Russell Simmons Silences 150 Entrepreneurs

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Russell Simmons, founder of Def Jam Records, Phat Farm, Argyle Culture, The Hip Hop Summit Action Network, Unirush Financial Services and much more, led 150 members of the Greater New York business owners community in a silent 5-minute meditation exercise at The Lighthouse International Theater on East 59th Street in Manhattan yesterday.

Known for his practice of transcendental meditation, Simmons discussed its role in creating his success as an entrepreneur during an hour-long conversation yesterday. For more than 25 years, Simmons has worked at the intersection of urban and mainstream culture but more recently, he's received attention for his spiritual practices as well as some of his controversial opinions about politics and the economy.

During our time together, Simmons discussed everything from his mantra to his latest business ideas, all as part of a rollicking discussion around the introduction of his book, Super Rich. I consider Simmons to be a real friend to entrepreneurs and I admire his openness and the generosity he showed with his time. 

But, while I appreciate Russell Simmons as a great defender of the arts, artists and self-expression, I still think he can get his point across without cursing so much, dammit! Sorry Uncle Rush! Much love, Schiff. Peace. Out.

Lewis Schiff is the chairman and executive director of Inc. Business Owners Council, and the author of the book, The Middle-Class Millionaire. He can be reached by email, on twitter or by phone: (800)536-0046. @lewisschiff