How to Lead Like a Maestro: Dr. Michael Brenner’s Framework for Team HarmonyIn this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge talks with Dr. Michael Brenner, Founder and CEO of Right Chord Leadership. Dr. Brenner blends his lifelong passion for music with leadership consulting, offering a unique approach that uses musical principles to help leaders and teams perform in harmony. This conversation uncovers the power of rhythm, communication, and collaboration in leadership—and how leaders can apply the CHORDS framework to foster stronger, more effective teams.Merging Music with Leadership MasteryDr. Brenner’s dual identity as a professional musician and leadership consultant sets the tone for a refreshingly creative conversation. He discusses how decades of experience playing woodwinds—saxophone, flute, and tin whistle—has shaped his understanding of teamwork and adaptability. Just as a band relies on listening and responding to each other in real time, leaders must foster an environment where communication and respect are non-negotiables.At the heart of Right Chord Leadership is the proprietary CHORDS model: Communication, Harmony, Ownership, Respect, Direction, and Support. According to Dr. Brenner, neglecting even one of these "notes" can throw an entire team off-key. He emphasizes that high-performing organizations aren’t built on rigid hierarchies, but rather on the fluid, collaborative interplay of roles—much like an ensemble working in sync.Josh and Dr. Brenner explore the pitfalls of overcomplication in leadership. While many organizations invest in tools and strategies, they often overlook the human factors that drive engagement. Through this lens, Dr. Brenner advises leaders to prioritize clear communication, empower team members with ownership, and create a bold but realistic vision. By doing so, leaders can transform a disjointed group into a synchronized, high-impact team.About Dr. Michael BrennerDr. Michael Brenner is the Founder and CEO of Right Chord Leadership, where he helps leaders and teams "find their groove, get in sync, and work in harmony." A professional musician and award-winning educator, Dr. Brenner combines over 20 years of consulting experience with his passion for music to deliver powerful, interactive leadership training. He is a frequent keynote speaker and an expert in organizational culture, communication, and team development.About Right Chord LeadershipRight Chord Leadership infuses the energy of music into leadership development and team performance. Through interactive workshops, executive coaching, and customized programs, the firm helps organizations across industries enhance collaboration, communication, and employee engagement using the CHORDS model.Links Mentioned in this Episode:Right Chord LeadershipDr. Michael Brenner on LinkedInEpisode Highlights:How musical collaboration mirrors team dynamics in businessThe six principles of the CHORDS leadership modelWhy clear communication and ownership foster high performanceTips for creating a realistic, inspiring team visionHow to balance creativity with focused execution in leadershipConclusionDr. Michael Brenner offers a fresh and engaging take on leadership—one that champions emotional intelligence, collaboration, and purpose-driven direction. By applying the CHORDS framework, leaders can move beyond managing tasks and instead cultivate thriving, in-sync teams. As he shows, leadership isn’t about control—it’s about creating harmony.Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guestMore from UpMyInfluence:We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE.Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more here.What is your #1 Lead Generation BLOCKER? Take my free quiz here.Want to learn more about all the podcasts managed by UpMyInfluence? Opt in here.Don’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time!