A strong leader is like a good country song. There's no b.s., yet it has the most heartfelt melodies.

I'm a classically trained fiddle player raised by a Navy lieutenant, so while discipline and dedication are some of my engrained, outward facing habits— it takes originality in order to write my song.

I'm into the freedom, creativity, and fun of certain types of music, so years ago, I decided I was to become a famous country music star. I knew how to hash out a plan, so I gigged on weekends, worked in radio, took random jobs, and side-hustled my way into a position with Southwest Airlines where I could make good money, tetris my schedule to my liking, and fly back to Nashville when I needed, free of charge.

It was a common business arrangement – I scratch your back, you scratch mine.

But I never flew back to Nashville. Because my common arrangement, my "means to an end"...became my new inspiration.

I've always trained other people – at my part-time jobs, management appointed me over designated trainers to teach new staff. It was mostly fulfilling but too overly formal. And formality is the best way to kill the music.

But the people at Southwest Airlines had a way of wearing their humanity on the outside of their suits. And through them, I discovered exactly what I wanted – A big band feel with people who knew what they were doing. And who encouraged me to freestyle naturally my way – playfully, passionately, and right on key.

I quickly jumped the ranks at Southwest, and for ten years I was a leader who trained other leaders, planned conferences, created curriculum, and emceed events.

Now everything I compose is poised on the subject of leadership because whether stellar or shoddy, leadership has a reverb effect that impacts everything from personal wellbeing to office culture to the bottom line.

A great leader isn't just a hard worker or someone good at their job – they're teachers, influencers, relationship builders who have to bring the message and set the tempo...

it's no small task to be in charge of vocals and the beat.

And that's what I help leaders do – find their voice, lay down their rhythm...but make it so others can hear the music.

Because when people like you and your song?

They'll pick up their tamborine.