Michelle Jubelirer accepts the Executive of the Year award at Billboard Women In Music 2024.

Michelle Jubelirer:
I would have rethought my shoe choice had I known how tall Katy [Perry] was going to be tonight. Thank you, Katy. You exemplify what it means to be a strong woman in music, whether through your singular artistry or your business savvy — your positive influence resonates through so many facets of our business. It’s been such an absolute honor to work with you for more than a decade. I will always be there for you as you have always been there for me.

I’m sure there were more than a few internal discussions at Billboard in light of my recent career change, so I’m all the more appreciative of your courage and presenting me with this award. Thank you, Hannah and everyone at Billboard for this recognition. I’m thrilled to be sharing this night with so many fantastic women, and I want to give a special shout-out to Ice Spice and Young Miko, two artists I am proud to have signed and work closely with and whose futures are limitless. I also want to introduce you to someone very special — she took me to my first concerts, introduced me to the power of music. She taught me to believe in myself and never be intimidated by anyone. She worked seven days a week to raise me alone, to be the person standing before you tonight. She’s the most important woman in my life, my mom.

Every Friday, I go on a long hike with an artist, manager or colleague. Sometimes we discuss business, but most often we talk about life, one human being to another. We agree to be vulnerable. So tonight, I’m going to treat my few minutes up here as I would one of those hikes. No, I’m not going to take off my makeup and change into Hokas or make Katy take off her shoes. Although I’m sure she’d like to, but I’m going to get real.

Women, did these comments sound familiar? “You’re too emotional.” “You don’t have to be so direct when you talk.” We all know that’s code for “Stop a b—h.” “You should smile more.” That’s one of my personal favorites. We’ve all heard these glib phrases and countless others throughout our careers.

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