Monthly Archives: August 2025

The Entertainer’s Guide to Storytelling: Lessons from Billy Joel’s Songbook

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Since 1971, Billy Joel has created music history with songs like “Piano Man,” “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant” and “You May be Right.” His storytelling has transcended generations, intrigued millions and established a credibility that few have managed to garner from a start in a smoky piano bar. Last month, HBO Max released the documentary “Billy Joel: And So It Goes,” a two-part, five-hour biography that discusses Joel’s life in parallel with his songwriting. Though his stories and songs were an intimate reflection of his own life, millions of people around the world have resonated with them for decades.  

While Joel’s craft is fueled by finesse and artistry, his approach is undoubtedly a masterclass in storytelling of all facets. Narratives are a crucial key to success in public relations. It is how you connect with audiences, place stories and build brand reputations. And while writing a product announcement may be farfetched from writing a hit song, many of the principles in attracting the masses from Joel’s songwriting hold true, even in a corporate setting. Consider the following elements of storytelling we can learn from Billy Joel:  

  • Creating a Memory  

One of Joel’s greatest skills is creating memories. His ability to paint pictures with words and melodies have made people believe they are in the room with characters like Sergeant O’Leary or Bill at the bar. A brand looking to resonate with audiences needs to offer them something relatable, whether it be a thought leadership opportunity talking about a relevant trend or a product announcement solving a problem for a specific audience. Brands should consider how a narrative can help elevate their public presence, entice new audiences and maintain relevance with current audiences.  

  • Authentic Storytelling  

Billy Joel’s authentic experiences bleed through his music and lyrics. Throughout the documentary, Joel shares the true back stories behind tunes like “You’re My Home,” written about his cross-country road trip with his wife and stepson from New York to California. Or “New York State of Mind”, which was written about his experience coming back to New York from the West Coast.  

As Billy would say, it’s “A Matter of Trust.” In business, audiences can see through unauthentic communications, and it can erode trust much faster than it takes to build it. Over the last few years, for example, we have seen several brands get criticized for their approaches to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) that audiences deemed unauthentic. Last year, Tractor Supply Co. saw firsthand how unauthentic communications that do not align with a brand’s values and those of their stakeholders could quickly result in boycotts and social media debates. Brands must consider how their communications align with their audiences and brand values. Even the most well-intentioned communications can have an adverse effect if they are perceived as ingenuine.  

  • Knowing When to Pivot  

Throughout Billy Joel’s career, he evolved based on his connection to his art. From his first album, “Cold Spring Harbor,” to his last full length pop album, “River of Dreams,” Joel created a sound that was undoubtedly his. Every album, however, was vastly different. In 1993 when he decided he has said all he had to say in pop music, he pivoted to a classical album that debuted at #1 on the classical music charts.  

Brands that want to maintain relevancy cannot stay stagnant. Joel’s success shows that evolution is more than jumping on to a social fad or swaying with the courts of public opinion. Brands should be constantly evaluating their public presence, how they are being perceived and how that aligns with their offerings, values and goals. The world will continue to shift, but the brands that experience century-long success have known when to adapt, while preserving their core values.  

Effective storytelling is an artform, one that defines a musician’s career and a brand’s legacy. Joel’s songs remind us that the best storytelling can create shared memories, build trust and welcome new fans throughout generations. Whether writing a hit song, launching a new product, building a legacy or navigating a crisis, effective storytelling has the power to connect and inspire audiences that creates a foundation for long-term success.  

Everything I Needed to Know About Business I Learned from My Summer Job  

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Summer jobs are a quintessential part of many young people’s lives. While at the time those jobs are about making money, they also help build important foundational skills essential to later professional roles. So, to kick off August, we thought we would share some insights from our team and what they learned from their childhood summer jobs.  

Eileen: One of my earliest summer jobs was working the counter at the neighborhood Dairy Queen®. Lines went up the block on hot summer nights with families, rowdy kids and classmates eager to get their cones and Blizzards® I had to learn to approach a stressful situation with an I-can-do-this attitude. I wasn’t providing life-saving services, but these people wanted their DQ fix and they didn’t want to spend the whole night waiting in line. I learned to face the long line with a smile and good humor (not the other ice cream brand). I learned to embrace a sense of urgency, to listen (sprinkles or no sprinkles was critical), navigate difficult people and deliver results in a timely manner (a soft serve on a steamy day). 

