When I made the transition from concert pianist to entrepreneur, I found that the skills I had acquired in 12 years of performing professionally around the world were just as useful in the boardroom as they were on the stage.
I set up my first company, Music By Arrangement, in October 2003. I was working as a session musician, at the mercy of unscrupulous music agencies, and I saw a gap in the market for a company that guaranteed high-quality performers. I realised that if I treated musicians fairly, great artists would flock to work for me.
Having played the piano for 25 years — since the age of seven — and with a degree in classical music, I found that my years of practice and diligence translated into persistence and determination.
Today, Music By Arrangement has more than 700 artists on its books. Throughout the time that I was building the business, I continued to play the piano and perform at inspiring venues.
I remember one, slightly surreal, occasion in which I was playing at a 1940s-themed after-party for one of Hugh Grant’s films. Each aspect of the event was authentic to the era and planned to perfection.
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This was the inspiration for my second launch — Orchid Events — a bespoke party-planning company with a focus on creative, imaginative events.
I believe that the communication skills I developed from my time performing on stage have proved vital in managing this company.
Whether it’s in promoting the business or understanding clients’ requirements, my capacity to relate to people and establish working relations has propelled the business forward.