- As we get ready for the holiday weekend and wrap up our coverage of <b><a href="http://www.blackenterprise.com/blackmusicmonth/">Black Music Month</a></b>, BlackEnterprise.com tapped into our thought leaders and editors to see what motivates them when it comes to handling their business. But we're not talking educational seminars or textbooks; we’re talking playlists.<br><Br>Check out this cool mix of songs and add them to <em>your</em> own playlist. They're sure to get you moving–whether it's to work out or on your way to work. #NP <em>—Elayne Fluker</em>
(Image: Thinkstock)
- <b>Felicia Joy, founder of <a href="http://www.feliciajoy.biz/" target=_blank>Ms. CEO</a> and small business columnist for BlackEnterprise.com</b> <br><br> "Walking" by <a href="http://www.blackenterprise.com/tv-shows/our-world/?channelId&channelListId&mediaId=64451aa324934e7dae47f3ef3b640d9d"> <b>Mary Mary</b></a>. <br> It is up tempo and the lyrics are a great reminder to slow down and "walk" sometimes. I have a natural sense of urgency especially when it comes to business; so sometimes I get a little impatient. This song is a good message for me! <br><br> "You Just Can't Stop" and other songs by Blue Six <br><br> "Gimmie Dat" by Ciara <br><br> "Electric Relaxation" and any other song by A Tribe Called Quest
(Image: Press)
- <b>Marshawn Evans, CEO of <a href="http://marshawnevans.com/" target=_blank> ME Unlimited</a> and careers columnist for BlackEnterprise.com</b> <br><br> "Alabaster Box" by CeCe Winans <br><br> "I Didn't Know My Own Strength" by Whitney Houston <br><br> "Pretty Wings" by Maxwell <br><br> "Forever" by Jaheim <br><br> "Motivation" by TI
(Image: CeCeWinans.com)
- <b>James Andrews, social media expert and founder of <a href="http://about.me/socialpeopletv/" target=_blank>Social People</a></b> <br><br> "Don't Stop The Music" by Yarbrough and Peoples <br><br> "Fight The Power" by Public Enemy <br><br> "You Brought the Sunshine" The Clark Sisters <br><br> "Summer Madness" Kool And The Gang <br><br> "World Famous" Malcolm McClaren
- <b>Aisha Taylor, CEO of <a href="http://www.careertaylormade.com/" target=_blank>TAYLORmade Professional Career Consultants</a></b> <br><br> "But the Blood" by Kirk Franklin <br> When I'm spiritually down or discouraged about any situation, this timeless track off Kirk Franklin's latest album takes me to a place of worship where I'm reminded that the Blood of Jesus still works, so everything will be alright. <br><br> "Move on Me" by Fantasia <br><br> "Power" by Kanye West
- <b>Karen Taylor Bass, PR expert and CEO of <a href="http://thebrandnewmommy.com/" target=_blank>thebrandnewmommy.com</a> and host of <b>BlackEnterprise.com</b> video series <b><em><a href="http://www.blackenterprise.com/tag/brand-new-you/">Brand New You</a></b></em> <br><br> "Optimistic" by Sounds of Blackness <br> Let's be honest: you won't score every client/opportunity; however, when you look at the larger picture you realize the best is yet to come. <br><br> "Just Fine" by Mary J. Blige <br><br> "Stronger" by Kanye West <br><br> "Work That" by Mary J. Blige <br><br> "Boogie Wonderland" by Earth, Wind & Fire
- <b>Janel Martinez, Producer, BlackEnterprise.com</b> <br><br> “Power” by Kanye West <br> How could you not feel like conquering the world after listening to this track? No matter what I’m doing, my productivity level skyrockets within seconds of listening to this song. <br><br> "Don’t Look Down" by Kanye West ft. Mos Def, Lupe Fiasco and Big Sean <br><br> "Impossible" by Kanye feat. Twista and Keisha Cole <br><br> "Champion" by Kanye West <br><br> "Lust for Life" by Drake
