Reflecting on my career, I never really thought about how numbers and music can complement each other. If you looked at my resume, you’d see Data Insights, Pricing, Finance, Operations and Sales and many years in the liquor business. It sounds pretty straightforward, math is math and numbers don’t lie. It’s linear. However, if you saw how my brain actually works, you’d realize my work is inspired through a combination of math and music.
I’ve spent many years in the liquor industry and realized early on that while Excel provides the math, leadership is all about the music. My co-workers would attest that I have an eclectic taste in music, and it always inspired me. Not only do I like to listen to it, I love to play it! I can play the Guitar and Piano, and it’s through this passion that I was able to reflect on how the two intertwine.
Rhythm (Music)
Over the years I’ve learned that managing a team is much like being the conductor of an orchestra. Everyone has their “instrument” and fits into the song in different ways with their different tools and skill set.
When we installed a new pricing platform, as an example, it was a big change for all departments. My job wasn’t just the technical side of the roll out, it was about keeping the “beat” of the office steady while everyone was stressed out. You have to know when to speed things up to hit a deadline and when to slow down so that shortcuts are not taken and major issues occur during and post Installation. That’s the musical side of being a conductor and leading—it’s about timing, and it’s about making sure the “harmony” in the department/company stays on track and budget.
Tuning the guitar – My Gibson (Math)
In the Spirits and Wine industry, pricing and revenue management is always a complex chess game, You have FOBs, DAs, Taxes, Fet, tariffs, Shelf prices, price mix, state mix, and 3-4 tiers of margins to estimate and manage. To me, pricing, finance and revenue management isn’t just a bunch of cells in Sheets/Excel – it’s like tuning my Gibson guitar (Slash Anaconda Model -Love it). When you analyze multiple markets, brands, and skus, price increases/decreases, or changes driven by either Brand Strategy and consumption, I’m always looking for that sweet price point. If the price is too high, the rhythm of sales in the markets fail; if it’s too low, the company loses profitability. Also, keeping all different departments aligned is complex. Marketing, sales, and finance can have different objectives, do you want me to sell more cases, or do you want more revenue driven by price increases (sometimes it’s both)
Dont take my word for it but i’ve recently read that even A. Einstein was a violinist. (I’m no Einstein, trust me). He famously said that “he often “thought in music” and saw his life in terms of musical rhythms”. Playing the violin was a quick way to clear the mind and help address/solve complex problems. Well, when i get home i do the same, it clears my head and it’s a great way to unwind. (Ok sometimes a glass of wine works as well)
Conclusion
At the end of the day, I’m not just a “numbers guy.” I’m someone who uses Finance, Pricing Insights to build a structure and music to help lead the team and the overall company objectives. It’s been many years of finding the rhythm, and honestly, that’s what makes the job fun. It truly is about making sure that the “band = team” is playing the same song at the same beat, and that we all sound amazing playing.
Other Articles:
The MBA Advantage: Blending Technical Roots with Strategic Leadership – Sooper Articles