you in this effort?
I would encourage everyone to research these issues on their own and then go to the website Benny Pough.com. I of course go through the process of vetting the partners we work with, but beyond that, we can share ideas and discuss the next steps. I am always open to that.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started”?
First, that this journey was going to be tough. Next, I’d have to prune my circle and not be able to start with some of the people I began with. Third, that trust is something you earn and it isn’t given first. Fourth, you can love someone but that doesn’t always mean you will receive it in return. That’s tough, but it’s ok. Fifth, keep your head up because there will be brighter days ahead.
You’re a person of enormous influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.
If I could start a movement for good it would definitely be getting people to embrace their authentic selves. One of the most refreshing things I have seen over the course of my career is people being themselves and connecting with millions of people around the world. You can’t be anyone else in this life and it’s so much power in that if people only knew. So getting people to fall in love with themselves again and seeing themselves as special would be my wish and contribution.
Can you please give us your favorite life lesson quote? And can you explain how that was relevant in your life?
I would have to say John 3:16 for God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son. I say that verse because when you think about what giving is, it’s the epitome of how we should all live our lives.
We are blessed that some very prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them.
That is a great question to ask. Pre accident Benny would have a different answer. Back then I met everyone from sitting President Bill Clinton to senator Barack Obama at the time. For where I am now the value would be meeting TD Jakes. I want to know how he manages his day-to-day life and business knowing he’s responsible for the lives of thousands of people. He’s a CEO.
Thank you so much for these amazing insights. This was so inspiring, and we wish you continued success!
Music Stars Making A Social Impact: How & Why Benny Pough Is Helping To Change Our World was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.