Leadership is one of those skills that doesn’t just live in a single place. It travels with you, shaping how you show up no matter the job, the people, or the challenges. For me, leadership was forged over a decade in federal law enforcement as a U.S. Marshal—a career that demanded resilience, quick thinking, and a calm presence under pressure.

Today, those lessons are just as crucial in my life as I manage creative teams in two very different fields: music production and functional medicine. Though they might seem worlds apart—one full of melodies, emotion, and collaboration, and the other grounded in science, healing, and care—the leadership principles I learned in law enforcement continue to guide how I work with people and build teams.

Here’s how my experience in federal law enforcement helps me lead creative teams effectively in music and medicine.

The Power of Listening First

One of the most important leadership lessons I learned as a U.S. Marshal was the value of listening. In high-pressure situations, it’s tempting to jump to conclusions or issue commands quickly. But the best leaders take a moment to listen—to understand the situation, the people involved, and the context before making decisions.

In both music production and running a medical practice, listening is foundational. When I work with artists, I listen not just to their music, but to their story, their vision, and even the things they don’t say outright. That helps me support their creative expression in a way that feels authentic.

Similarly, in the functional medicine practice Colleen and I are building, listening to patients and staff creates trust. When people feel heard, they’re more engaged and open. It’s not just about telling someone what to do—it’s about collaborating to find the best solutions.

Leading with Empathy and Respect

Law enforcement can be tough and direct, but it also requires empathy—especially when leading diverse teams or working with the public. Understanding different perspectives and treating people with respect builds a stronger, more unified team.

In creative environments, whether a studio session or a medical office, emotions can run high. Artists may be vulnerable, patients may be anxious, and team members may feel overwhelmed. Drawing on empathy helps me create a safe space where everyone can be themselves and do their best work.

Leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice or the one with all the answers. It’s about understanding people’s needs and motivating them with respect.

Staying Calm Under Pressure

One of the most challenging parts of being a U.S. Marshal was staying calm when situations got intense. Whether coordinating an operation or handling an unexpected crisis, I learned to keep a level head and focus on clear communication.

That skill has been invaluable in the studio and the clinic. Deadlines, technical glitches, patient emergencies—stressful moments happen. When tension rises, I remind myself and my teams that panic doesn’t solve problems. Clear thinking and steady leadership do.

By modeling calmness, I help keep everyone focused and productive, turning what could be chaos into manageable challenges.

Clear Communication is Everything

In federal law enforcement, miscommunication can have serious consequences. I learned the importance of clear, direct communication—not just to give orders, but to make sure everyone is on the same page.

In music and medicine, clear communication prevents misunderstandings and keeps projects moving forward. I make it a point to check in regularly with artists, producers, staff, and patients to clarify expectations and provide updates.

Good communication also means being honest. If something isn’t working or a deadline might slip, I address it upfront. That builds trust and creates a culture where challenges can be tackled openly.

Building Trust and Accountability

Trust doesn’t come overnight—it’s earned through consistency and integrity. During my time as a Marshal, I had to build trust with my team quickly, often in high-stakes environments. That meant showing up consistently, owning mistakes, and holding everyone accountable, including myself.

Those lessons translate directly to leading creative teams. I set clear goals and expectations, then support my team as they work toward them. If someone falls short, I don’t shy away from difficult conversations. Accountability creates a culture where people feel responsible not just for their work, but for the team’s success.

At the same time, I lead by example. I own my part of the process and don’t expect more from others than I’m willing to give myself.

Embracing Adaptability and Continuous Learning

Law enforcement taught me that no plan survives contact with reality completely intact. Flexibility is key. You have to adapt quickly and learn from every experience to improve.

Creative work and healthcare are no different. Trends in music change, new therapies emerge, and every patient is unique. I encourage my teams to stay curious, keep learning, and embrace change rather than resist it.

That mindset helps us innovate and grow instead of getting stuck in old habits or fear of failure.

Why Leadership Matters Beyond the Job

Leadership isn’t just about managing teams or hitting goals. It’s about creating environments where people feel motivated, supported, and valued. That’s true whether you’re producing a hit song or helping someone reclaim their health.

My journey from U.S. Marshal to music producer and functional medicine entrepreneur has shown me that leadership skills are universal—and they grow with you. The people I lead today may not wear uniforms, but they deserve the same respect, empathy, and guidance I learned to give on the job.

If there’s one thing I hope others take from my story, it’s that leadership is less about the role you hold and more about how you show up. The challenges and lessons from federal law enforcement shaped me, but they don’t define me. What matters is how I use those experiences to uplift the people I work with every day.

Whether I’m in the studio mixing tracks or collaborating with medical professionals, leadership means listening, communicating clearly, staying calm, and building trust. It’s a lifelong practice—one that I’m proud to carry forward.

If you’re leading a team, whatever the field, remember this: your ability to connect with people, manage pressure, and lead with empathy will always be your greatest asset.