The grand finale of 'Winning' season 1: Beyond the encore - the real stories of opera’s top performers

In episode 6 of 'Winning', podcast host and founder of Rosenblatt Law, Ian Rosenblatt, speaks with two of opera’s most compelling voices: Ailyn Pérez and Soloman Howard. Both are internationally acclaimed artists whose journeys to the world’s greatest stages – from the Metropolitan Opera to the Royal Opera House – are stories of resilience, ambition, and purpose.

Their conversation explores what it truly means to win in a profession defined by relentless competition, cultural barriers, and the pursuit of artistic perfection.

For Ailyn, success begins with vulnerability and growth: “In our world, the psychology is to embrace failure, which is actually very important because it teaches you how you’re going to progress to the next level... Embracing failure is actually a big part of being honest in what I do with my craft.”

Her words reveal a powerful truth: winning is not about flawless execution, but about learning, adapting, and leading with integrity. It is a mindset that resonates far beyond the arts – in business, law, and life.

Soloman offers an equally inspiring perspective, rooted in perseverance and gratitude: “For me, winning is all the hard work that I put in, considering where I came from and what I had to overcome to get here... To know that everything that led up to that moment and for it to be successful is a win for me each night.”

For Soloman, every performance is a victory – not just for the artistry on stage, but for the communities and values that shaped him. His definition of winning extends beyond personal achievement: “To give back. That’s a win for me. And obviously to meet my wife through this art form and to get engaged on the stage, to be married in a city where we first worked together, that’s a win for me as well.”

This episode closes the first series of 'Winning' with a message that transcends disciplines: success is not a solitary pursuit. It is about resilience, relationships, and the courage to embrace imperfection. Whether you are leading a business, building a career, or creating art, the principles shared by Ailyn and Soloman remind us that true winning lies in purpose, not just performance.

Listen now and subscribe to 'Winning' wherever you get your podcasts here.