One can spot a trailblazer by the thoughts and words they echo. Here is an instance to observe. Introducing Mathew Knowles, a celebrated speaker, author, educator, and entrepreneur. “It’s not about the destination; it’s about the journey,” he asserts. Curious to know his backstory? He was raised by remarkable parents in a small town in Alabama. But it wasn’t a limitation for him. Mathew made a mark on desegregation by being the first in many areas. As he got into sports, he learned the true meaning of ‘team.’ This initial lesson later shaped his path in corporate America, particularly in sales and marketing, where he continues to learn and grow.
Mathew describes his time at Xerox Medical Systems as a defining period in his career, where he excelled in selling xeroradiography modality for breast cancer detection in the 1980s. He later moved on to Phillips Medical Systems and Johnson & Johnson, specializing in selling MRI and CT scanners and working as a neurosurgical specialist in the Codman division. He acknowledges that his corporate background has influenced his journey as a speaker, entrepreneur, and author to a great extent.
When discussing his writing career, Mathew points out that among the five books he has written, The DNA of Achievers: 10 Traits of Highly Successful Professionals is often regarded as his most impactful work. He recalls that the idea for the book emerged during his corporate travels when he frequently conversed with fellow passengers.
As time progressed, Mathew noticed a common thread among highly successful individuals: “Their passion for their work, the way their work ethic matched that passion, their strategic planning, and their ability to think outside the box,” he articulates. As he repeatedly heard these traits surface in conversations, he realized he must document them. And that’s how The DNA of Achievers came into existence.
Reflecting on his journey, Mathew acknowledges a few incidents. He never anticipated how his work in diagnostic imaging or even his frequent use of the word DNA would have a profound meaning in his own battle with cancer. The year 2024 marked the silver jubilee in his career as an educator. He is grateful for getting the opportunity to teach at coveted institutions such as Texas Southern University (TSU), Prairie View A&M, London College of Contemporary Music (LCCM), and Pepperdine University. Teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic was transformative. This phase and experience inspired him to embrace speaking authentically and unapologetically.
Mathew ensures that he maintains a balanced approach in his multi-faceted work profile. His true passion still lies in speaking. Sharing his experiences, listening to others, and engaging with their questions gives him immense fulfillment.
Notable Milestones
Throughout a distinguished 35-year career with Music World Entertainment, Mathew has accomplished numerous significant milestones. Music World encompassed various genres, starting with gospel, where they established the leading gospel label and extending to pop and R&B, where Destiny’s Child achieved the status of the best-selling female group of all time, and Beyoncé emerged as the foremost pop artist globally, alongside a series of #1 dance singles.
Among the many accomplishments, one notable event for Mathew occurred in 2002. He sold the management division of Music World and assumed the role of President at Music World / Sanctuary Urban, establishing the largest urban management company globally. A significant achievement was collaborating with five exceptional young Black entrepreneurs in their 20s, facilitating the acquisition of their companies and guiding them toward becoming millionaires. They successfully represented several prominent figures in the music industry, such as Mary J. Blige, Eve, Floetry, Mario, and Nelly.
Solange’s growth as an artist has been another outstanding milestone. She began her journey as a dancer for Destiny’s Child. Still, she successfully established her identity with Solo Star, excelling as a songwriter, vocalist, and creative force in fashion and other areas. Working with iconic artists such as Earth, Wind & Fire, The O’Jays, Chaka Khan, and Kool & The Gang has been an incredible honor for Mathew. He states, “And, of course, watching Beyoncé’s ongoing success remains a defining part of my journey.” The one that’s close to Mathew’s heart? Witnessing his grandson Julez, now 20, achieve success in the fashion industry is equally gratifying.
Mathew’s eyes widened with satisfaction when asked what some of his proudest personal achievements were. Seeing his daughters’ success makes him tickled pink. They have excelled not just in their careers but in the passion and hard work they bring to everything they do. He is the most delighted with how compassionate they have become and how they treat the janitor with the same respect and warmth they would the president. That is what success means to Mathew.
Thoughts of Profound Meaning
“I’m honored to serve as the Global Ambassador for both Zero Prostate Cancer and 23andMe,” notes Mathew. More than a professional feat, this role is deeply personal to him as a cancer survivor. He openly shares his story, making it one of his key topics as a speaker, along with prostate cancer, which has affected one of his closest family members.
Mathew shares his insights on entrepreneurship, motivation, and life lessons. He tries not to push back when his personal and professional worlds intersect. Rather, he welcomes it wholeheartedly as an integral part of his life. However, Mathew keeps it low-key regarding highly personal and family matters.
The Evolving Leadership Philosophy
This experienced executive proves his position as one of the “Most Influential Business Leaders to Watch in 2025.” He does not define success as an individual achievement. Rather, he contends that it is the capability or the desired condition in which one contributes value to an organization or a team.
His leadership philosophy has had a positive transition throughout the years. He credits it to his personal development and professional experiences. Obtaining a PhD, participating in Ethical Leadership and Cultural Intelligence classes at Harvard, and engaging in practical leadership positions have all facilitated this development.
Mathew is a people-centric leader who believes leadership is about empowering others rather than exerting authority. As a former player and current owner of the Chicago Sky, a professional WNBA club, he advocates that the essential function of a leader is inspiring others, engaging in active listening, and holding people accountable. “Key leadership qualities that stand out to me,” he shares, “include setting clear objectives, the ability to improvise and adapt, effective delegation, embracing mistakes as learning opportunities, strong communication and listening skills, transparency, and integrity in both personal and professional life.” A great leader must remain confident, composed, and committed to ethical leadership, making decisions that serve the greatest good for as many people as possible.
