(Part XI) Reinvent Your Game, Future-Proof Your Dreams: (Old-School Flava)
How Celebs & Pros Go from Played-out to Poppin’ Again!

Meredith Vieira said bye-bye to the Today Show gang. After five years as co-anchor, she called it quits. Viera got the job when Katie Couric left for CBS News. At the time, Curry was a regular fill-in for Couric. But Vieira left ABCs The View to land the job. Was Curry disappointed for not getting the nod?

In the meantime Curry worked on reinventing herself. She sucked it up and focused on raising her game. Curry would take non-sexy International assignments. She would report from places not often seen in the mainstream. This was her way of re-creating and broadening her appeal.

Some say she developed a down-to-earth realness as a Journalist. This caused viewers to take another look at how she delivered news with a human touch. Her enthusiasm might have appeared over-done. But the way she began to relate and inter-relate gained her high marks among her peers.

Think of where she was five years ago as a fork in the road, maybe even a career do or die. She could have left NBC for new opportunities. Curry decided to work on herself. This helped to resuscitate her career. The result was like bringing the severely wounded back to life after an earthquake. 

Curry turned her disappointment into something good. She elevated her attitude in order to reach a new altitude. She has proven her skill in reporting. She has grown in stature among her peers. That’s why Curry is now the Today Show Co-anchor. But what really shines through is her sense of gratitude.

(Part XI) Reinvent Your Game, Future-Proof Your Dreams: (New-School Flava)
How Celebs & Pros Go from Played-out to Poppin’ Again!

Meredith Vieira said bye-bye. The Today Show gang wanted to cry. After five years as co-anchor. She left with little or no rancor. Vieira took over after Katie Couric said yes. For greener pastures with CBS. But Vieira beat-out Curry for the top job. She was so disappointed she could sob.

In the meantime Curry was reinventing. Spending as little time venting. Sucked it up to focus on her game. Taking non-sexy assignments not for the fame. As seen on an International story. That was not tied to mainstream glory. Re-creating and broadening her appeal. Reporting with lots of zeal.

She became down-to-earth real. As a Journalist you could feel. Others started to take another look. Curry was becoming like an open book. Delivering news with the human touch. Showing enthusiasm that appeared over-done as such. Better relating through the years. Gaining high marks with her peers.

Back then she hit a fork in the road. She did not panic and implode. Curry could have left NBC. For new opportunities with cable TV. But decided to settle down. Thinking smile not frown. This helped resuscitate her career. Putting herself in a new gear. Coming back from like the worst earthquake of the year.

Curry turned disappointment into something good. Many knew she could. She elevated her attitude. Reaching for a higher altitude. Proving her skill in reporting. With “best-in-class” audience supporting. That’s how Curry earned peer platitude. Shining through with a sense of gratitude. 

Tip: Reinventing yourself means turning a disappointment into something as miraculous as raising your career from the dead.

Talkback: How much will Vieira be missed or Curry be kissed now that the Big Chair has changed?

Coming Soon: “Star Power Upload: Why Mentors, Role Models and a few Sidekicks Make You Shine!”

(Part X) Reinvent Your Game, Future-Proof Your Dreams: (Old-School Flava)
How Celebs & Pros Go from Played-out to Poppin’ Again!

 This year’s French Tennis Open is history. The clay court extravaganza provided an exciting finish. International participation was high with Na Li from China and Rafael Nadal from Spain earning bragging rights. Where were the Williams sisters? After recent injuries their game has been put on ice.

Venus suffered a hip flexor strain earlier this year. Serena has been fighting depression after a foot injury, as well as lung artery blockage. Both ladies are on the comeback trail. In the meantime, they’re working on reinventing their game. This involves becoming “new and improved” in technique.

On a recent CNN interview Venus spoke about her love for the game. She discussed some of her passions off the court. There’s probably not a championship that she hasn’t played-in or won. But she has her sights set on the next goal she seeks. Reinventing your game is to align with new goals and roles.

