The Symphony of Entrepreneurship

As a professor of entrepreneurship at Drexel University's Charles D. Close School of Entrepreneurship , I am constantly seeing parallels in my life's experiences to the entrepreneurial journey. Last night's performance of Handel's "Messiah" by the The Philadelphia Orchestra at the The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts was a vivid reminder of the connection between music and entrepreneurship. As we close out the week and continue through the holiday season, please find within this article some personal reflections on this experience, weaving in the principles of entrepreneurship, anecdotes from my very brief teaching career, my much longer investment career, and a few insights into Handel's life, as the historian in me can’t help myself.

The Setting

The air was charged with anticipation as I settled into my seat at the Kimmel Center on Broad Street, awaiting the Philadelphia Orchestra's rendition of Handel's "Messiah." I have had a few rare nights alone this week, so I treated myself to a performance. The grandeur of the venue and the buzz of the audience reminded me of the bustling energy of a successful startup environment, similar to the Baiada Institute for Entrepreneurship at Drexel University , an incubator and resource for Drexel entrepreneurs. As the first notes resonated through the hall, I was transported into a world where music and entrepreneurship spoke the same language.

Harmony and Teamwork

The orchestra's seamless harmony brought to mind the first principle I impress upon my students: the importance of teamwork in entrepreneurship. Each musician, like each member of a startup team, played a distinct role, contributing to a greater whole. As I sat in my seat, I thought of the company, Lula Commerce , a Drexel University student (and alumni)-led venture where diverse talents have come together to create an operating system for the convenience industry. The violin's melody intertwined with the cello's undertones resembled how a software engineer’s skills complement a marketer's storytelling in a startup.

Leadership and Conducting

Last night's conductor, Nicholas McGegan with his passionate and precise gestures, was the epitome of leadership – a quality I emphasize in my entrepreneurship classes and have admired over my career in investments. His role mirrored that of a CEO or CIO (Chief Investment Officer), guiding and inspiring the team towards a unified vision.

Just as a conductor skillfully interprets a musical score and leads the orchestra to create a harmonious and cohesive performance, a CIO expertly navigates the complexities of financial markets, guiding the investment strategy to achieve a unified financial objective. Both roles require a deep understanding of individual components – instruments in an orchestra, or asset classes in a portfolio – and the ability to synchronize them effectively. The conductor's and CIO's success hinges on their foresight, decision-making, and ability to adapt to changing circumstances, whether it's adjusting to the acoustics of a concert hall or responding to economic shifts. In essence, both the conductor and the CIO blend artistry with technical mastery to orchestrate performances that resonate with their respective audiences, be it in a concert hall or in the financial markets.

From an entrepreneurial perspective, this reminded me of Paige DeAngelo , CEO of Aer Cosmetic , a recent graduate who turned her idea of a renewable mascara company into a thriving business, much like how a conductor transforms a score into a living, breathing piece of music.

Innovation

Handel's innovative spirit in composing "Messiah" reflects the entrepreneurial mindset of challenging norms and creating something novel. Handel's courage in presenting a religious theme in a concert setting was a bold move in his time. This innovation paralleled Evan Ehlers , Founder at Sharing Excess , a Drexel University alumni, who broke conventional barriers by revolutionizing food sharing by solving the logistical barriers of rescue and redistribution for social impact.

Discipline and Practice

The discipline of the orchestra members was a live demonstration of what we teach about the dedication required in startups. Handel’s own life was a testament to this. Despite facing financial troubles and health issues, he composed "Messiah" in just 24 days. This resilience resonated with me personally, recalling the early days of my own entrepreneurial ventures, leaving the financial services industry after more than two decades and starting a small podcast media company. Now as host of the Dakota Live! Podcast, interviewing the investors I have greatly admired through the years, I am reminded of the importance of taking risks and sticking with it.

Triumph Over Challenges

When the "Hallelujah" chorus filled the hall, I felt a surge of inspiration. It reminded me of the exhilarating moment when a student entrepreneurial venture achieves its first significant milestone. This chorus symbolized the triumph over challenges, much like a startup celebrating its first pitch competition win.

Empathy in Leadership

The aria "He Shall Feed His Flock" brought a sense of calm and reflection. It made me think of the empathetic leadership needed in entrepreneurship. This piece illustrated how a leader, much like a shepherd, should guide and nurture their team. I am reminded of this often when consulting with Kelly Kiel Garramone and the team at KRW International , who emphasize in their work and coaching the importance of a caring and responsible approach to leadership.

As the performance continued, I reflected on my journey as a new professor. Teaching entrepreneurship, for me, has become about guiding students through a symphony of challenges and opportunities.

I share stories and experiences with my students about the discipline of artists, musicians, writers, and creators, drawing parallels to the entrepreneurial journey. Music, especially a masterpiece like "Messiah," had always been a source of personal inspiration and a tool I used to encourage creative thinking among my students.

Overcoming Isolation

Exploring Handel's life, I’m reminded how he overcame loneliness and isolation. Despite facing periods of financial strain and health challenges, Handel found himself often isolated from the mainstream musical community. Yet, he persevered, akin to an entrepreneur navigating through the solitary phases of building a business from the ground up. His resilience in composing "Messiah" during a time when he felt detached and alone serves as a powerful lesson in persistence and believing in one's own abilities, even when feeling disconnected from the world.

The Symphony of Entrepreneurial Success

As the final notes of "Messiah" echoed through the hall, I was filled with a sense of completion and awe. The performance was not just a musical experience for me; it was a journey through the principles that underlie both music and entrepreneurship. Handel's "Messiah," performed beautifully by the Philadelphia Orchestra, was a reminder of the symphony that plays out in the entrepreneurial world – a world where harmony, leadership, innovation, adaptability, discipline, and empathy come together to create something truly magnificent.

This experience reinforced my belief in the power of teaching these principles, using music as a metaphor for the entrepreneurial journey. It was a harmonious blend of art and business, echoing the timeless relevance of Handel's masterpiece.