Finding Balance: Do the Right Thing for Others and Yourself with Ethan Davidson

Denise Ilitch show

“You have a tremendous amount of potential; few realize its extent.” Ethan Davidson

In this episode Denise talks to Ethan Davidson, one of Detroit’s finest folk singer songwriters. He’s recorded eleven albums and toured North America and Europe, before returning to Detroit in 2005 to help run the William Davidson Foundation, established by his late father, Bill Davidson. Now firmly planted in Detroit’s philanthropic community, Ethan’s first foray into the family business was a reluctant one, yet it’s the decision he’s most proud of.

As a teenager and young adult, Ethan intently avoided the family business; his great-grandfather stated a small windshield fabrication company in 1932 that eventually grew to become Guardian Industries, one of the world’s largest industrial glass manufacturers. His grandfather and father followed, but Ethan needed to pursue his own interests. He left Detroit to his father’s disappointment.

When his father died, Guardian’s management approached Ethan, stressing the importance that a Davidson be involved. It was at this point that the artist “checked himself and the door” and placed the value of this now global company, and its over 14,000 employees, above his personal desires. “Someone had to come in and lead,” although he lacked the full confidence to do so, knowing he was out of his wheelhouse.

Learning to put his own wants aside for the good of others, finding common ground and the courage to balance what’s good for him, for others and for the business is a lesson he deeply values. And it’s a situation we can all relate to. He also draws confidence from the lessons he’s learned from his many years as a touring musician, having to meet a tough crowd’s expectations.

Ethan is a master storyteller and his music, writing and dedication to helping others reflect his rich life experience and commitment to his family’s legacy.

Denise ends by asking every guest, “What’s your favorite Detroit moment?” Not surprisingly, Ethan’s answer involves one of many a Detroiter’s loves—sports.

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Ethan Daniel Davidson is an author, musician, and philanthropist of the William Davidson Foundation, a private family foundation that strives to advance the economic, cultural, and civic vitality of Southeast Michigan, the State of Israel, and the Jewish community for future generations. Davidson serves on numerous boards in the Detroit area including the Motown Museum and as the Chairman of the Detroit Opera. He previously served on the board at Guardian Industries. Davidson holds a BA in English from the University of Michigan and has completed graduate work in Middle Eastern History and Islamic Law. He also studied Jewish Philosophy at the Jewish Theological Seminary. He and his wife Gretchen live in Metro Detroit with their three boys.

To learn more about his music or his book, These are the Developments of the Human, visit his website https://www.ethandanieldavidson.com/.

Denise Ilitch, an owner of Ilitch Family Companies and President of Ilitch Enterprises, has been a part of Detroit’s business and philanthropic community for over 40 years. As a mother, lawyer, entrepreneur, devoted community servant and tireless advocate for women and children, she learned early, from her father, that everyone is worthy of contributing to the world. Her passion for affordable, accessible, quality education stems from her own experience as a first-generation student, earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan, where she currently serves on the Board of Regents, and a law degree from the University of Detroit Law School.

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