Of-course, everybody loves the Williams sisters for their fashion statements. Their colorful play on the court comes with some sexy attire. When not playing tennis, Venus runs her fashion line. Serena is no slouch either in “After- Five” gear. I suppose both are keen on coming back looking sleek and chic.

When all is said and done, Venus & Serena know it’s going to take hard work. That’s what has made them so accomplished. They bring fire-power and confidence on and off the court. The sisters show what it means to have the heart and will of a champion. Watch as they return for a new round of success.

(Part X) Reinvent Your Game, Future-Proof Your Dreams: (New-School Flava)
How Celebs & Pros Go from Played-out to Poppin’ Again!

This year’s French Open is done. Na Li and Rafael Nadal had some fun. Winning in exciting style. Adding to their money pile. For the Williams sisters there was no shout. Sadly, both have been out. Recovering from injuries that make you wanna pout. Their game has been put on ice. Career over?… think twice.

Venus had a hip strain. Not from playing in the rain. Serena fighting depression. After foot injury and near convulsion. Both on the comeback trail. Going at slow pace like a snail. Working on reinventing their game. With more championships to claim. Bigger and better in technique. That’s it for a sneak peek.

She discusses her love for tennis on CNN. And the chances of a romantic friend. With a few passions off the court. Like creating designer fashion skort. When not playing for wins. Keeps busy from life’s sins. Staying close to her clothing line. Maybe, every now and then a drink of wine.

Folks love their center court dress. The way they play is no mess. Feeling good, making a statement. With sexy attire for any “After-Five” engagement. Knowing what not to wear. Combining colorful play with fashion gear. Watch and see them looking sleek. With their reputation of being chic. 

When all is said and done. Venus and Serena have a swing like guns. Knowing it will take hard work. To achieve new goals and bigger perks. Bringing fire-power and confidence. Winning is no happen-stance. Showing heart and will of a champion. Rolling into the next success station.

Tip: Reinventing yourself means moving your game from being on ice to being on top at the right price.

Talkback: Is it time for Venus and Serena to retire or do they still have some game left?

Coming Soon: “Star Power Upload: Why Mentors, Role Models and a few Sidekicks Make You Shine!”

(Part IX) Reinvent Your Game, Future-Proof Your Dreams: (Old-School Flava)
How Celebs & Pros Go from Played-out to Poppin’ Again!

The fast-food industry is one of stiff competition. You can tell by the new campaigns that pop-up often. They’re offering dollar menus and healthier choices. These spots are constantly competing to maintain or gain market share. What did McDonald’s do years ago? They gave Ronald McDonald a makeover.

This fun-loving clown has been criticized over the years. Company officials decided it was time to reinvent their mascot. They needed to take Ronald from “old-school fool” to “new-school cool.” So they reintroduced Ronald as a sort of fitness guru. This was to help emphasize the importance of being active.

They had Ronald upgrade his wardrobe as well. No more looking, “fat, dumb and happy.” He became a “unisex symbol.” His look and feel would better appeal to both boys and girls. He dressed in more sporty attire like that of men and women’s sports. Ronald became a “hot shot that’s hot to trot.”

The company took a leap of faith by adding healthier food options. You can still order a shake. But your order can also come with a salad instead of fries. Company officials did more than just spruce-up Ronald. They opted to respond to the social consciousness of the time.

And what has happened as a result? They’ve seen a spike in healthy-options sales. They’ve also seen a jump in customer spending per order. Some people want to “be like Mike.” Others are hoping to reinvent their game like Ronald. Whichever is true, this takes a makeover in your look, feel and conscious appeal.

(Part IX) Reinvent Your Game, Future-Proof Your Dreams: (New-School Flava)
How Celebs & Pros Go from Played-out to Poppin’ Again!

