“Real Lessons from a Silly Show” details Aidan Hatton’s takeaways and lessons learned from hosting the podcast “Games & Grub” on Marquette University Radio. Starting an interview series after the COVID-19 outbreak, Aidan shares the valuable wisdom given by so many local and national success stories in their conversations, presented in a more professional, business-oriented context.
Written July 11, 2020
There aren’t many positions more important at a live sporting event than the team DJ. That’s where our next guest has proven himself to be supreme.
On November 23, 2019, the official DJ for Marquette Men’s Basketball at Fiserv Forum, Zachary Strayhorn — MU fans know him as DJ Snack Daddy — made a visit to the Marquette Radio studio at Johnston Hall. Our conversation encompassed a variety of different subjects, and Strayhorn was kind enough to give some of his personal advice and wisdom he has learned along his journey. Some of the answers he gave apply to a wide demographic, relevant both to business and daily life.
On how he started his journey: “My freshman year in college, I bought DJ Hero after failing a driving class. I said, ‘I failed this driving test, I’m going to go buy DJ Hero.’ I love music, and just practiced, practiced, practiced. It was 10,000 hours.”
Malcolm Gladwell’s “10,000-Hour Rule” publicized in the New York Times bestseller Outliers: The Story of Success clearly makes an impact on Strayhorn. As a lifelong music enthusiast, Strayhorn explained how this passion always stuck with him. His comments on how he first started in his industry brought me to the idea that the best move is always to work hard at the thing you love the most. This way, it will be easier to persevere and keep going through the difficult times, and — transitioning into his next lesson — to be more creative.
On how he gets work done: “I built a gaming PC, I went to IKEA and bought some desks to be really creative, have a nice workflow all in my room. That helps me in my flow. For me to be creative, knowing that I have this space to just do what I want makes it much easier.”
Here, Strayhorn provides proof that whether you’re a DJ or a dentist, finding how and where you are most successful is a crucial tool for everyone. Once those assets are discovered, they can be used to create continued, sustained success. As a Tour Guide for the Marquette University Office of Admissions, I find myself echoing similar sentiments to countless prospective students and families. In my own life, finding how and where I am most successful as a college student has been a tremendous unlock. Do I study best at the hushed library or bustling Starbucks? Can I get more done with friends around or by myself? Do I have music in my ears, or does it have to be pindrop silence? Answering these questions for myself made me see more clearly how Strayhorn has taken this lesson to heart. He created his own niche through discovering his strengths, to eventually become an integral part of Marquette Basketball game days. It was inspiring to hear his words on “finding your sweet spot,” because it is extremely applicable to every employee in every industry.
On his creative process: “When DJing, you can get into being a robot, doing the same thing over and over. That’s not really being creative. For me, I try to make sure I work out every morning, and I’m drinking my gallon of water every day. Just having balance and structure, it helps me to be the best me I can be.”
Another insight relevant to every employee in every industry: how to cure your burnout. Strayhorn’s comments on “being a robot” remind me of a similar testament from Phil Knight, the creator of Nike, Inc. in his popular memoir Shoe Dog: “When you’re only seeing problems, you’re not seeing clearly.” Fatigue in your profession is a problem that stretches out to all forms of work, including business. Strayhorn testifies personal health — specifically in terms of fitness and hydration — is crucial to keeping his mental game sharp in the workplace.
As you listen to every song being played at Fiserv Forum (or at your nearest sporting venue!), think about the man behind the turntables and where he’s come from. Additionally — if that isn’t enough — Strayhorn just announced last week (on July 4) that his first child is due on January 17, 2021! It was certainly a pleasure to have him, and I want to take a moment to appreciate him coming on once again.
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