Sylvia Rhone Emboldens Class Of 2020 To Find What 'Sets Your Soul On Fire'

Sylvia Rhone issued a call of action to the Class of 2020: "Lead us into a utopia where wealth is great health, beautiful friendships, and living your passion."

As part of the "Commencement: Speeches for the Class of 2020" podcast, the Chair and CEO of Epic Records, who is regarded as one of, if not the most influential female executive in the history of the music business, delivered an uplifting and timely speech to graduating students across the country.

Sylvia, a University of Pennsylvania graduate herself, began her speech with a declaration as she spoke of the renaissance ahead and encouraged students to prepare to become the shapers of the future. "It is indeed a great time of change, and change has always been sparked by the young, the youthful, the ambitious, the unafraid. You are the ones that will mold and shape the new social, political, creative Renaissance," she proclaimed.

"The power of transformation and innovation is in your hands," Sylvia continued. "These challenging times present an unprecedented opportunity to rise up and shine your light on the world, and nothing will stand in your way. You were born for this. ... The innovation that this Renaissance will bring is within you."

Sylvia went on to discuss how the Class of 2020 will be able to "usher in the change in our nation" by simply following their passions.

"A DJ was home alone practicing social distancing and decided to play some music on IG Live for his friends. It resulted in D-Nice Hosting Club Quarantine with over 1 million viewers including Michelle Obama, the Kardashians, Rihanna, and Will Smith," she shared. "Discover what sets your soul on fire. You have something special and unique that no one else on this planet can duplicate. Whatever it is, whether you're good at making people smile, you can build things with your hands, you're great at math. You knowhow to paint or cook, or you love gardening, or writing, or organizing chaos. It doesn't matter."

Sylvia added, "Oprah Winfrey once said, 'You have to know what sparks a light in you, so that you, in your own way, can illuminate the world.' Guide us into a new advanced world of love, kindness, and compassion. Lead us into a utopia where wealth is great health, beautiful friendships, and living your passion. You are the change that the world needs right now."

The Epic Records CEO concluded her speech with one final message, telling graduates: "I want you to know and feel you have something special and unique that no one else on the planet can duplicate. We are counting on you to lead us into greatness, lead us into excellence, lead us into innovation, to lead the new Renaissance. Guide us into a new world where wealth is great health, beautiful friendships, and living your passion. You are the change that the world needs right now."

Congratulations to the Class of 2020! iHeartRadio’s "Commencement: Speeches for the Class of 2020” podcast celebrates this year’s graduating students as they take their next steps into the world. For more inspiring speeches from celebrities, athletes, business leaders and more, listen to the podcast on iHeartRadio.

Photo: Getty Images


Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content