Fast-food competition is stiff. Folks love to get a whiff. With new campaigns and a catchy promo. All trying to keep their mojo. Offering dollar menus and healthier choices. Listening to the people’s voices. Constantly competing for market share. McDonald’s made-over Ronald “the clown” with more flair.

Criticized over the years. The company showed it cares. Reinventing their famed mascot. Keeping it fun-loving without an ascot. Kinda like going from “old-school fool.” To being active and “new-school cool.” Looking like a fitness guru. Staying true to red, white and blue.

Yes, a change in wardrobe. That’s good for chains around the globe. No more looking “fat, dumb and happy.” But more about unisex-symbol savvy. Appealing to boys and girls. In the U.S. and across the world. Still popular with tiny tots. But also becoming a “hot shot that’s hot to trot.”

Executives took a leap of faith. With healthier options on the plate. Welcome to the McDonald’s shake. Served with fries or salad, it’s your take. Company did more than a spruce-up. They also did a makeover from the neck, up. Opting to respond with purpose and reason. To a new social consciousness season.

What happened as a result? You can call Ronald to consult. A spike in healthy-option sales. More from everyday folks, not the Prince of Whales. Some people want to “be like Mike.” Or like Ronald whose career has taken a spike. Whichever one is true. Reinventing yourself in consciousness starts with you.                   

Tip: Reinventing yourself means undergoing a makeover in your look, feel and conscious appeal.

Talkback: If fast-food chains were to disappear tomorrow, how would that affect your choices?

(Part VIII) Reinvent Your Game, Future-Proof Your Dreams: (Old-School Flava)
How Celebs & Pros Go from Played-out to Poppin’ Again!

 Chicago’s United Center was rocking. Oprah taped her final episodes. Thousands of friends and celebs gathered for the send-off. After 25 years, she’s decided to pack it up. But she’s not done. With the launch of her OWN channel, there’s another chapter yet to unfold. How did she stay #1 for so long?

In her words, it was because she kept reinventing herself. We sometimes saw it over the years with a change in style. She changed her hair from long to short. She lost weight and gained it back. At one time she wore clothes that looked outdated. Today she’s dressed by the best and hangs with the greatest.

Many remember her most watched episode. She showed what 67 pounds of fat look like. Oprah realized that reinventing herself also needed to occur in substance. So, she launched many “life makeover” campaigns. This added to her reputation of producing “change-your-life” TV.

She also found a way to reinvent herself in service. Oprah helped give book clubs broader appeal. She made many authors famous. She gave back to the community through her Angel Network. She expanded on her legacy by funding a school for girls in South Africa. These speak highly of her life’s work.

You might look back like she did to appreciate her grandeur. She started as a local TV personality. At some point Oprah was told she wouldn’t make it. Maybe it was at this time she made up her mind to go for it. There’s no denying, the “queen of media” has come a long way from Baltimore to the big leagues.

(Part VIII) Reinvent Your Game, Future-Proof Your Dreams: (New-School Flava)
How Celebs & Pros Go from Played-out to Poppin’ Again!

The United Center was rocking. The rich and famous were jockeying. As Oprah taped her final show. Daytime TV has been struck a blow. But Oprah’s not done yet. She’s already heard ‘on your mark, get set.’ With the launch of her TV network OWN. There’s no reason to bitch and moan.

How did she stay #1 this long? Will-i-am might answer in a song. She made it work by reinventing. Which is like a farmer who does replanting. Sometimes she did it in style. Looking better and better after a while. Going from outdated looking clothes. To being dressed by the fashion pros.

At one time she lost 67 pounds. Celebrating it all around. Using animal fat to prove. How to lose weight and find a new groove. Reinventing herself in substance. Just as important in style and romance. Promoting many “life makeover” campaigns. With “change-your-life” TV showing the sun and rain.

