Music Makes Better Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs live busy lives as it is, which are often filled with stress and pressure from various angles. With the challenges that the current crisis brings and the uncertainty that the future beholds, they need more than ever to turn to methods and solutions that can contribute to their mental health. Music is one tool that brings energy to a lethargic mind and respite to a weary soul.

Let’s see how busy entrepreneurs use music as they go through the rigours of their journeys.

“Music has a significant effect on my mood and my emotions.”

– Kym Huynh

WeTeachMe Founder Kym Huynh finds music as an integral part of the human experience. “I use it to lift my mood and comfort, boost general happiness, and reduce anxiety. For me, music is an easy – and powerful – way to transform how I feel and, consequently, how I think.”

Kym, former President at EO Melbourne, also talked about how music has piqued his interest in the human mind.  “I'm particularly curious about how music can influence cognitive function. A tool I use for concentration –  https://brain.fm/ -- creates functional music that is optimised for focus. I find that the frequency of this music shifts me into one of focus and concentration, and the cerebral shift starts from minute 2 onwards.”

“I also listen to 432 Hz frequency music as part of my morning routine that was taught to me by Warren Rustand, called the 10.10.10. Without fail, this frequency of music, combined with the 10.10.10. in my morning routine, prepares me for an exceptional day. As a side benefit, music tuned to 432 Hz is softer and brighter. It is said to provide greater clarity and is easy on the ears,” Kym added.

“Music is good to start your day and end your night.”

– Tui Cordemans

For Tui Cordemans, Director at Koh Living, there is nothing like a hard trance to move your stress levels and get the energy flowing. “As COVID hit, I went back to my 20’s and started running and listening to hardcore trance which stopped any thought patterns and got me ready and pumped for the day.”

She described how she starts her mornings with energy-boosting music. “I have been listening to albums such as trance essential and hard trance anthems. I highly recommend this strategy if you are experiencing any negative thought patterns because the music is so intense and loud that you just have no place for any other thoughts. During stressful times, having an empty mind is potentially the best place to go to have a mental break. In the mornings, it is very easy to start with this music because your mind is not exhausted from the day.”

This is in stark contrast as to how Tui ends her nights, as well as the kind of music she listens to when she caps her day. “On the flip side, when I want to relax at the end of a night, I often enjoy pure silence. I find this extremely relaxing. I became accustomed to this after spending years doing meditation. If I do listen to music at the end of a day, it has to be classical as I find it dissolves my day into pure bliss. Pretty extreme change from my morning music, I know.  My brain is fairly exhausted from the day, so silence or listening to classical music works for me. Something like Swan Lake from Tchaikovsky, The Four Seasons, Vivaldi or even Rigoletto by Pavarotti – all great stress busters!”

“Music has a huge effect on my wellbeing.” 

– John Liston

“I would go as far as to say it’s the single most important thing in my day-to-day life,” said John Liston, Director at Liston Newton Advisory. “I have Spotify on throughout the entire day. I use it for energy and momentum when doing work. I use a good song to celebrate a win during the day or to get my energy back up if it’s been a hard day. I use it when cooking dinner and spending time with the kids to make things more upbeat and fun.”     

Apart from having it at home, music is also part of his work environment. “In the pre-COVID days, we would have a UE Boom in our open-plan office and play music throughout the day. It’s hard to always get everyone to agree on taste, but it’s a great way to generate mood and energy in the office,” John shared.

John’s top three chill songs include: “Give Me Tonight” by Dustin Tebbutt; “Old Pine” by Ben Howard; and “Fading” by Valis Alps.

“Music is core to me as an individual.”

– Dean Cherny

Dean Cherny has been in the music industry for so many years. He is the CEO and Founder of Marketing Melodies and storePlay, as well as Managing Director of DJ Dimension – all of which are related to music. “As you might expect, music plays a massive part in my well-being. It is core to me as an individual and something that compliments almost every part of my life. From training in the morning to hanging out with the kids, I love having a soundtrack to everything I do,” Dean remarked.

He shared an experience he recently had with his family. “Only last weekend, I watched my two daughters grooving and singing along to Donna Summer’s Hot Stuff as we built Lego, and it bought such a smile to my face. These soundtracks also allow me to build a bridge with my kids as I share stories about the artists and my time in the music industry.”

