Podcast Summary
Breaking Expectations: Cedric The Entertainer's Journey into Comedy: Be true to yourself and take risks to pursue your dreams, even if it means deviating from societal expectations.
Cedric The Entertainer showcased courage and followed his passion despite societal expectations. Growing up, he was encouraged to pursue a corporate career but always had a creative side. Although he followed the traditional path and worked in insurance, he discovered his comedic talent and decided to take a leap of faith into the world of comedy. This transition was not easy, especially without the benefits of social media that exist today. Cedric's story teaches us that it is important to stay true to ourselves and take risks to pursue our dreams, even if it means deviating from the expected path.
Cedric The Entertainer: From Side Hustle to Success: Cedric's story teaches us that consistency, hard work, and strategic thinking are essential for achieving success in any field. Persistence and dedication are key ingredients for turning a passion into a successful career.
Cedric The Entertainer's success in comedy was the result of consistency, hard work, and strategic thinking. He started off as a professional comedian in St. Louis and was making good money performing stand-up. However, comedy was initially a side hustle for him while he worked a full-time job at State Farm. As he gained more experience and recognition, Cedric strategically pursued opportunities at the Funny Bones comedy club, aiming to secure 44 dates in a year. Even though he was only making $350 for a week of shows, he was content with being a part of the system and was grateful for the consistent income. Cedric's journey showcases the importance of persistence, dedication, and having a strategic mindset towards achieving success in any field.
Overcoming Challenges and Finding Success in Comedy: Cedric The Entertainer faced obstacles early in his career but used timing, opportunities, and mentorship to launch his successful comedy career and increase his earnings.
Cedric The Entertainer faced challenges in the early stages of his career as a comedian. He had to perform multiple shows in different cities, which meant finding places to stay and driving long distances. Cedric often slept in hotel parking lots in his car. However, he recognized the importance of timing and took advantage of opportunities like appearing on Def Comedy Jam and Showtime at the Apollo. He also benefited from the rise of African American comedy clubs and met Steve Harvey, who became his mentor and opened doors for him. As a result, Cedric's career took off, and he started earning higher fees for his performances.
Cedric The Entertainer's Rise to Comedy Stardom: Cedric's journey from opening act to headliner showcases the importance of perseverance, seizing opportunities, and believing in one's abilities to achieve success in any field.
Cedric The Entertainer experienced rapid growth in his comedy career, going from performing short sets in comedy clubs to headlining shows with audiences of 3,000 to 5,000 people within a span of five years. He initially started as an opening act, gradually moving up to the middle spot. Cedric's pivotal moment came when he filled in for the struggling middle act during a show headlined by Sam Kinison, an iconic comedian. This experience showed Cedric the power of captivating an audience and solidified his belief in his ability to succeed in the comedy world. Winning the Miller Genuine Draft Comedy competition in Chicago further boosted his confidence and opportunities for success.
Embracing Risks and Finding Authenticity: Cedric's Journey to Growth and Confidence: Stepping out of our comfort zone and staying true to ourselves can lead to personal growth, increased confidence, and meaningful connections with others.
Taking risks and stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to tremendous growth and increased confidence. Cedric The Entertainer shares how performing in a new environment, alongside legendary comedians, boosted his belief in his own abilities. He compares it to a basketball player testing their skills against the best in the city and realizing they can compete at the same level. Cedric also learns an important lesson from Steve Harvey about staying true to oneself. When Cedric tries to change his set to cater to a specific audience, he bombs, but Steve's advice to always be authentic resonates with him. This teaches us that being genuine is the best way to connect with others and succeed.
Embracing authenticity and hard work for success: Be yourself, work hard, and stay humble - success comes from being authentic and dedicated, and there is always room for improvement.
It's important to stay true to yourself and not try to change or conform in order to be accepted or successful. Cedric The Entertainer emphasizes that being authentic is better than pretending to be someone else, whether it's in comedy or in personal relationships. He advises against putting on false fronts and encourages people to pay attention to the little signs that reveal someone's true character. Additionally, Cedric shares that success is not guaranteed and must be earned through hard work and dedication. He reminds us that it's easy to get caught up in the trappings of success, but it's crucial to remain humble and recognize that you can always keep improving and evolving.
Embracing Collaboration and Personal Growth in the Entertainment Industry: Cedric The Entertainer highlights the importance of appreciating and supporting the younger generation, embracing collaboration, adapting to change, and staying true to oneself to succeed in the entertainment industry.
