From Crisis to Comedy: Business Lessons from Jamie Foxx’s

Jamie Foxx’s What Had Happened Was Isn’t Just Comedy—It’s a Masterclass in Storytelling, Resilience, and Reinvention

Jamie Foxx’s What Had Happened Was isn’t just a comedy special; it’s a brilliant culmination of a career defined by storytelling, music, acting, dance, prayer, and humor. In this Netflix special, Jamie doesn’t just prove he’s still got it—he shows that he has even more.

Before watching, I thought I knew what to expect: Jamie being Jamie. But after enduring a life-altering crisis that left him uncertain whether he would live or die—and then questioning whether life was even worth living—there was so much more for Jamie to unpack. And unpack he did.

Jamie crafted an experience that took the audience on a rollercoaster of emotions: crying one moment, singing the next, and then doubled over in laughter as he recounted his year-long ordeal of surviving a stroke. I won’t spoil the details (you can catch it on Netflix), but I’ll share three key takeaways from his story that entrepreneurs and professionals can use to win in both life and business.

1. A Good Story Always Wins

When Jamie vanished from the spotlight due to his mysterious illness, the stories started flying. Rumors ranged from wild conspiracy theories to claims he’d been cloned. But what Jamie’s special proves is this: a good story will keep people on the edge of their seats.

In life and business, we all experience highs and lows. Jamie’s story is no different from anyone else who has faced a life-threatening emergency. What sets him apart is his vulnerability. He embraced his story fully, sharing it without worrying about judgment.

Takeaway: Use your story to connect deeply with your audience—whether they’re clients, customers, or constituents. Your story isn’t just a narrative; it’s the key to your comeback.

2. Adapt Your Talent Across Mediums

Jamie reminded me that being multi-talented is a rare gift—but we all have skills that can set us apart. He leveraged his incredible abilities to craft a story that resonated across comedy, music, and heartfelt reflection.

In business, being multi-dimensional is a game-changer. Jamie isn’t the first celebrity to experience a health scare, but his ability to tell his story through various talents gave him a unique edge.

Takeaway: What hidden talents do you have that could open new doors in 2025? Don’t bury your gifts; someone out there is waiting for you to step into your next level.

3. Your Network Is Your Net Worth

Relationships are everything. Jamie’s ability to tap into his connection with Netflix gave him a platform to share his story, but it was his relationship with his sister that literally saved his life.

You can’t always know how solid your relationships are until you need them, but you can start strengthening them today. It’s better to have meaningful connections now than to find yourself in a life-changing situation without the support you need.

Takeaway: Invest in your relationships. Nurture them consistently—they may one day be the key to your survival or success.

Jamie’s special was packed with lessons, but these three stood out to me as transformative for both life and business. If you’ve seen it, let me know which moments resonated most with you. And if you haven’t yet, what are you waiting for?