She gave book clubs broader appeal. Making authors famous for keeping it real. Reinventing herself in service. Helping many who were novice. Giving back to the community. Through her Angel Network property. Expanding on her life’s work and legacy. Funding a school to encourage academic supremacy.

You might look back to discover. Her larger-than-life grandeur. Starting out on local TV. Living her dreams to become the best she could be. Being told she wouldn’t make it. She decided that was bull*. Turning the show into a national bully-pulpit. So there’s no denying. The “queen of media” is not retiring.               

Tip: Reinventing yourself means going from good to better to best in between the times you take a rest.

Talkback: How has the Oprah Show impacted Daytime TV and the national conversation?

(Part 7) Reinvent Your Game, Future-Proof Your Dreams: (Old-School Flava)
How Celebs & Pros Go from Played-out to Poppin’ Again!

They say a cat has nine lives. Well, P Diddy is no cat, but he sure can reinvent himself. Just look at how many times he’s changed his name. Now his new Diddy-Dirty-Money crew is riding the music charts. He’s got all the big-name collabs on the album. He’s a musician turned mogul. Diddy is sitting pretty.

It’s all about collecting the check. That’s what makes him tick. But it’s his work ethic that makes things click. He’s sometimes seen as a perfectionist. Diddy is willing to work day and night until he gets the track right. His peers admire him for how he’s been able to flip the script in keeping things hip.

First there were the days of Puff Daddy. He was responsible for launching a few well-known artists. Then he became more affectionately called Puffy. He later went by P Diddy as a way to break away from a close call with the law. He wanted to pick-up the pieces and get back to doing what he loved best.

His career started out as a party promoter. This prepared him to become a rapper and record producer. He also found time for movies. His songs became crowd favorites. Diddy knows that reinventing yourself and staying current is in balancing what you love to do with what the marketplace wants from you.

Some people might call him Sean John. Those are his first and middle names. But it’s the name of his clothing line as well. It’s like a reflection of his personal style. This brings fresh and happiness. It’s about swagger and living larger. Throw-in some fragrances and you’ll be looking, feeling and smelling good!

(Part 7) Reinvent Your Game, Future-Proof Your Dreams: (New-School Flava)
How Celebs & Pros Go from Played-out to Poppin’ Again!

A cat has nine lives. Diddy has no wives. But he knows game reinvention. Just look at his name-changing convention. Now his Diddy-Dirty-Money Crew. Makes him rock like new. Rising up the charts. Playing his music mogul part. Lots of big-name collabs. With others keeping tabs.

The Benjamins make him tick. But his work ethic makes things click. Working day and night. To get the beats and rhymes right. Sometimes seen as a perfectionist. His life-story has some bumps and twists. Peers admire him for flipping the script. Keeping things jumping and most of all hip.

First it was Puff Daddy. Working for artists like a golf Caddy. Launching many careers. Dreaming and believing past his fears. Then affectionately Puffy. By then he was a lot less scruffy. Wanting to break away. From the past to the present day. P Diddy seems more official. But just Diddy makes it crucial.

Started out on the party scene. As a promoter and rap machine. Then as a record producer. Bad Boy Records his money earner. Releasing hit after hit. Not giving up, not wanting to quit. Staying current, keeping pace. Balancing passion and buzz in the marketplace.

Some see him as Sean John. For his clothing line deemed number one. Taken from his first and middle names. But it’s also about his style and acclaim. Mixing fresh with happiness. And good times with success. It’s about swagger and living larger. With fragrances for the grown and sexier.                 

Tip: Reinventing yourself means finding new ways for bringing home the bacon.

Talkback: How has Diddy’s showmanship and reinvention helped boost his career?

(Part 6) Reinvent Your Game, Future-Proof Your Dreams: (Old-School Flava)
How Celebs & Pros Go from Played-out to Poppin’ Again!

 Simon Cowell on Idol, those were the days. It seems like yesterday. Paula Abdul and Cowell giving feedback to contestants. That duo left. But is being revived on the new X-Factor. This is Cowell’s baby! Not Abdul, but the show. Cowell’s like the comeback kid because he’s not afraid of failure.

