How Rock, Jazz, and Opera Inspire My CMO Approach

When people hear the titles Eric Clapton, Miles Davis, or Luciano Pavarotti, they think of iconic music legends. For me, they’re more than just artists. They’re masterful storytellers whose creativity, discipline, and ability to captivate audiences have shaped how I approach my role as a Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) in the restaurant business.

Living and working in Hampton Roads, I’ve found that music – whether it’s the electrifying riffs of rock, the soulful rhythms of jazz, or the operatic crescendos of Pavarotti – has been a constant source of inspiration. It influences how I think, how I strategize, and even how I connect with the people I work with and the customers we serve.

Let’s explore the ways music influences my day-to-day as a CMO and why this creative lens can bring value to anyone in business or life.

The Art of Improvisation in Jazz

Miles Davis once said, “Do not fear mistakes. There are none.” That mindset is a cornerstone of jazz, where improvisation reigns supreme. In the business of restaurants, things rarely go exactly as planned. A supply chain hiccup, a sudden shift in customer preferences, or a last-minute event booking can throw everything off.

Rather than seeing these moments as setbacks, I channel jazz. Like a musician responding to an unexpected chord change, I stay flexible, adapt quickly, and look for opportunities hidden in the chaos. It’s not about following a rigid formula but creating harmony in the moment.

Do you let unexpected challenges throw you off, or do you pivot with the rhythm?

Rock’s Energy and Innovation

Rock music is about energy, rebellion, and breaking barriers. Eric Clapton didn’t become an icon by sticking to what was easy. He took risks, pushed creative boundaries, and turned raw emotion into timeless music.

In marketing, and especially in the restaurant industry, you have to keep the energy high. Staying stagnant isn’t an option when competition is around every corner. Whether it’s launching a bold new campaign or introducing a completely unique menu item, I look to the rebellious spirit of rock to keep our strategies fresh and exciting.

What risks are you taking to stand out in your field?

Precision and Passion in Opera

Opera is the ultimate blend of discipline and emotion. A performance by Luciano Pavarotti is a masterclass in balancing technical perfection with raw passion. That balance is exactly what’s needed to run a restaurant business successfully.

Every detail matters. From the plating of a signature dish to the cadence of a server’s greeting, precision creates a seamless experience. But without passion, even the most polished operations feel hollow. Watching Pavarotti pour his soul into an aria reminds me that success isn’t just about systems and processes – it’s about heart.

How do you balance passion with precision in your work?

Building Connections Through Music

Music has an unparalleled ability to connect people. It’s no coincidence that some of the best conversations I’ve had with colleagues or partners in Hampton Roads have started with a shared love for an artist or genre.

This connection extends to customers, too. A restaurant’s atmosphere, often shaped by its playlist, can make or break the experience. Whether we’re curating background jazz for a romantic evening or cranking up some classic rock for a lively happy hour, the music becomes a bridge to the community we serve.

How does music play a role in your personal or professional connections?

Going deeper …

Music isn’t just entertainment. It’s a way of thinking, feeling, and creating. From jazz’s improvisation to rock’s fearless innovation and opera’s balance of precision and passion, it shapes how I lead, solve problems, and connect with others.

As you think about your own work or the conversations you share in Hampton Roads, consider how music could inspire you to see things differently. Next time you’re strategizing, troubleshooting, or just connecting over a meal, let the spirit of your favorite artist guide you.