SHATTERING THE GLASS CEILING – LESSONS FROM THE LIFE OF TYLER PERRY

I have been privileged to watch quite a number of Tyler Perry Movies and over the past couples of years, I’ve observed him excel at his career. Tyler Perry, an American actor, writer, producer, and director recently opened the largest film production studio in the United States thus establishing him as the first African-American to out rightly own a major film production studio.

Ever since he recorded this major feat, I have read, watched and listened to a number of interviews he has granted and here are some lessons I have learnt from these:

DISCOVER YOUR POTENTIAL: Tyler discovered his passion and interest for writing and acting; gradually he grew his potential for production and directing. Though he had a difficult childhood, he didn’t allow his past or background hinder him from maximizing his potential; against all odds, he is fulfilled these.

       “All of the power that you have and all of the strength that you have and all the ideas that you have are in or born in your uniqueness.” – Tyler Perry

INTENTIONAL GROWTH: He developed his artistic potentials, he always improved on every production he did. From stage play productions to movie productions, he horned his skills, grew his technical and leadership competencies which reflect in the quality of work he has been producing. 

“When I started hiring Taraji, Viola Davis and Idris Elba, they couldn’t get jobs in this town but God blessed me to be in a position to be able to hire them. I was trying to help somebody cross.” – Tyler Perry

DON’T QUIT TOO SOON, YOUR BREAK IS AROUND THE CORNER: Tyler invested his life savings into the production of his first show which was VERY UNSUCCESSFUL. He was disappointed however, he didn’t quit and he didn’t lose sight of the vision, he persisted. He picked up odd jobs to sustain himself while he improved on the production. He tried to stage the show several times thereafter but was still not successful. Just as he thought to give it one more shot before calling it quit, he staged a VERY successful show and that gave him the confidence to forge ahead.

         “My biggest success is getting over the things that have tried to destroy and take me out of this life. Those are my biggest successes. It has nothing to do with work.” – Tyler Perry

DON'T BE AFRAID TO DREAM: Despite his background, past experiences, failures, poverty, homelessness, Tyler didn’t give up on his dreams of becoming a successful media mogul. He kept his dream alive, nurtured it, grew it, protected it from naysayers and dream killers; today, he is one of the most successful black actors/ movie producers in the United States, creating over 400 job opportunities with many families getting their livelihood through him.

           “Every dreamer in this room, there are people whose lives are tied to your dream. Own your stuff, own your business, own your way.” – Tyler Perry

SHATTERING THE GLASS CEILING: Literally, a glass ceiling will not be a thin sheet of glass that can be easily shattered. It would be thick, not easily penetrable and not easily breakable; so it will require a LOT of time and effort to shatter.

Tyler operated in a very racially biased industry which did not recognize his works because of the color of his skin. A ceiling had been placed over him in this industry, however he didn’t allow these biases to deter him. Daily, monthly and yearly he threw punches at the ceiling: focusing on his vision, horning his skills, developing his craft and recording successes.

         “While you’re fighting for a seat at the table, I’ll be down in Atlanta       building my own.’ Because what I know for sure is that if I could just build  this table, God will prepare it for me in the presence of my enemies.” –     Tyler Perry

Please note that with initial punches, the glass ceiling may not give any sign of cracking or shattering. It will look the same but, something is happening to it. It requires a lot of time and effort. Don’t despair, gradually the ceiling will show signs of cracks and one day, it will come crashing down!!!!!

BE EMOTIONALLY AWARE: This is my personal Advice on shattering the glass ceiling: As you go about throwing daily punches at the glass ceiling in your career, be rest assured that pieces of the glass will hit some people on your path, these pieces may cause scars to them. Don’t overlook these people, take note of their pains, take time to care for them but don’t lose focus of your vision.

DO NOT LOOSE FOCUS: Inspite of the many successes Tyler has recorded, he keeps discovering new potentials, developing and maximizing them. He has not rested on his oars but he keeps showing us that there are more accomplishments to be accomplished, more dreams to dream, more visions to birth, more lives to be a blessing to.

         “Rather than being an icon, I wanna be an inspiration.” – Tyler Perry

In conclusion, everyone has been equipped with a hundred acres of Talents, Giftings and Potentials. Discover yours, Develop them and Fully Maximize them. Tyler has shown to us that no matter the glass ceiling that has been placed above you, you can shatter this and shine!!