LeadershipLean

The Discipline of Presence: Lessons from My Son and Eminem

By Ron Pereira Updated on October 15th, 2025

Have you ever caught yourself sitting at the dinner table…physically there, but mentally still stuck in a meeting, an email thread, or tomorrow’s to-do list?

Yeah, me too.

It’s easy to live life half-present these days. Our bodies are here, but our minds are somewhere else: somewhere busier, noisier, and less important. That’s why the phrase “Be where your feet are” has become one of my favorites. It’s a simple reminder to show up, fully, wherever you are.

And believe it or not, one of the best modern examples of this mindset comes from someone you probably wouldn’t expect: Eminem.

The Rapper Who Treats His Craft Like a 9-to-5

According to fellow artist Akon, when he first went to record with Eminem, he showed up around 6 pm ready for a late-night studio session, only to be told that “Em just left.”

Turns out Eminem runs the studio like a business. He clocks in at 9 am, breaks for lunch at noon, and leaves at 5 pm sharp, even if he’s mid-verse.

When Akon asked why, Eminem reportedly said something along the lines of:

“I’m here to do a job. But at 5 pm, I go home to spend time with my family.”

Now, whether every detail of that story is exact or not, it reveals a deeper truth, one that applies to far more than music production. It’s about discipline, boundaries, and presence.

Eminem may have grown up in chaos, struggled in school, and faced more hardship than most of us ever will… but when it comes to work ethic, he’s world-class. He treats his art like a craft, one that deserves full attention when he’s in it, and full separation when he’s not.

The Power of Presence

In Lean and Six Sigma, we talk a lot about respect for people and continuous improvement. I’d argue that being where your feet are is one of the purest ways to demonstrate both.

When you’re at work, be all in.
When you’re at home, be all in.

Put another way, if you’re building Legos with your little one, don’t just sit there scrolling on your phone. Be on the floor, fully engaged. That’s integrity. That’s presence. That’s leadership.

And the same applies in our professional lives. When you’re running a kaizen event or coaching a team member, don’t multitask. Don’t check your phone mid-conversation. Give people your full attention. Presence builds trust. It communicates respect. It’s contagious.

Structure Frees You

I used to think freedom meant doing whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted. But the older I get, the more I realize structure actually creates freedom.

Having routines and boundaries, like Eminem’s 9-to-5, doesn’t box us in. It protects what matters most.

The workday ends. The family time begins.
And you can show up fully for both.

It’s the same principle behind Lean daily management. Standard work isn’t about control, it’s about clarity. It lets us operate with rhythm and reliability, freeing our minds for creativity and improvement.

Consistency and the Power of Showing Up

Speaking of consistency, I’ve got to brag for a second — proud dad alert.

My son, Ryan, has been posting music to TikTok every single day for over a year. He goes by Ryan Price. Price is his middle name (he claims Price rolls off the tongue a little easier than Pereira!).

Because of that consistency, and if a proud dad can say it, because of his incredible talent, he’s achieved massive success. As of this morning, he has over 23 million likes on his @ryanpriceofficial TikTok account and is now signed with two record labels.

What I love most isn’t just the numbers, though. It’s that he shows up. Day after day. Post after post. Even when inspiration doesn’t strike or the algorithm doesn’t play nice. He keeps creating. That’s presence. That’s discipline. That’s being where your feet are.

And it’s a reminder that consistency, not intensity, is what separates those who dabble from those who deliver.

A Challenge for the Week Ahead

Here’s a little experiment: for the next seven days, try scheduling your own “studio hours.” Decide when you’ll be fully on for work, and when you’ll clock out, no matter what.

Then, when you’re home, be home.
If your kids ask to play, get on the floor.
If your spouse or significant other wants to talk, put the phone down.

Be where your feet are.

You might be surprised how much more effective, and peaceful, your days become.

Final Thought

Eminem’s story might come from the world of hip-hop, but the lesson applies anywhere excellence is pursued. You don’t need to be a rap legend, or a viral TikTok artist, to practice presence. You just need the courage to set boundaries, the discipline to honor them, and the humility to remember that your work is part of your life, not the other way around.

So tomorrow, when you lace up your shoes, take a deep breath, and remind yourself to:

Be where your feet are.

Ron Pereira

Ron has more than 20 years of experience in various manufacturing, supply chain, and senior leadership roles. Ron has held the titles of process engineer, engineering manager, master black belt, and director of manufacturing & continuous improvement. In 2002 Ron was the first American to win the Nokia Global Six Sigma and Overall Quality award in Helsinki, Finland. Ron holds a bachelor's degree in automated manufacturing and an MBA in technology management.

  1. Abdur Rahim

    October 26, 2025 - 6:11 am
    Reply

    Watching my son, I’m struck by how effortlessly he lives in the now. He’s not worrying about the future or replaying the past—he’s fully immersed in whatever he’s doing, whether it’s playing with his toys or laughing at something small. His joy is contagious, and it reminds me that we often overcomplicate life. True presence, it seems, is something children are born with, and something we lose along the way.

    Then there’s Eminem. His music is like a raw reflection of someone who’s not afraid to be right there with their pain, their truth, their fire. Every verse he spits feels like he’s diving into the deep end of his emotions, bringing them to the surface for everyone to hear. There’s no filter, no holding back, just an honest, urgent presence in the moment. It’s a lesson in how we should embrace what we feel and use it, instead of letting it consume us.

    So, whether it’s through the innocent joy of a child or the raw vulnerability of a rapper, both my son and Eminem show me that presence is more than just being physically there—it’s about being all in. Life is a chaotic, noisy place, but maybe the secret is simple: if we can learn to show up, with everything we’ve got, every single moment, we unlock something powerful.

Have something to say?

Leave your comment and let's talk!

Gemba Academy School of Leadership

Recent Articles

Start your improvement training today.

Explore Courses Chat with an expert