Comparison can either be a motivator or an opportunity for applause. Cedric The Entertainer explains that instead of feeling threatened by the success of the younger generation, he chooses to appreciate their unique talents and hard work. He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging that everyone has their own path and there is no need to critique or be envious of others' achievements. Cedric exemplifies a collaborative mindset, preferring to support and uplift fellow entertainers rather than being a competitor. Additionally, he discusses the need to adapt and find new opportunities in the industry as he has experienced the changing dynamics of popularity and success. Ultimately, Cedric's key to maintaining longevity in the industry is to stay true to oneself, embrace collaboration, and make strategic choices that align with personal values and priorities.
The Power of Television: Creating a Familiar Connection with Viewers.: Cedric The Entertainer discusses how appearing on TV allows actors to establish a personal connection with viewers, while also enjoying the excitement and grandeur of the big screen.
Cedric The Entertainer emphasizes the importance of being a familiar presence in people's homes through television. He explains that when you appear on TV, viewers feel like they know you and consider you a part of their family. This creates a unique and intimate connection with the audience. On the other hand, being a movie star evokes a sense of shock and awe, where fans see you as larger than life. Cedric highlights that in today's industry, actors no longer have to choose between being a movie star or a TV star. They can now excel in both mediums and find success by portraying compelling characters in television shows while also enjoying the grandeur of the big screen.
The Illusion of Fame and Wealth: Fame does not guarantee financial security and success; it requires hard work, strategic planning, diversification of skills, and maintaining strong relationships with loved ones.
Fame can create a false sense of wealth and make individuals believe they are financially secure when they may actually be struggling. Many people view fame as a shortcut to success and think that being famous alone is enough to sustain them. However, it is important to understand that fame requires hard work, humility, connections, and strategic planning. Additionally, entrusting one's career solely to agents, managers, and lawyers without actively participating in shaping their own success can be detrimental. To thrive in the industry, individuals must continuously diversify their skills and pursue various projects while remaining grounded in their values and prioritizing their relationships with family and friends.
Value and Effort in Relationships and Partnerships: Mutual value and effort are essential in building meaningful connections, both personally and professionally. Cedric The Entertainer emphasizes the importance of proving oneself and contributing before being accepted into his circle.
Individuals need to contribute value and earn their place in relationships and partnerships. Cedric The Entertainer emphasizes the importance of people proving themselves and adding value before being accepted into his circle. This applies to both personal relationships and professional collaborations. This expectation of contribution and self-sufficiency extends to his own children, where he instills the importance of bringing something to the table. Additionally, Cedric illustrates the concept of reciprocation, stating that even his scholarships are like loans – if someone doesn't follow through or appreciate the opportunity given to them, he expects something in return. This conversation highlights the idea that meaningful connections require mutual value and effort.
Cedric The Entertainer's Inspiring Storytelling Journey: Preserving family history and personal stories can be a powerful way to tap into creativity and strengthen our connection to our roots.
Cedric The Entertainer has delved into writing and storytelling, using his own family history as inspiration for his book "Flipping Box Cars". He shares how his grandfather was a known dice player and owned a casino in his cafe on certain nights of the week. Cedric explains how this story evolved into a caper involving dice and whiskey, adding an element of intrigue to the narrative. The conversation also highlights the importance of preserving family history, with Lewis Howes mentioning his great-great-grandfather's book about his life. Overall, the key takeaway is that storytelling and preserving personal history can be a rich source of creativity and connection to one's roots.
Embracing Individuality, Practicing Civility, and Seeking Moments of Laughter: Cedric The Entertainer's Insights on Living a Meaningful Life: Embrace your uniqueness, be a good citizen, find joy in laughter, and strive for greatness by pushing boundaries and inspiring others.
Each person has a unique purpose and contribution to make in the world. Cedric The Entertainer emphasizes the importance of embracing one's individuality and trusting that their DNA is necessary. Being true to oneself and finding a reason to exist is essential. Additionally, he highlights the significance of being a good citizen by practicing civility, understanding, and sensitivity towards others' circumstances. Laughing and finding joy in life is also emphasized as a crucial aspect of living. Cedric encourages people to seek moments of laughter, as it can bring healing and improve one's outlook. Lastly, greatness is defined as being excellent and then going one step beyond, pushing the boundaries and inspiring others to reach new heights.