- <b>Patricia Cesaire, Director of Digital PR and Marketing, BlackEnterprise.com</b> <br><br> A few from my daily a.m. dance-off playlist: <br><br> "Lost Ones" by Lauryn Hill <br><br> "Get up, Stand up" by Bob Marley <br><br> "My Steps Are Ordered" by Fred Hammond <br><br> "The Show Goes On" by Lupe Fiasco <br><br> "Get By" by Talib Kweli
- <b>Marcia Wade Talbert, Multimedia Content Producer, <em>Black Enterprise</em></b> <br><br> "The Battle is the Lord's" by <b><a href="http://www.blackenterprise.com/videos/?channelId&channelListId&mediaId=4b9b2ef234fc4426acaac924a7663850">Yolanda Adams</a></b> <br> There are little battles that we fight everyday in life, some small, some large. But most times we see the battle as us against the world. This song reminds me that no matter how hard I fight the outcome isn't in my hands. It reminds me that I should look at both sides of every war and determine what does God want out of this situation, because its about his purpose and his will; not my own. I am simply a pawn in the game of life to fulfill his perfect and holy will. Trusting his will over my own, will benefit me in the end because I won't have to fight the battle alone and I'll always be on the winning team. <br><br> "His Strength is Perfect" by Cece Winans <br><br> "I Hope You Dance" by Lee Ann Womack
- <b>Anslem Samuel, Senior Producer, BlackEnterprise.com</b> <br><br> "C.R.E.A.M." by Wu Tang Clan <br> Brings me back to a time when my checks were smaller and reminds me of how far I’ve come to earn more than a dollar, dollar bill y’all. LOL <br><br> "Stronger" Kanye West <br><br> "Hustler’s Ambition" by <b><a href="http://www.blackenterprise.com/2011/07/01/8-landmark-deals-in-black-music/">50 Cent</a></b>
- <b>Janell Hazelwood, Associate Producer, BlackEnterprise.com</b> <br><br> "I’m Fine" by Mary J. Blige <br> I love Mary’s uptempo songs that promote self-love, self-confidence and pursuing the best out of life. "I like what I see when I'm looking at me/when I’m walking past the mirror … Got my head on straight and got my mind right/I ain’t gonna let you kill it … I wouldn't change my life/My life's just fine." <br><br> Walking” by Mary Mary <br><br> I Am Blessed by Mr. Vegas <br><br> “Roll It Gal” by Alison Hinds <br><br> “Fancy Remix” by Drake, Mary J. Blige, and Swizz Beatz <br><br> “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley
(Image: mjblige.com)
- <b>Alfred Edmond, SVP, Multimedia Editor-at-Large</b> <br><br> "Brother's Gonna Work It Out" by Willie Hutch <br> This is from the soundtrack of <em>The Mack</em>, and reminds me that I’m in the business of empowering and uplifting my community. It helps me to remember that I’m serving a community, not just a company; pursuing a calling, not just a career. When work gets frustrating and I’m tired and aggravated, this is a great song to remind me of why I do what I do. <br> <br> "Ain’t No Half Steppin'" by Heatwave <br><br> "Are You Man Enough?" by The Four Tops <br><Br> "Gotta Get Up (Another Day)" by Jill Scott <br><br> "Silver Shadow" by Atlantic Starr <br><br> "Funky President" by James Brown
- <b>Kahliah Laney, BlackEnterprise.com Digital Intern</b> <br><br> "Off the Wall" by <b><a href="http://www.blackenterprise.com/2011/06/24/michael-jackson-decoded-black-music-month/">Michael Jackson</b></a> <br> When things get hectic in the middle of a big project or long day I put this on to help me think of the weekend ahead and shake off the pressure. Sometimes you have to put the nine to five on the shelf! <br><br> "Let's Go Crazy" by Prince <br><Br> "Meeting in the Ladies Room" by Klymaxx <br><br> "Penitentiary Philosophy" by Erykah Badu
(Image: Getty)
- <b>Sonia Alleyne, Multimedia Editorial Director, <em>Black Enterprise</em> <br><br>I actually shut everything down before a big meeting or speech. If I'm at a hotel, I don't even put the TV on. Silence best prepares me for whatever project I'm working on.
(Image: Thinkstock)