His rise to stardom says something about having the X-factor. Cowell had seen success before and lost it all. His reinvention involved taking time to re-group. After going back home to live with his parents he found a way to reload. His career re-launch helped position him as a judge on Britain’s Pop Idol.

This is exactly what he’s doing now with the X-Factor. After leaving Pop Idol to join American Idol, Cowell became a “love-or-hate-him” judge. He left the show after nine seasons because he started to feel bored. Cowell is looking to do it again as he regroups, reloads and re-launches himself on the X-Factor.

Cowell might agree that reinventing your game is about showcasing your gifts and talents. Not everybody can sing or dance, but everybody can turn their gifts into glory. Reinventing your game is also about showing some grit. Cowell’s smile reveals someone who balances “grit and burn” with “win and earn.”

Any successful person will tell you that overcoming the fear of failure helps to future-proof your dreams. In Cowell’s own words, “it’s like getting ready to ride the Roller Coaster. You suddenly become excited. For a brief moment you’re kind of scared. But in the long run you end up having a good time.”   

(Part 6) Reinvent Your Game, Future-Proof Your Dreams: (New-School Flava)
How Celebs & Pros Go from Played-out to Poppin’ Again!

Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul to team-up. Hoping to take a new show to the top. It seems like yesterday. When both had something to say. As contestants did their thing. To be crowned as Idol Queen of King. Cowell is like the comeback kid. Writing “hello fear” on his success grid.

Cowell had seen success before. Then lost the gig and the store. Rising to stardom from his parent’s living room. Now looking to help the X-Factor boom. Reinventing by taking time to regroup. While sipping on some chicken soup. Finding a way to reload. Re-launching his career bigger than a toad.

Going from Britain’s Pop Idol. To judging on American Idol. After nine seasons he became bored. So he left with all the hits he done scored. Looking to do it again. With Abdul as a judge and long lost friend. He regroups, reloads and re-launches his game. With the new X-Factor flame.

Reinventing his fame. Showcasing the same. Weaving talents into a compelling story. It’s how you turn gifts into glory. Not everybody can sing and dance. But for success everybody has a chance. Cowell’s found a way to balance “grit and burn.” With his signature smile he knows how to “win and earn.”

He’s living proof. Of how to take success through the roof. Overcoming the fear of failure. Giving time for your dreams to nurture. It’s like getting on a Roller Coaster. Part excited and slight happier. For a brief moment you’re a bit scared. About what should be feared. But in the long run. The ride’s lots of fun.           

Tip: Reinventing yourself means even if you’re scared you face whatever it is you’ve feared.

Talkback: Will Paula Abdul help X-Factor become a hit or is that Simon’s job?

(Part 5) Reinvent Your Game, Future-Proof Your Dreams: (Old-School Flava)
How Celebs & Pros Go from Played-out to Poppin’ Again!

Where’s Steven A. Smith when you need him? He’s probably catching up on NBA Playoff stats. Plus, with the NFL Draft just completed, He’s got to be busy. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Chad Ochocinco talks soccer. He recently tried out for the pro leagues. What do these guys know about reinventing yourself?

Well, Ochocinco went back to his childhood dreams and first love. He wanted to give pro soccer a shot in case the NFL lockout drags on. It’s as if he wanted to re-purpose his game. He’s certainly a gifted athlete. Ochocinco might have thought he had nothing to lose and everything to gain.

After his playing days are over, he’ll have to re-package his game. Who knows, maybe working in the broadcast booth at soccer games. Success after one career is all about how you reinvent yourself. But it’s also about how you re-package your game to get the most out of your skills and talents.

Steven A. Smith knows too well how that works. He’s had to re-package his skills to rise up the ranks. Over the years Smith has worked for TV, radio and print media outlets. Ochocinco might have seen soccer as a way to speed-up his footwork. Reinventing yourself can help you blow-up your ratings.

