Jazz is not about getting and playing whatever notes you want. It is about reworking themes in a manner that sounds good, that can be followed by the other musicians and that the audience enjoys. You cannot do that without first acquiring skills.

The C.E.O.'s job in a creativity-driven company is to be an impresario, not a manager.

The head of a record label sets up structures, but he also defines the sound of the label, which is to describe what is desirable, what fits and what is quality for that label and then to create an environment where that sound can thrive.

People must get respect for their new ideas.

If you come up with a new product, you can very easily track its contribution to the bottom line. But often the challenge can be both large and subtle.

In the end it is the musician who actually plays the notes. The impresario - or the project leader - is only there to make sure that happens. That is a very different type of management mind-set.

The creative process is different from the traditional production and work-flow process. It is not so linear.