Ella Fitzgerald: First Friday Inspiration

“Where there is love and inspiration, I don’t think you can go wrong.” —Ella Fitzgerald

Welcome to the February edition of First Friday Inspiration!

We’re excited to kick off Black History Month by featuring a trailblazer, master artist, and icon: Ella Fitzgerald. Over her almost six-decade-long career, she made her mark in American history as a Jazz legend. 

Ella Fitzgerald was awarded two Grammys at the very first Grammy Awards in 1958, making her the first African American woman to do so. She shared her gift by collaborating with other great jazz artists such as Louis Armstrong, Count Bassie, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, and many others, changing the musical landscape through business model innovation and truly embodying the key qualities of ensembles. 

She was a fearless leader. Her work as a musician was about bringing people together, so she challenged segregation across the country, touring with her band during the height of the civil rights movement. Fitzgerald used her influence to break down race barriers, support social justice movements, and make her music accessible to audience members from all walks of life. 

Whether on stage with the band or in the White House with the president, Ella Fitzgerald understood that we work better when we work together. 

How does your work environment embody shared leadership, and allow the members of your team to do inspired work? Respond to us here or write to us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, & LinkedIn—we’d love to celebrate and share your lessons and wins.

Interested in our executive coaching services or leadership training program? Get in touch—we’re excited to guide you & your organization on your team development journey!