Step out of your comfort zone to raise your game. Re-examine your game or even re-name yourself. That’s how Cassius Clay became Muhammad Ali. Gnarls Barkley became Cee-lo Green. And Chad Johnson became Chad Ochocinco. It’s worked for others. How might reinvention work for you?    

(Part 5) Reinvent Your Game, Future-Proof Your Dreams: (New-School Flava)
How Celebs & Pros Go from Played-out to Poppin’ Again!

Calling Steven A. Smith! Looking to hear his sports wit. He’s probably catching-up on stats. Or picking names from a hat. With the NBA playoffs in high gear. Smith knows the team to fear. But we digress. As Ochocinco has to confess. He talked soccer during the off-season. What was his reason?

Ochocinco went back to his childhood. Thinking with pro soccer he could make good. Wanted to give it a shot. In case the NFL lockout wouldn’t clot. Looking to re-purpose his game. Planning to ditch his Wide Receiver acclaim. Thinking he had nothing to lose. With other careers to choose.

After his playing days are done. He’ll have to find new ways to have fun. Maybe working for a broadcast station. Calling games for soccer nation. He’s a gifted athlete. Already shows how to compete. To reinvent is to re-package his game. Making the most of his skills, talents and Reality TV fame.

Steven A. knows how that works. Having to re-package his perks. Rising up the ranks, putting in some sweat. In TV, radio and print media outlets. Ochocinco using soccer to speed-up his footwork. Taking no chances with a slowdown of his day’s work. Reinventing himself to blow-up like fireworks.

Whether on sport radio or NFL TV. Reinventing your way to success is key. Step out your comfort zone, raise your game. Re-name yourself with no shame. Cassius Clay became Ali. Chad Johnson became Ochocinco. Gnarls Barkley became Cee-lo Green. That’s reinvention to breakout your scene.     

Tip: Reinventing yourself means using clockwork to improve your footwork and blow-up like fireworks.

Talkback: Now that Ochocinco has tried-out for pro soccer, will his decision help or hurt his NFL career?

(Part 4) Reinvent Your Game, Future-Proof Your Dreams: (Old-School Flava)
How Celebs & Pros Go from Played-out to Poppin’ Again!

 Tyrese is back on the scene. After being M-I-A for a while he’s returned with a vengeance. He’s got a movie coming out in theatres and a new book in stores. He reaches over a million followers from his Twitter pulpit. He tells a story with lessons from his hard knock life. But he’s not about making excuses.

He grew up in the Watts section of Los Angeles, better known as the Hood. He remembers wanting to be a garbage man when he grew up. That’s what he saw as his ticket to a better life. His new book says a lot about moving on up. For Tyrese, up wasn’t necessarily uptown. It was about getting out of his own way.

After successful album releases, he shifted gears to starring in movies. He’s been in a few urban films that seem to mirror his hard core experience. They’re filled with fast action and furious excitement. For many, his lifestyle affirms ‘sexy’ as asserting your manhood. It adds to his celebrity appeal.

His Twitter followers have become accustomed to his no-bull philosophy. In recent times it appears as if he’s been on a journey. His tweets aren’t all about self-promotion. He shares tips on the importance of self-discovery. It’s probably the basis for his new and improved image and bright-lights status.

Tyrese is leading the way for young folks today. He’s been able to evolve in his professional game and personal acclaim. He has become a man of faith. He’s now living his life from a more secure place. It’s about using his life for a greater good. His life shows how reinventing yourself refreshes your swagger.

(Part 4) Reinvent Your Game, Future-Proof Your Dreams: (New-School Flava)
How Celebs & Pros Go from Played-out to Poppin’ Again!

