E195 - Gary Barlow: My biggest failure, and why I needed it

Gary Barlow is one of Britain’s most successful songwriters and record producers. As part of pop group Take That, he has won eight BRIT Awards and sold over 45 million records with almost four decades in the music industry.

Gary shares with Jake and Damian the exciting but tumultuous initial years with Take That, the relationships with his band members and how he dealt with world-wide success. He details his attempt to ‘break America’ and how this experience changed his life. Jake, Damian and Gary delve into the most emotional moments of his career, and why it is so important to embrace failure.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the High Performance podcast, Gary Barlow, a legendary British singer-songwriter and record producer, joins hosts Jake Humphrey and Damian Hughes for a captivating conversation about his remarkable career, challenges, and triumphs.

Barlow, known for his contributions to the pop group Take That, shares insights into the band's initial years, the dynamics among members, and the overwhelming success they experienced. He reflects on his attempt to break into the American market and how that chapter in his life profoundly impacted him.

Barlow candidly discusses the emotional moments in his career, emphasizing the importance of embracing failures. He recalls a particularly challenging period when he struggled to write songs, retreated from public life, and battled with self-doubt. However, he eventually found the strength to overcome these obstacles and embark on a path of self-discovery and growth.

Throughout the conversation, Barlow emphasizes the significance of resilience and the ability to learn from setbacks. He highlights the value of surrounding oneself with a supportive team and the importance of maintaining a positive mindset even in the face of adversity.

Barlow's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, self-belief, and the ability to reinvent oneself. His story serves as an inspiration for anyone seeking to achieve high performance in their personal and professional endeavors.

Key Takeaways:

1. Embrace Failure: Barlow emphasizes the importance of embracing failures as opportunities for growth and learning. He believes that setbacks are inevitable and that it is crucial to learn from them and move forward.

2. The Power of Resilience: Barlow's journey highlights the significance of resilience and the ability to bounce back from adversity. He demonstrates that setbacks can be transformed into opportunities for self-discovery and growth.

3. Nurturing a Supportive Team: Barlow acknowledges the role of a supportive team in his success. He emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with individuals who believe in you and provide encouragement during challenging times.

4. Maintaining a Positive Mindset: Barlow stresses the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, even in the face of adversity. He believes that a positive outlook can help individuals overcome challenges and achieve their goals.

5. Reinventing Oneself: Barlow's career demonstrates the power of reinvention. He successfully transitioned from being a member of a popular boy band to a solo artist and songwriter, showcasing his adaptability and resilience.

**Navigating the Tumultuous Initial Years of Take That**

Gary Barlow, a renowned British songwriter and record producer, shares his experiences as a member of the pop group Take That. He recounts the band's exciting yet turbulent early years, discussing the relationships with his bandmates and the challenges of coping with worldwide success.

**Confronting Failure and Embracing Resilience**

Gary reflects on a pivotal moment during his career, a disastrous performance in New York that left him feeling shattered. This experience forced him to confront his own shortcomings and the importance of rehearsal and preparation. He emphasizes the significance of embracing failure as a learning opportunity and the resilience required to overcome setbacks.

**The Emotional Journey of a Creative Artist**

Gary delves into the emotional rollercoaster of his career, describing periods of self-doubt and creative stagnation. He candidly discusses his struggles with weight gain and body image, revealing the coping mechanisms he employed to deal with the public scrutiny and shame he faced.

**Finding Strength in Unity and Open Communication**

Gary highlights the importance of open communication and psychological safety within the band. He credits the group therapy sessions undertaken by Take That members as instrumental in healing old wounds and fostering a sense of unity and trust. This newfound closeness allowed them to navigate their individual struggles and ultimately reunite as a stronger band.

**The Healing Power of Music and the Importance of Support**

Gary emphasizes the therapeutic role that music played in his life, serving as a means of processing his emotions and finding solace during difficult times. He acknowledges the unwavering support of his wife and children, who provided a safe and understanding environment for him to heal and rediscover his passion for music.

**The Transformative Impact of Loss**

Gary reflects on the tragic loss of his daughter, Poppy, and the profound impact it had on his life. He describes the creative process behind the song he wrote in her memory, "Fly High and Let Me Go," and how it helped him cope with his grief. The song serves as a testament to the enduring love and connection between a father and his child.

**Lessons Learned and Advice for Navigating Challenges**

Gary imparts valuable lessons learned from his experiences, emphasizing the importance of kindness and support in relationships. He encourages individuals to be gentle with themselves and others, particularly during challenging times. He also stresses the significance of seeking professional help when needed and utilizing available resources to promote mental well-being.

# Gary Barlow: "Embrace Failure and Find What Truly Excites You"

## Introduction:

- Gary Barlow, a prominent figure in British music, shares his experiences and insights on High Performance Podcast.
- Barlow's journey from the early days of Take That to his successful solo career is explored.
- The podcast delves into Barlow's approach to work-life balance, handling adversity, and finding fulfillment.

## Key Insights:

### 1. The Significance of Adversity:

- Barlow emphasizes the transformative power of adversity, highlighting how challenging experiences can lead to positive outcomes.
- He encourages embracing failure as an opportunity for growth and learning.
- Barlow's own experiences, including his attempt to break into the American market, taught him valuable lessons.

### 2. The Value of Support and Collaboration:

- Barlow stresses the importance of supportive relationships, both personal and professional.
- He acknowledges the role of his bandmates, team members, and family in his success.
- Barlow emphasizes the significance of teamwork and valuing the contributions of others.

### 3. Finding Passion and Purpose:

- Barlow believes that pursuing activities that genuinely excite and fulfill one is crucial for a high-performance life.
- He encourages individuals to identify their passions and invest their time and energy in them.
- Barlow's own passion for music has been a driving force throughout his career.

### 4. Maintaining a Healthy Work-Life Balance:

- Barlow discusses the challenges of balancing a demanding career with personal life.
- He emphasizes the importance of making time for family and personal well-being.
- Barlow highlights the need to avoid taking things too seriously and to find moments of joy and relaxation.

### 5. Key Principles for a High-Performance Life:

- Barlow offers three guiding principles for achieving a high-performance life:
- Prioritize activities that align with your passions, purpose, or provide financial gain.
- Embrace fun and avoid taking things too seriously.
- Foster a collaborative and supportive environment.

## Conclusion:

- Gary Barlow's journey and insights provide valuable lessons for individuals seeking fulfillment and success in their personal and professional lives.
- The podcast highlights the importance of embracing adversity, finding passion, maintaining a healthy work-life balance, and fostering supportive relationships.
- Barlow's message encourages individuals to pursue their dreams, find joy in their endeavors, and make a positive impact on the world.