Rod: I spent eight years working behind the counter at McDonald’s. It was something of a family business; my Dad was director of operations for a franchisee, and my siblings and I worked in the stores he oversaw. What nearly a decade of working at McDonald’s taught me was how to navigate personalities and bring people together for a purpose, even if it was simply about serving food quickly. Finding common purpose and getting everyone working together is a skill that–developed properly–will take you far in any profession. I also learned customer-facing work can be challenging. You have to have fun in any job you do or that job can quickly burn you out. Looking back on that long, long summer job, I find you almost only remember the good times. Another thing I learned was after the age of 12, you should not pose for pictures with anyone in a costume. Those photos will surface later in life. 

Cassidy: Here are the things I learned from my summer jobs in retail and foodservice: You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar. Sometimes the best way to deal with an overtly nasty or mean customer/client is a smile and a kind word. It often takes the wind out of their sails and defuses the situation. Second, find a way to stay busy. There is often more to the job than what is outlined in the description. If you have downtime, it can be better filled with something simple like cleaning or reorganizing. Not only will this help the business thrive, but it will also showcase your value to your employer. Finally, every role is important. From answering the phones, to properly seating guests or ensuring there is enough silverware for dinner service. Each member of the team plays an important role in keeping things running smoothly and should be treated as such with an equitable balance of respect and responsibility. 

Kate: My first consistent job was at Jimmy John’s throughout high school. It was the first time I worked on a team and saw the value of a strong one. A great team can turn even the most chaotic days into something that feels fun or at least fulfilling and builds a culture that is both productive and motivating. I also saw the impact of being set up for success, and what happens when you’re not. From a fully stocked station to a thorough and feasible to-do list, doing a job unprepared can bring on unnecessary stress, cause missed deadlines and leave clients and customers frustrated. Finally, the customer service skills I learned at Jimmy John’s planted the seed for client interactions in my career. Whether a routine interaction, or managing challenges, those early experiences taught me professionalism, patience and how to think on the fly. 

Hari: When I was younger, I worked at a local hospital helping cancer patients sign up for electronic medical records. Many of the patients were older and hesitant to have their information online. The experience taught me the value of compassionate communications and patience as I worked to explain how electronic medical records could make their lives easier and walked them through how to use their medical portal. 

Alex: I worked at a hardware store in high school, specifically in the cabinets and appliances department. Believe it or not, there’s quite a bit of crossover between that retail hardware job and my professional career. My hardware store job taught me how to manage difficult or demanding customers/people. Not everyone will be respectful, and sometimes you feel the brunt of whatever is happening in that person’s day. I learned how to stay calm under pressure, ask the right questions and keep conversations on track—even if a customer was frustrated, confused or indecisive. Encountering these interactions taught me how to respond and guide someone toward solutions without overpromising. I learned the value of smart communication. Part of my job was to design kitchens, not designer with custom drawers, etc., but pre-fab cabinets and countertops, very rudimentary. Most people who came in for design consultation had a basic idea of what they wanted, but it was our job to help bring their ideas into sharper focus. This included understanding how to communicate clearly and with conviction. 

Bianca: When I was in high school and college, I worked at my family’s seafood restaurant. In food service, you interact with people from all backgrounds, and I think it sets up those who survive the more difficult customer interactions for success later on in their professional lives. As a result of many holiday weekends, I learned how to maintain patience and focus so I could still deliver in stressful situations.  

Liz: When I was younger, I agreed to babysit two very young children, and I had no previous experience. My summer job taught me patience and listening are valuable skills in everyday life. I learned about being present and following through with questions as ways to keep everyone happy and staying on track with what needed to be done.  

John: At 15 or 16, I was a summer camp counselor where kids roamed from room to room to sculpt Play-Doh, draw, read, make cards for parents and play or watch kickball. It’s a reminder that leaving room for the brain to “play” is critical. In work settings on multiple occasions, I’ve bonded with colleagues more during 20 minutes of laser tag than sharing an office for years. The interpersonal connections that form in those moments can be priceless.