Introduction

In the world of digital leadership, the responsibilities and skills of a Chief Information Officer (CIO) go beyond technical expertise and strategic thinking. For three London-based CIOs, their leadership journeys have been shaped by experiences in a very different realm: music. As musicians, they’ve learned invaluable lessons about creativity, planning, communication, and teamwork that are directly applicable to their leadership roles. The stage has become their training ground for leadership, helping them refine skills that extend far beyond the digital landscape.

The Musician’s Path to Leadership

Music has always been an integral part of their lives. Ian McKetty, CIO at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, picked up a guitar as a student. Ian Cohen, former CPIO at Accacium Group, started playing music at just 15, while Eugi Bartolo, interim CPTO at Sifted, grew up drumming in Italy. Despite having successful careers in technology and leadership across various industries, all three have a deep connection to music, and it has played a vital role in shaping their leadership styles.

Leadership and Music: The Common Thread

Playing music is a test of creativity, planning, talent, team-building, and customer satisfaction—traits that are essential for successful leadership in the digital world. For McKetty, music acts as a “safety valve,” allowing him to unwind and recharge. Cohen echoes this, recalling how music served as a release from the stresses of his work early in his career. Over time, he has come to appreciate the way music and leadership can intertwine, with the lines between the two becoming increasingly blurred.

Music is not only an outlet but also a medium for communication. Cohen explains that being part of a band allows him to engage in one of the ultimate forms of communication, which has directly influenced how he connects with his teams. The same skills of active listening and finding harmony in music are applied in his role as a technology leader.

The Importance of Patterns in Leadership and Music

Both Cohen and McKetty share a unique ability to “see shapes and patterns,” whether it’s on the fretboard of a guitar or in a business setting. Cohen emphasizes that he doesn’t rely on formal music training; instead, he plays by ear and finds patterns intuitively. This same ability allows him to build teams and identify business opportunities, demonstrating how the skills honed in music can transfer seamlessly into leadership.

McKetty, too, plays music by ear and relies on recognizing patterns. For both, music provides a creative outlet that enhances their problem-solving abilities as leaders, as they learn to navigate both the complexities of their organizations and the unpredictable nature of music performance.

The Role of Leadership in Music and Technology

While none of these CIOs are the frontman of their bands, they all play crucial leadership roles in both their teams and their musical groups. Leadership in a band requires decision-making, coordination, and the ability to handle crises—skills that are transferable to their day jobs. Bartolo, for instance, draws parallels between managing a band and leading a digital team, noting that leadership is key when dealing with technical failures, such as a broken amplifier or malfunctioning equipment. In both cases, remaining calm and focused is essential to ensure the show goes on.

Cohen points out the importance of relationships, both in music and in business. When managing technology teams or working with suppliers, trust and collaboration are paramount. Similarly, in a band, effective communication and teamwork are vital for creating a harmonious performance. The ability to navigate challenges and manage crises in a way that maintains momentum is another lesson that transcends the music world and impacts how these CIOs lead their organizations.

The Impact of Customer Experience in Both Worlds

Both in music and technology, the goal is to deliver an exceptional experience. For McKetty, Cohen, and Bartolo, their leadership roles in their respective organizations are focused on customer satisfaction and making sure that the end product—whether it’s a service, a product, or a performance—is something the audience (or customer) can appreciate. The thrill of seeing an audience respond positively to a performance is akin to the satisfaction of delivering a successful project or achieving a business milestone.

For these CIOs, playing in front of an audience of up to 2,000 fans is similar to leading an organization in delivering impactful results for customers. As Cohen explains, the joy of seeing people enjoy the music and engage with the performance directly mirrors the joy of creating solutions that impact customers positively.

Conclusion: The Leadership Encore

The lessons learned from music have shaped these CIOs’ approaches to leadership, proving that creativity, planning, teamwork, and customer focus are essential in both fields. Whether on stage with a guitar or in the boardroom leading a digital transformation, the leadership skills they’ve honed through their musical experiences have empowered them to excel in their roles.

Ultimately, being part of a band is like being part of a successful leadership team—there is a shared goal, the need for coordination, and a commitment to delivering a top-tier performance, whether for an audience of music fans or company stakeholders. These CIOs may return to their musical acts for an encore, but the leadership lessons they’ve learned from the stage will continue to resonate in their careers for years to come.