Discovering how creativity fuels the world; discussing the intersection of leadership and creativity
September 2024
Creativity is the ability to think and work on your own, but also the ability to work as a collaborator amidst what could be a messy sum of perspectives. (I’ve been a professional conductor for 10 years — I know what that looks like!) Take your individual creativity for a workout, and then take your collaborative ability for a workout.
September 2024
If they only understood it’s the early daydreams that are the first possible enablers of innovation.
So for the “no you can’t daydream in our workplace” or “we can’t give you time for creativity here” person, hear me — creativity is defined by the journey that starts with the daydream, climbs THROUGH the Messy Middle, and eventually emerges as Creativity or Innovation. The best creatives in the world know this. So join the best.
September 2024
You want to be a coach? Start drafting a playbook.
Creativity isn’t a singular epic event. It’s many small pebbles that get built into a much bigger thing.
musician.coach, 2023
The best question I was ever asked:
Are you a musician standing on the podium? or are you only a conductor? The teacher was making a point.
Royal Northern Sinfonia, 2020
My work as a conductor is equally unique.
What I love about Beethoven’s uniqueness as a composer is that he didn’t let his technical work get in the way of his artistic voice. He was an excellent technical composer — of this there is no doubt.
International Arts Manager, 2017
The regard for the work of an opera conductor (something at which I do have experience) is never underestimated, and it should be the same for ballet.
Ballet conductors are asked to help the most musical athletes in the world thread the needle of live performance. If we aren’t spot on in our work with the orchestra, and our second-by-second collaboration with the stage, we can quickly undermine the artistry and eloquence of their highly-trained bodies.
One Symphony podcast, 2026
I get called to stand in for a conductor for a performance on no rehearsal.
The question isn’t, can I do the thing? The question is, how much discomfort am I willing to experience in order to do the thing. And that is only a guess.
October 2024
We can all find ways to help, and to participate, even in the smallest of ways.
HURRICANE COLLABORATION RULE THREE:
Tell people you need help. People will show up. Collaboration is not just an artistic skill and a business skill, it is a life skill.