For years, the consensus has been that AI is going to replace “low skill” jobs.
But, could an AI replace you as CEO in your music school?
Harvard Business Review recently published a story of an advanced AI model making strategic decisions for a company… and BEATING hundreds of advanced business people in its ability to lead that company.
The AI designed products better, made better decisions based on metrics, and (in general) helped the company grow faster in a situation in which there were hundreds of thousands of possible options.
So - is that it?
Are we CEO’s obsolete?
This would seem to play on all of our insecurities as a CEO…
The impostor syndrome…
The thought that many owners and founders have…
One degree in music didn’t equip us to lead a company, build robust teams, make sound decisions, do advanced financial analysis, or do long-term forecasting for our music school business.
Well… here’s the thing…
While the AI made ruthlessly efficient decisions…
There were things that it was terrible at, such as:
Handling a crisis or unexpected events well (like the pandemic)
It didn’t take into account the soft skills needed to effectively lead a team
Nor did it take into account the kinds of skills to make effective hiring choices (it wasn't part of the simulation)
In fact, the hundreds of micro-decisions we make on a weekly basis were not part of the simulation at all
It only responded to ACTUAL events happening… it had absolutely no ability to see changes and trends coming that would impact company direction (ironically, it would have not been able to see how big a game-changer AI would have been early in that trend, LOL)
So, our jobs are safe… For now.
But, this is the reason that Nate and I made the Founder’s Forum…
As CEO’s of a large and growing business, we are at the center of every aspect of the business.
And while tools can help us do our job better… it’s OUR judgment that will ultimately help us to succeed.
It falls on us to:
Build a lasting team of leaders inside the business
Build culture so that we attract and retain the right people to build the business with us
Develop systems and KPI’s for holding our staff accountable as we build together
Beginning in November, Nate and I will be leading a small group of owners who are committed to doing just that (among many other things).
The Founder’s Forum — a mastermind that:
Focuses on helping music school owners scale to 7 figures and beyond
Uses systems, leadership strategies, and effective delegation to build a self-sustaining school led by you and your "leadership team"
Shifts you from being an overwhelmed operator to a confident CEO with a clear vision
Uses proven frameworks from Brooklyn Music Factory, accountability sessions, hot seats, “Done With You” sessions, and customized roadmaps tailored to your unique challenges
Every member is aligned toward sustainable growth, profitability, and a balanced life
Is led by Nate Shaw and Daniel Patterson, who bring decades of music business expertise to the table
The focus is on implementation and real-time problem-solving—not endless theory, abstract advice, or taking yet another course
Feels like collaborating with a trusted group of friends who genuinely understand your struggles and want to see you succeed
We’re putting together a “dream team” of owners of mid-sized, large, and “ultra-large” schools.
