Quincy Jones: Lessons In Leadership, Collaboration And Effortless ...

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 26: Quincy Jones attends the Dolemite Is My Name! LA AMPAS ... [+] Hosted Tastemaker at San Vicente Bungalows on October 26, 2019 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for Netflix)

I first met Quincy Jones at Q Bar, his first ever jazz bar in Dubai’s Versace Hotel. During our encounters, he was incredibly kind and seemed to take a particular interest in me. I fondly recall him asking for a copy of my book, The Kim Kardashian Principle, and the heartfelt appreciation he showed when I agreed. Often surrounded by a circle of young, admiring team members, Quincy exuded an magnetic yet understated blend of charm and wisdom—he was the coolest person in the room—but he was also a force that has made him a lasting role model for generations.

Jones’ publicist, Arnold Robinson, shared the sad news of his passing on Sunday night, at his home in Bel Air, Los Angeles, with family by his side.

"Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing. And although this is an incredible loss for our family, we celebrate the great life that he lived and know there will never be another like him," the family said in a statement.

And there will never be another American entertainment executive like him. I believe my personal interactions with him underscored the qualities that have made his career a profound inspiration for leaders across industries.

A true music legend, Quincy Jones redefined the music industry over the past seven decades. He began his career as a jazz musician and arranger before becoming a superstar American record producer. Starting out as a trumpeter, he played with jazz icons like Lionel Hampton and Dizzy Gillespie, which quickly led him to work as an arranger and composer. Though he later signed to A&M records as a recording artist, his career skyrocketed as a producer and arranger working with icons like Michael Jackson, Ray Charles, and Sammy Davis Jr. Quincy Jones. In doing so, Jones has crossed genres, bridged cultures, and shaped 20th-century American music. His collaborative work with the likes of 19-year-old Michael Jackson on Off the Wall and Jackson’s Thriller and Bad albums went onto cement his status as a super brand in the world of music producers.

Here’s what I believe leaders can learn from his extraordinary career and effortless cool.

Quincy Jones’ music career has spanned multiple genres and roles, from jazz bandleader for ensembles to a recording artists to a groundbreaking music producer and decorated film composer. His adaptability extended from being an arranger for jazz stars like Charles Mingus to producing Michael Jackson’s Thriller, the bestselling album in history, and working with artists across genres, such as Brazilian music icon Gilberto Gil. Research supports the importance of adaptability, noting that it fosters resilience amid changing job demands. Quincy Jones’ reinventions—from jazz to pop to film scores—demonstrate the power of versatility in sustaining a long-term career.

Michael Jackson 1994 Grammy awards with Quincy Jones (Photo by Chris Walter/WireImage)

Collaboration has defined Quincy Jones’ career from his initial collaboration at 14, with a 16-year-old Ray Charles to his later collaborations with Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin creating some of the most classic albums in the world. Collaboration was in Quincy Jones’s very DNA—and that’s where I first met him, at one of his creative partnerships: the Q Bar, his collaboration with the Versace Hotel. And studies show that such cross-functional collaboration drives innovation. Research in the Academy of Management Journal found that diverse teams produce more creative solutions. Quincy Jones’ collaborative spirit, as witnessed with other legends he worked with like Dinah Washington and Miles Davis, underscores how leaders can harness diverse talents to create groundbreaking work.

Les musiciens Ibrahim Maalouf, Jon Batiste, le producteur Quincy Jones et la chanteuse Shelea le 13 ... [+] juillet 2019 au Montreux Jazz Festival, Suisse. (Photo by Lionel FLUSIN/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)

Quincy Jones’ commitment to learning—from studying music theory in Paris to mastering production techniques—highlights his relentless pursuit of growth. He inspired underprivileged youth to value education through his company, Quincy Jones Entertainment, and projects like Qwest TV, his streaming service dedicated to jazz classics and eclectic music and celebrating black and global music. Research from McKinsey & Company emphasizes that leaders must continually evolve and foster a culture of continuous learning within their organizations. This approach not only helps employees navigate change but also encourages a mindset focused on innovation and adaptability. I emphasize this concept in my book The Kim Kardashian Principle. By creating an environment where team members feel safe to experiment and learn from failures, leaders can promote a culture that embraces ongoing education and development. Quincy Jones’ constant learning allowed him to stay relevant as the advent of music videos, Apple Music, and streaming transformed the industry.

Quincy Jones faced significant challenges, from childhood adversity to career setbacks in the music industry. Despite these, he used obstacles as fuel, building resilience that helped him create some of the biggest-selling albums of all time—including the biggest selling album of all time, Michael Jackson’s Thriller. The “growth mindset,” as studied by Dweck (2006) in Psychological Science, shows that reframing challenges leads to lower stress and better performance. This approach, particularly relevant in fast-paced sectors, demonstrates how leaders can inspire their teams by turning difficulties into opportunities for growth.

American composer and record producer Quincy Jones at work in a recording studio, 1963. (Photo by ... [+] Gai Terrell/Redferns/Getty Images)

Known for his empathy and warmth, I witnessed how Quincy Jones was able to connect deeply with those around him, from his fans to his protégés like Jacob Collier. Jones knew the meaning of giving back. Research in the Leadership & Organization Development Journal demonstrates that EI enhances relationships, resulting in higher employee retention and satisfaction. Quincy Jones’ emotional intelligence shines in his mentorship, whether with younger artists or longtime collaborators like Jeri Caldwell and Michael Omartian, emphasizing the impact of compassion in leadership.

Quincy Jones and Kanye West during Stevie Wonder Celebrates His 57th Birthday at the Grand Opening ... [+] of The Cove Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island, Bahamas at The Cove Atlantis Resort in Paradise Island, Nassau, Bahamas. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Kerzner International)

I believe Quincy Jones’ influence goes beyond music; he produced dozens of film scores—he was nominated for seven academy awards—launched Qwest Entertainment, and mentored artists who became cultural icons, like his daughter Rashida Jones and actress Nastassja Jones. Jones once said his most important criteria for working with an artist were compassion and excellence. "We Are the World," produced by Quincy Jones united over 45 of the biggest names in music to deliver a powerful message of solidarity, where artists set aside individual fame to create a collective anthem for global humanitarian aid. Quincy always had a broad vision and this exemplifies research in the Journal of Business Venturing, which shows that visionary leaders often create lasting cross-industry impacts. Quincy Jones’ ventures, from music production at Mercury Records to his contributions to black music magazines, epitomize how leaders who think expansively can reshape industries. His dedication to preserving jazz classics and his role as a bandleader for jazz ensembles reflect his commitment to the genre's legacy.

HOLLYWOOD - FEBRUARY 01: *EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE* Singers and producers of "We Are The World 25 Years ... [+] for Haiti" pose for a group picture following the recording session held at Jim Henson Studios on February 1, 2010 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage)

As tributes pour in from legends like Michael Caine, I will never forget Quincy’s effortless coolness. He embodied kindness and grace, qualities that resonated as much as his mastery of adaptability, collaboration, and resilience. From his jazz roots to producing Michael Jackson’s Thriller, Quincy was a visionary and mentor that’s what I’d say made him a true music legend—and will remain a timeless model not only as one of the first black music executives for the African American community but for leaders everywhere who seek to make a lasting, meaningful impact.

Rest in peace Q.

Named Esquire’s Influencer Of The Year, Jeetendr Sehdev is a media personality, international speaker and the author of the New York Times bestselling sensation, The Kim Kardashian Principle: Why Shameless Sells (and How to Do It Right.)