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John Mattone Global
Mainline Executive Coaching ACT Podcast
Episode 314December 4, 2024

314: Leadership Lessons from Music: Playing Less to Swing More

Rich BaronMaikel Bailey
Rich Baron & Maikel Bailey

Episode Notes

In music, some of the most memorable performances aren’t about the notes musicians play—they’re about the ones they leave out. The spaces between the sounds create rhythm, swing, and connection. What if leadership worked the same way?

Take Count Basie’s band, for example. Basie was famous for his minimalist piano style—he played fewer notes, giving the rhythm section room to groove and the soloists space to shine. The result? Music that felt effortless and alive.

Leaders, like musicians, often feel the pressure to “play every note”—to solve every problem, attend every meeting, or micromanage every decision. But just as music depends on collaboration, so does effective leadership.
Leaving space allows team members to take ownership, contribute creatively, and create synergy.

Rich and Maikel jam to the beat of less is more on this episode of Mainline Executive Coaching ACT.

Leaders, Lead Well!

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About the Hosts

Rich Baron

Rich Baron

Chief Operating Officer & Master Certified IL Coach

Master Certified IL Executive Coach, Lean Six Sigma, 100% Customer Retention (2006-2019)

As JMG's Chief Operating Officer and a Master Certified Intelligent Leadership Executive Coach, Rich brings diverse expertise in cultural transformation, operational leadership, and coaching leaders from emerging talent to CEOs.

Maikel Bailey

Maikel Bailey

Master Certified IL Executive Coach

Master Certified IL Executive Coach

Maikel Bailey is a Master Certified Intelligent Leadership Executive Coach with extensive experience in executive leadership, cultural transformation, and emerging leader development.

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