"DIAMOND HEARTS" AND STRONGER CONNECTIONS: MICHELLE JUBELIRER AT WOMEN IN MUSIC
Former Capitol Music Group boss Michelle Jubelirer addressed the experiences of women in the biz during her speech at the Bible’s Women in Music confab. Jubelirer, who announced she was exiting the top post at the Tower in February, was honored as Billboard’s Executive of the Year. HITS obtained a copy of the speech, excerpts of which appear below.
Jubelirer, who was introduced by longtime Capitol artist Katy Perry, began by addressing the elephant in the room. "I’m sure there were a few internal discussions at Billboard in light of my recent career change," she noted, "so I’m all the more appreciative of your courage in presenting me with this award."
After issuing shout-outs to CMG-signed acts Ice Spice and Young Miko, who were also honored, MJ introduced an attendee who’d been a signal influence—her mom. Then she promised, “I am going to get real,” and proceeded to delve into the often-toxic gender dynamics that affect the workplace.
Women: Do these comments sound familiar?
“You’re too emotional.” “You don’t have to be so direct when you talk.” (we all know that’s code for “stop being a bitch.”) “You should smile more.”(that’s one of my personal faves).
We’ve all heard these glib phrases and countless more throughout our careers.
… I wholeheartedly believe that I relate to artists differently because I am a woman. I have a stronger connection with my colleagues because I am a woman. I am able to make decisions that consider a wider range of factors, because I am a woman.
Jubelirer went on to declare that emotional openness, passion and empathy are “superpowers,” and that women do not need to be “ruthlessly competitive” and that this notion is “meant to divide us.” Instead she insisted, women need to support one another.
We have managed to survive the little annoying cuts and fended off the crushing blows that are meant to diminish us. But all of that pressure—just like a diamond—has forged in us something beautiful and everlasting: We have diamond hearts, which make us collaborative, generous and empowering of others.
The willingness to share our humanity makes us strong leaders and helps us create an environment in which artists can feel safe to create their best work. I hear this all the time from artists and their teams. Women and men.
MJ acknowledged the importance of men as “allies” and introduced her family before addressing this “tough period” for the industry. Then she returned to the subject of women as a force in the biz.
The women in this room are among the most powerful in our industry, and I know you will utilize your diamond hearts to help steer us through yet another seismic shift in our industry.
Even though I’m no longer peering out of the top floor window of the Capitol Tower—my diamond heart leads my mission: I will always be a fierce advocate for artists and promise to put real and meaningful action behind the words I’ve spoken tonight.
And, oh yes: I will always remain a proud woman in music. Thank you.
Pictured above: Jubelirer fields questions from Rania Aniftos and Lilly Singh.
Photo at top: Gilbert Flores
