Like most other Sundays, I'll put on my favorite vinyl this morning and sip coffee for 37 hours. 🙃
But this weekend's selection is special - it's “Dolly Parton and Family Smoky Mountain DNA,” because January 19th is Dolly Parton's birthday.
As the needle drops and that warm, familiar voice fills my living room, I can't help but think about how this woman from Tennessee has shaped not just music but modern business itself.
My Sunday vinyl sessions are always special because it slows me down to actually think.
And lately, I've been thinking about how the Queen of Country isn't just a musician – she's a masterclass in business strategy hiding in plain sight.
While most people see the rhinestones and big hair, I see a woman who built a billion-dollar empire by breaking every conventional rule in the business playbook by being herself.
It hits me between the crackles and pops of these vintage records: in today's fast-paced business world, we could all benefit from asking ourselves more often, "What Would Dolly Do?"
In a career spanning over 50 years, Dolly Parton hasn't just built an empire – she's redefined what it means to be a leader with heart. Here's how we can all channel a little more Dolly in our professional lives:
Authenticity is your superpower. Dolly never tried to be anyone but herself, even when critics dismissed her. She turned her unique personality into her greatest asset. In business, your authenticity can be your strongest differentiator. As Dolly says, "Figure out who you are and do it on purpose."
Diversify and reinvent, but stay true to your core. From music to theme parks to movies – Dolly's brilliance lies in expanding while maintaining her essence. Remember: Growth doesn't mean abandoning your foundations. Her empire includes everything from entertainment to hospitality, but each venture carries her distinct stamp.
Lead with generosity. Dolly's Imagination Library has given away millions of books to children. Her business model proves that profit and purpose can coexist beautifully. Success means lifting others as you climb. During the pandemic, she donated $1 million to help fund Moderna's vaccine research – that's Dolly-level thinking.
Work like you mean it. Behind the rhinestones and big hair is one of the hardest-working people in show business. Excellence doesn't happen by accident – it takes early mornings and determination. Dolly famously said, "Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life," but she also starts her day at 3 AM to make things happen.
Treat everyone with respect. From executives to custodial staff, Dolly's known for treating everyone with equal dignity. True leadership isn't about power – it's about how you make people feel. Her theme park, Dollywood, is consistently rated one of the best places to work because of this philosophy.
The true genius of Dolly's approach? She makes business personal.
Her famous quote "It takes a lot of money to look this cheap" isn't just about appearance – it's about understanding your brand, owning it, and turning perceived weaknesses into strengths. She's proven that being underestimated can be your greatest advantage if you know how to leverage it.
In today's business world, we could all benefit from asking ourselves: "What Would Dolly Do?"
The answer usually involves being smarter than people expect, kinder than necessary, and always ready to put in the work while wearing a smile.