Will.i.am, the multi-talented artist and innovator, is set to add another impressive achievement to his already remarkable resume: graduating from Harvard Business School. The announcement came recently during his appearance on the Jennifer Hudson Show, where he shared his excitement about graduating in 2024. This milestone is particularly special for Will.i.am as it will be his "first time walking the stage," a moment he missed in high school due to signing a record deal early in his career.
Reflecting on his journey, Will.i.am revealed that his decision to attend Harvard was driven by a desire to further his business acumen and ensure sustained success in his ventures. “One year I woke up, and I’m like, ‘I wanna go to Harvard,'” he shared. “I’m doing all of this business stuff, and I wanna make sure that I’m not just taking advantage of success and not disciplining myself to have further success.” His determination to blend creativity with business education underscores his commitment to excellence and innovation.
Living in a dorm and fully immersing himself in the student experience, Will.i.am has embraced his time at Harvard wholeheartedly. This new chapter not only highlights his dedication to personal growth but also serves as a full-circle moment, making up for the traditional graduation experience he missed in his youth.
In addition to his academic pursuits, Will.i.am has continued to push the boundaries of technology and music. Earlier in 2024, he launched SoundDrive, a groundbreaking startup, at the global tech event CES 2024. SoundDrive creates and remixes tracks in real-time based on the speed and tempo of the driver, providing a unique musical experience tailored to the journey. This innovative approach reflects Will.i.am's vision for the future of music consumption, moving beyond traditional formats like CDs and vinyl to dynamic, live experiences.
“Right now, still today, in 2024, people make music as if they’re still playing CDs, as if the main source of listening to music is vinyl,” he told TechCrunch. “Beyoncé and Taylor Swift told the world that live music is where the business is, and the only way to actually listen to live music is to go to a concert.”
Will.i.am's passion for merging technology, music, and business extends to his involvement with Formula 1. He pitched a year-long music collaboration to Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali, envisioning live concerts for fans and a way to introduce the sport to new audiences. He sees a strong parallel between the precision and innovation in Formula 1 and the creativity and technical skills in music production and education. “What’s happening in that professional setting is a mirror of what kids are doing in a learning setting with robotics: It’s a perfect example of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math,” he explained.
The upcoming graduation from Harvard Business School is a testament to Will.i.am's relentless pursuit of knowledge and growth. His journey from the music industry to the halls of Harvard exemplifies his dedication to evolving as an artist, entrepreneur, and leader. As he prepares to walk the stage for the first time, Will.i.am continues to inspire and innovate, proving that success is not just about reaching the top but also about constantly striving to learn and achieve more.
Author: Ramona Grey
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