What We Cover in This Episode

• Growing up influenced by his father’s time at Motown
• Interning under the best
• How serving others opened the door into engineering
• Going from rapper → engineer → entrepreneur
• The moment he engineered Gucci Mane without knowing how to engineer (and how it changed everything)

• Why being an artist first helped him become a better engineer
• How credit = currency in the music industry
• The concept of “Cash or Credit” and why engineers must understand it
• The turning point of working with Lil Yachty from apartment closets to global stardom
• Why undervaluation is rampant and the uncomfortable truth about payment conversations

• Why engineers often miss out on royalties
• How the Music Modernization Act changed the game
• The truth about publishing splits, LODs, and non-featured artist funds
• Why ad-libs = background vocals (and why most artists are leaving money on the table)
• The dreaded black box and billions of dollars artists unknowingly lose

• J Rich’s role as VP of Strategic Partnerships for Pop Star Ventures
• How the fund supports founders in sports and entertainment
• Guiding talent into investing + equity
• The joy of hosting high-level, curated connection events (including ours!)
• Why generational wealth planning is the real end game

Including (but not limited to):

• Offset
• Cardi B
• Lil Baby
• Yeat (first manager)
• Lil Yachty (first engineer)
• JT
• Trippie Redd
• Pure Cocaine era
• Plus more…

And yes — his Grammy nomination came from “Clout” by Offset ft. Cardi B”.

When asked what would move the needle for him right now:
“Join the Elevate community.”
We love a twin who understands alignment.

• Drake (and specifically 40)
• The Bobby Althoff–Drake interview lives rent-free in our minds
• Drake’s song “Elevate” remains a foundational inspiration for The Elevate Collection

To deepen industry understanding, we recommend listeners explore:

• PRO (ASCAP/BMI)
• SoundExchange
• Non-Featured Artist Fund
• LOD (Letter of Direction)
• Black Box royalties
• Pre-release compliance
• Factoring
• Metadata
• Publishing splits

IG

LinkedIn

In this episode of the Elevate Collection podcast, David Shedrick, co-founder and CEO of Pilot, shares his journey in building a platform that aims to revolutionize the event experience. He discusses the importance of creating exceptional experiences, maintaining relationships amidst challenges, and the entrepreneurial mindset required for success. David emphasizes the significance of legacy and the impact of building something meaningful for future generations. The conversation highlights the unique aspects of Pilot, its business model, and the vision for curating exclusive experiences.

MEMBERSHIP COMMUNITY: www.elevatecollection.co/community

Before you go - here are three ways to continue elevating your legacy & connect:

1. Follow @ElevateCollection.co on Instagram along with your host, @alexandriareed.co & @Jordanhawkins.co
2. Subscribe to never miss an episode and get exclusive content
3. Share this trailer with three people who need to hear it

Remember: Your influence is just the beginning. Your legacy is the destination.

See you soon, where influence meets legacy.

Shari Nycole traces her path from D1 hoops to the control room and finally on-camera—unpacking courage, reinvention, and why she’s choosing a life where career and personal dreams run parallel. We dig into building an edifying circle, the difference between nice and kind, legacy that transcends bloodlines, and a very real “big ask” that listeners can act on today.

Key Takeaways

• Reframe success: Gratitude is a practice—sit in it, don’t sprint past it.
• Parallel > perpendicular: Let career and personal life rise together, even at different paces.
• Leverage your producer era: Mastering the back end can supercharge front-facing goals.
• Curate your circle: Celebration + accountability = friendship. Levels of access protect your peace.
• Kind > nice: Kindness carries boundaries and intention; “nice” can be performative.
• Edify the culture: Create conversations that lift, not just fill airtime.
• Legacy is lived now: Model excellence for the next generation—invite them into the work.

Memorable Quotes

• “There’s intention around sitting in gratitude versus just being grateful.”
• “I want my personal and professional life to run parallel, not collide.”
• “Your circle should celebrate and sharpen you.”
• “Nice is performative. Kind is intentional.”
• “If the conversation doesn’t edify, it’s pointless.”

Action Steps for Listeners

• Follow & engage with Shari’s content (save, comment, share).
• Publicists/PR partners: Open to barter/partnership—support placements & amplification.
• Creators: Audit your circle—who celebrates you, who sharpens you, who drains you?
• Pros: List one parallel personal goal to pursue alongside your next career milestone.

Shari’s Current Playlist

Jade Novah (“90s Fine”), Jane Hancock (feat. Anderson .Paak “Stare at Me”), ’90s R&B classics, Beyoncé (Renaissance), Lucky Daye, Tank (HM), Kendrick Lamar, Stevie Wonder, Doobie Brothers (“What a Fool Believes”).

Before you go - here are three ways to continue elevating your legacy & connect:

1. Follow @ElevateCollection.co on Instagram along with your host, @alexandriareed.co & @Jordanhawkins.co
2. Subscribe to never miss an episode and get exclusive content
3. Share this trailer with three people who need to hear it

Remember: Your influence is just the beginning. Your legacy is the destination.

See you soon, where influence meets legacy.