Tyrese is back on the scene. After being M-I-A from music and the big screen. He’s returned with a vengeance. Living life from a positive stance. He’s got a new movie happening. And a new book that’s poppin’. Sharing with his Twitter peeps. Life lessons in between sleeps.

Growing up in the Hood. Hard to become what you could. Not a man of excuses. Trying to make the right choices. Wanting to become a garbage man. But worked on another plan. Finding a ticket to a better life. Moving on up from his pain and strife. Up wasn’t really uptown. It was more about coming around.

With successful album releases. Tyrese went on to acting pieces. Starring in a few urban thrillers. Filled with fast action and shoot-em-up killers. Maybe a lot like what he saw. Around the block from Crenshaw. His lifestyle affirms sexy manhood. Raising his celebrity appeal to “all-good.”

His Twitter followers get no-bull. From a guy whose schedule is full. Taking-on a journey in spirit. Sharing truths and sticking with it. Not so bent on self-promotion. But more sold on inner exploration. As well as lifelong education. It’s one reason why he’s made a flip. Having more of a swagger than a chip.               

He’s leading the way. A model for young people today. Expanding his game. More star-power in his acclaim. Becoming a man of faith. Reinventing yourself is never too late. By finding a more secure place. Living at the right pace. Reaching for a greater good. Living life like you should.    

Tip: Reinventing yourself means not making excuses for what could be but making changes for what should be.

Talkback: Watching Tyrese play Teddy Pendergrass in an upcoming film, is that a good match?

(Part 3) Reinvent Your Game, Future-Proof Your Dreams: (Old-School Flava)
How Celebs & Pros Go from Played-out to Poppin’ Again!

The Beats by Dr. Dre brand has gone mainstream. You see headsets used by NBA pro athletes. Then there’re the microphones on American Idol. They come in different colors to match your outfit. He’s produced breakout artists too. Dre’s got a long anticipated album release. He knows how to make a hit.

But he’s been off the radar for a minute. He’d probably say he’s been working in the background. After a few top-selling albums, Dre decided to settle down. He got married and became a family man. Some feel this might be a lesson for Hip Hop. Reinventing yourself can mean stepping back or stepping up.

Think of it the way NBA Analysts describe Oklahoma player Serge Ibaka. He’s gone from speaking no English and sitting on the bench to being a starting Forward. Ibaka’s coach increased his playing minutes. He’s been able to grow in his game. As you reinvent yourself you’ll grow personally and professionally.

In the meantime Dre has produced a stable of new artists. Eminem and Snoop Dogg are two of the more famous. He enjoys passing on his experience and sharing his skill with many protégés. It’s been 10 years since his last album release. So, reinventing your game or legacy might mean duplicating yourself.

Eminem has used his success to push Dre to the next level. He knew his mentor still had something left in his lyrics. It’s like the pilot saying “we’re experiencing turbulence so we’ll have to climb to a higher altitude.” Reinventing yourself means taking your experience and what’s left in the tank, to the next level.  

(Part 3) Reinvent Your Game, Future-Proof Your Dreams: (New-School Flava)
How Celebs & Pros Go from Played-out to Poppin’ Again!

Dr. Dre’s turning up the heat. You see and hear it in the Beats. Headsets seen on NBA jocks. As well as American Idol microphone stock. Coming in different colors. To match your outfit dollars. Producing breakout artists. And his long anticipated release. Dre’s got the magic kit. For producing another hit.

Been off the radar for a minute. But he’s got lots of winners to prove it. Working in the background. Helping others leave the underground. Deciding to settle down. Putting family as his crown. Some saw it as a career stop. Others see it as a lesson for Hip Hop. Reinventing himself and rockin’ the top.

NBA Analysts give a good example. Of Serge Ibaka as a gamble. Speaking little or no English. Living his American Dream wish. Gong from being a reserve. To getting what he deserves. Becoming a starting player, Increasing his minutes as a producer. Growing personally and professionally surer.

