For me, the intersection of my scientific roots and the creativity that helps me lead innovation for one of the world’s largest food and agriculture companies came from an unlikely place—the bass!
Playing the bass is a deep passion of mine. I could spend hours covering the greats, from James Jamerson Jr. (You may not know him, but you should! He was the driving force on countless Motown classics) to Verdine White, anchor and cofounder of the iconic band Earth, Wind & Fire.
That turned out to be time well spent. What’s really that different between a TED Talk, supporting a Santana-type solo, or pitching a first-of-its kind innovation? While on the surface they might seem completely separate, they rely on the same three principles.
1. Lead by lifting up
The bass is rarely in the limelight. But together with the drums, the bass drives the beat of the song, at the same time providing the harmonic foundation. It helps set the stage for the singer and solo instruments. The bassist’s number one job is to make everyone sound better. The mood, the feel, and the vibe of the song heavily rides on the bass.
Much like the bass, I’ve always felt that my role as a leader is to set the organization’s foundation and rhythm—moving everyone in the same direction and to the same beat. Like the bass, I try to focus on maximizing everyone’s individual potential while moving collectively with a shared vision to accomplish the organization’s biggest priorities and tackle its hardest challenges.
2. The magic comes from preparation and practice
The best musicians seem so relaxed and in control when they play. The same is true for leaders—whether in the boardroom, the lab, or in customer meetings. The more command you have in the hot seat, the more preparation is required beforehand.
This one I learned from my mother, Hedwig Bilgram, who was a world-famous classical organ and harpsicord player. As a professor at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Munich, Germany, practice was her number one expectation for all her students. Growing up I remember her practicing long hours regardless of whether she was playing in front of 50 people or 2,000. She told me, “Everyone who paid for a ticket to listen to me play deserves my fullest effort,” followed by her typical line, “The more effort you put into practice, the more effortless on stage!”
