Jazz. I absolutely love it. I know some don't. Others say it's an "acquired taste," but for me there's nothing like it.

My music journey began in the fifth grade when my parents rented my first clarinet. Through the years my training has included intense study of classical music and countless opportunities to learn and play jazz. While I continue to love both genres and cherish every note I've ever played, it is jazz that has forever captured my heart.

It's not just about the music, either. The older I get, the more I'm seeing the impact that jazz has played on my leadership style. Sounds strange, I know. But the connection between leadership and music makes sense, especially when you begin to understand the difference between classical and jazz. Both genres correlate to distinctive leadership styles.

Here's what I mean. In classical music, someone chooses the song that will be played and hands the musician the sheet music. Every note, crescendo, decrescendo, ...