Dre’s got a stable. Of rappers who’ve shown they’re able. To drop it like it’s hot. Mixing rhymes like stew in a pot. Eminem and Snoop Dogg most famous. Like cookie man Wally Amos. Dre’s been sharing his passion. With protégés rapping to perfection. Venting and reinventing, sampling and duplicating.

Eminem pushes Dre. Not in what to say. But in raising his game. So that his rhymes are not the same. Paving the way for his mentor. To come back and conquer. Ten years living off money in the bank. Dre’s still got lyrics in the tank. Taking on his next professional high. Like a plane moving closer to the sky.      

Tip: Reinventing yourself means using life’s turbulence as fuel for taking your game to the next level.

Talkback: What might the ‘Detox’ title of Dr. Dre’s new album say about his journey or about reinventing yourself?

(Part 2) Reinvent Your Game, Future-Proof Your Dreams: (Old-School Flava)
How Celebs & Pros Go from Played-out to Poppin’ Again!

 Tyler Perry receives high praise for his artistry! With a number of stage plays and movies under his belt, Perry is now considered one of Hollywood’s A-listers. But it wasn’t always peaches and cream. Perry has gone through the valley before reaching the mountaintop. For him, having fun is all in a day’s work.

Imagine your life coming to a screeching halt, whether through layoff or other setback. Well, Perry can relate. After an “aha moment” watching Oprah, he began writing a daily journal. This later became his magic bullet. Perry used his writings for self-reflection and began turning them into stage productions.

His first stage show was a flop. Perry re-grouped. His persistence and perseverance paid-off. Perry learned something from black comics. He moved his shows around the “chitlin’ circuit.” These were venues that welcomed Black performers. It’s how many have gone from no-name to their niche-game.

Perry became a fun-loving, gun-toting, hell-raising Granny named Madea. We’ve seen this a time or two in Hollywood. But nobody does it like Madea. Perry’s example shows that your niche-game starts with what’s already in your hand. For Perry it was a journal that he re-wrote and turned into a script.

He shows how reinventing yourself involves re-writing your script. His body of work is no laughing matter. Perry’s gone from no-name to his niche-game to household fame. He’d be the first to say it wasn’t easy. But as Granny would say to me growing up in Jamaica, “if yu want anyting good, yu nose have fi run.”

(Part 2) Reinvent Your Game, Future-Proof Your Dreams: (New-School Flava)
How Celebs & Pros Go from Played-out to Poppin’ Again!

Tyler Perry receives high praise. He’s made more money than School Daze. With stage plays and movies under his belt. His life-story is truly heartfelt. Perry has become a Hollywood A-lister. Some people prefer to call him Mister. At one time living like the homeless. Now having fun showcasing his prowess.

His life came to a screeching halt. Sure enough wasn’t his fault. Watching Oprah gave him an “aha moment.” He started writing a journal in silent. This later became his secret weapon. As he wrote down a daily lesson. Sometimes used for self-reflection. Later becoming a stage production.

His first stage play was a flop. That didn’t cause him to stop. Kept his eyes on rising to the top. Learning from those before him. Success doesn’t happen on a whim. Moving his plays around the “chitlin’ circuit.” As Black Comics did with their toolkit. Going from being a no-name. To promoting their niche-game.

It has happened in Hollywood before. Like Mrs. Doubtfire movie score. But nobody does it like Madea Simmons. Fearless of any police summons. A gun-toting, hell-raising Granny. Not intended to be a model Nanny. Perry went from niche to becoming rich. By rewriting his journal and marketing his itch.

What would Granny say? About reinventing yourself today? Start re-writing your script. Turn your past into something hip. Set your passion free. Perseverance is key. Look to your hand. As the magic wand. Go from no-name. To having a niche-game. Use your household fame. To help others do the same.

Tip: Reinventing yourself means turning what’s in your hand into a few hundred grand.

Talkback: What did Granny say to you as a child that makes lots of sense today?