Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon’s unexpected hobby as a DJ emerged into the public eye in 2017, and it was a revelation that cast a unique light on the world of high finance. In a New York Times article, Solomon’s passion for spinning music was described as a glimpse into a more youthful and unguarded side of the finance world, typically characterized by wealth and formality.
Fast forward to 2018, when David Solomon assumed the role of CEO at Goldman Sachs, and he embraced his DJ persona as a facet of his personal brand. His DJ alter ego, DJ D-Sol, quickly became synonymous with his identity. However, what initially seemed like a charming and unexpected hobby soon attracted criticism and scrutiny.
As reported by Insider’s Dakin Campbell, Solomon’s DJing adventures began to draw criticism and raise questions about the boundaries between his passion and his responsibilities as the leader of a financial giant. It became a matter of public discourse, leading to introspection on whether his musical escapades were affecting his job performance.
The situation reached a point where Solomon decided to step away from high-profile DJ gigs, with his last performance taking place in 2022, as reported by the Financial Times. This decision, according to sources cited by the FT, was prompted by increasing media attention and criticism that the DJing had become a distraction from his primary role as Goldman Sachs CEO.
In response to the Financial Times’ report, a Goldman Sachs spokesperson clarified, “Music was not a distraction from David’s work. The media attention became a distraction.” This statement underscores the notion that Solomon’s DJing wasn’t inherently a hindrance to his role but rather the public’s heightened interest and scrutiny that accompanied it.
For context, David Solomon once stated in a 2017 interview with Insider that his DJing hobby provided a necessary outlet for him to cope with the challenges of his demanding job. He said, “If you can’t find a way to have passions and pursue those passions and mix them into your professional life and your personal life in some way, shape or form, it’s just harder to have the energy to keep on doing this, and to keep moving forward professionally.” The precise moment when he began this hobby remains uncertain.
Notably, Solomon’s musical escapades also faced criticism for instances that blurred the lines between his hobby and his role as Goldman Sachs’ CEO. In 2020, he publicly apologized to his board for a performance alongside the Chainsmokers in the Hamptons, which flouted social distancing rules during the pandemic, as reported by the Financial Times.
Furthermore, Solomon’s pursuit of his DJing passion drew the involvement of Goldman Sachs employees. Members of the communications department were enlisted to collaborate on press releases announcing Solomon’s music ventures, and the company’s social media team worked closely with Solomon’s music label, as reported by Insider in 2022.
In sum, David Solomon’s DJing hobby is a compelling example of the challenges faced by high-profile individuals in balancing their personal passions with their professional responsibilities. While it may have started as an unconventional and refreshing insight into the world of high finance, the subsequent media attention and scrutiny prompted Solomon to reconsider his high-profile DJ gigs. The episode serves as a reminder of the fine line that executives often tread when navigating the demands of their careers and their personal pursuits.