Outside of the home, music still plays an integral part in his entrepreneurial life. “While my company Marketing Melodies primarily focuses on using music to help create ambience in retail spaces, we also realise the importance of using music to stimulate, boost, and motivate the workforce in these environments.”

Dean stated the significance of music in a work environment. “The correct playlists can indeed help boost productivity in shops and offices. More laidback, relaxing music works best for periods of concentration, whilst more upbeat music helps to boost energy levels towards the end of the day.”

And if you’re curious as to what are Dean’s must-listen music, here are his top five ‘chill’ artists and albums:

1. David Gray - White Ladder

2. Massive Attack - Blue Lines

3. Maxwell - Maxwell’s Urban Hand Suite

4. Morcheeba - Big Calm

5. George Benson - Give Me The Night

What is music to you?

Let us know how music has played in your personal and professional journey. Comment below your thoughts or share your favourite songs that have become a significant part of your life.

Playlist for busy entrepreneurs

Busy entrepreneurs need to unwind to relieve themselves from the stress of work and other responsibilities. Whether it’s spending a day at the beach, hiking to the mountains or simply listening to songs while you do your day-to-day chores can help you rejuvenate and recharge. Music has a deep effect on the emotions. Ballads can make you feel mellow, while upbeat songs may tend to energise you.

You may not listen fully to the entire lyrics of a song, but some portions may jump out and connect with your innermost being. If you’re looking for this type of songs, here are some suggestions that you can include in your playlist. Note the highlighted lyrics that may motivate you when you’re feeling down and out.

Billionaire – Travie McCoy and Bruno Mars

“I wanna be a billionaire so freakin' bad, buy all of the things I never had. Uh, I wanna be on the cover of Forbes magazine, smiling next to Oprah and the Queen.” There’s no harm in dreaming, and this song encapsulates the vision of someone who wants to make it big.

The Distance – Cake

“Because he's racing and pacing and plotting the course, he's fighting and biting and riding on his horse.
He's going the distance.” Entrepreneurship is like a wild race. Motivation, persistence and determination are needed to keep you going to reach your goals.

The Story of Your Life – Matthew West

“This is the story of your life. You decide how the rest is gonna read. This is your chance between the lines to redefine what kind of legacy you leave.” The song reminds you of the legacy you want to leave behind as an entrepreneur, family person and business leader.

Firework – Katy Perry

“Cause baby, you're a firework. Come on, show 'em what you're worth. After a hurricane comes a rainbow. Maybe a reason why all the doors are closed so you could open one that leads you to the perfect road. Like a lightning bolt, your heart will glow. And when it's time, you'll know.” If you need some boost of confidence, Katy Perry’s song can give you a good dose of encouragement.

I Believe I Can Fly – R. Kelly

“I believe I can fly. I believe I can touch the sky. I think about it every night and day. Spread my wings and fly away. I believe I can soar. I see me running through that open door.” Believing in yourself is key to surmounting any challenge that comes your way.

Rise Up – Pennywise 

“Well, your point of view it belongs to you, no one can take it away. Dare to envision, hold on to your decision, take control of each passing day.” The song’s words are a reminder that you have to own up to your vision and stay committed to it.

The Time Of My Life – David Cook

“But now I'm risin' from the ashes. Finding my wings. And all that I needed.” Mistakes and hardships are part of the journey. They are the spice of life that makes you learn and become stronger and better than before. Failure happens only when you give up.

Unwritten – Natasha Bedingfield

“Drench yourself in words unspoken. Live your life with arms wide open. Today is where your book begins. The rest is still unwritten.” You chart your course, and you carve your path. As a business leader, you go where others fear to tread and create something that will actualise your vision.

Survivor — Destiny’s Child

“I'm a survivor. I'm not gon' give up. I'm not gon' stop. I'm gon' work harder.” The business space is a cutthroat world. It takes guts and determination to survive the competitive journey.

Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You) – Kelly Clarkson

“What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Stand a little taller.” Learn from every experience you go through and turn the negative into positive.  

Now, you may opt to include in your playlist genre that you prefer to listen to and songs that you can relate best. There are millions of music that you can select for your different moods. Check which ones can motivate and inspire you in your entrepreneurial journey.