Professional Roadblocks
In his words, “One of the biggest challenges in my career is the elephant in the room—I’m a Black man.” That reality has presented unique challenges, from being accepted in certain spaces to walking into rooms where people already have preconceived notions about him. But rather than letting those challenges define him, Mathew used them as motivation to be the best at what he did.
Another challenge has been maneuvering the music industry while also being a parent. Mathew has observed biases about parents, especially fathers in this business. However, he is a man of action. Instead of letting that deter him, he used his sales and marketing background, education, and entrepreneurial mindset to redefine success. His firm belief that leadership is about teamwork has always helped him find his footing. “Destiny’s Child, Solange, and Beyoncé all needed a coach, and I had to be that,” Mathew remarks. At the same time, his role as a father and other commitments never took a backseat. Balancing those roles wasn’t easy, but it was necessary, and he embraced every challenge as fuel for his journey.
The Mathew Mantra: Listen, Learn, and Lead!
Leading by example and truly listening are the two core principles Mathew counts on. He knows more than solutions; sometimes, people just want to be heard. Here comes the actual role of a leader who needs to give them a platform to express themselves. He underlines, “Appreciating different perspectives not only fosters respect but also allows us everyone to learn and grow together.”
Mathew’s advice is germane to aspiring leaders in the entertainment industry. “Knowledge is power. Master your craft, seek out learning opportunities, and don’t be afraid to humble yourself and ask for help,” he counsels. He also urges them to find a mentor for guidance, which will equip them to make sounder, more holistic decisions. Youngsters in college or just starting out must take advantage of internships and hands-on experiences. Mathew advises them to apply what they learn in real-world settings. For him, these essential steps are critical to success and can make all the difference in their journey.
Beyond Trends: The Mindset for Staying Ahead
Any work, minor or magnanimous, if it becomes stagnant, starts affecting the enthusiasm. Mathew had realized it from early on. Thus, he ensures that he stays informed, grows, and expands his industry knowledge.
As a college professor teaching the music industry in the digital age, he understands its dynamics with the rise of AI. Although the tools and technologies may change, he feels, many aspects of the music industry, like sales, distribution, marketing, and social media, remain remarkably similar to 20-30 years ago. So, what is the need of the hour? Continue learning and expanding on those foundational elements. Plus, rather than focusing solely on the U.S., Mathew advocates that having a global perspective is important. It will help to unlock countless opportunities.
Mentorship That Moves Mountains
Mathew highlights the significance of mentorship in his book The DNA of Achievers. He recalls a defining experience from his time at Xerox in the 1970s, where his branch manager, Worth Davis, provided mentorship in ways that were not fully understood at the time. Davis included him in meetings with influential, older white executives, leading him to question his role in the discussions. At the outset, his responsibilities included preparing coffee and making copies. However, over time, he began to attentively observe discussions focused on driving positive change in Houston.
Looking back, he now understands that Davis was giving him a seat at the table. Eventually, the executives began to solicit his input, and his replies garnered their interest. By age twenty-five, he was positioned alongside the presidents and CEOs of Exxon, Shell Oil, and Pennzoil, providing him with an invaluable learning experience. Today, Mathew acknowledges that Davis saw potential in him before he recognized it in himself, highlighting what he believes to be the true power of mentorship.
What’s Next for Music World Entertainment?
The visionary founder has a bold new direction for Music World Entertainment—a future where impactful speaking engagements will take center stage. “While we continue to explore projects in entertainment, which we’ll be announcing soon,” he declares, “our core business revolves around speaking in the areas of entrepreneurship, music business, marketing and sales, and health and wellness.” Though they occasionally explore other ventures, Mathew emphasizes that these areas are the true heartbeat of their work.
Take on Legacy: Every Day a New Equation
Mathew is humble, purpose-driven, and quietly influential, someone who lets his work do the talking. He believes that a real legacy isn’t built. It naturally unfolds through the impact left behind. The people it touches will be the living testament to the fact that real influence isn’t claimed but instead earned.
As a speaker, author, and entrepreneur, Mathew finds the versatility of each new day to be the best part of his multifaceted professional portfolio. This is not monotony. That’s the beauty of living your passion. In his view, when work aligns with purpose, it never truly feels like a task. Some days, he simply gazes out the window, appreciating the privilege of living in two breathtaking cities.
Mathew deeply cherishes the exhilarating scenic magnificence of California. The stunning contrast of the ocean and the mountains serves as a reminder to pause, reflect, and embrace the beauty of the present moment. His routine isn’t cast in concrete. Every other day, he makes it a goal to walk two miles, soaking in nature and observing the world around him.
On other days, he is caught up in Zoom calls, preparing for speaking engagements, or sharing updates on upcoming film and TV projects. A memoir, his next book, is already in the works. Last but not least on the list is traveling the world with his best friend and wife, Gena, a journey he cherishes with boundless enthusiasm. “There’s no typical day for me,” Mathew concludes, “and I wouldn’t have it any other way.” His work’s assortment, creativity, and dynamic nature keep life exciting and full of possibility.
Book Mathew to speak at: Mathewknowles.com.
