WOMEN OF NAMM I BY WHITNEY BROWN GRISAFFI Leadership Is a Journey
L eadership is a journey, not a destination. It often requires navigating unique challenges with resilience and clarity. One of the most powerful ways to grow as a leader is to embrace authenticity. When you lead with your values, you inspire trust and foster inclusive environments. Building leadership skills also means cultivating a growth mindset: seeking feedback, learning from setbacks and remaining open to new perspectives. I have always approached my leadership with a degree of
ing others for feedback on your performance or the work you’ve produced is a good way to learn and improve; however, some- times it’s hard to keep your ego out of the equation. When you find yourself bristling at what is being said, it’s prob- ably the most important time for you to hear it. By staying open to different perspectives and ideas, you have the chance to make something new and better, whether it be a product, the business or yourself. Leadership isn’t about hav- ing all the answers. What I’ve found is that great leaders can have lots of good questions. I see it with my trusted advi- sors and sometimes wish I had thought to ask the question they presented. Being my authen- tic self allows me to say that thought out loud to whoever asked the great question. That acknowledgement encourages my co-workers to be their au- thentic selves and share ideas in a safe space. Finally, prioritize self- awareness. Understanding your strengths, triggers and leader- ship style allows you to lead with empathy and purpose. All in all, leadership is about empowering others, making thoughtful decisions and con- tinuously evolving. Because when all things are considered, isn’t that how you would want to be led? MI Whitney Brown Grisaffi is the president of Ted Brown Music in Tacoma, Washington. She currently serves on the NAMM Ex- ecutive Committee as treasurer, is a Music Achievement Council member and presi- dent of the Rotary Club of Tacoma.
humility and open-mindedness. I started seek- ing leadership opportunities during high school. I continued to develop skills while in a sorority at the University of Washington. After college, I was asked to participate in my church by serving as an “elder,” — an ironic title at age 27! One thing led to another, and with every opportunity I took to serve someone else, I gained experience. I have been mentored by so many, some of whom didn’t even realize they were helping me. They just thought they were sharing their opinions, which they were, but that gave me new perspectives to consider. If you’re always learning, you’re always evolving. There is an old cliche that says, “Leaders are made, not born.” I absolutely believe everyone can
become an effective leader if they choose to be. It doesn’t matter where you are in life or your career; there is always an opportunity to lead. I have lived it and have watched it with my employees at my MI dealership, Ted Brown Music in Tacoma, Washington. Some of my employees will stand wait- ing for instructions on what to do next or rely on the checklist of “what to do when there is nothing to do.” Then, there’s the employees who are always moving, looking for the next thing and encouraging their co-workers to do the same. Some of those employees are now my trusted advisors. As a result, my dealership is more successful and thriving because of how my employees have learned to lead. And I’m more successful because I have learned to listen and take good advice when it’s given. LEARN TODAY, GROW TOMORROW Having a growth mindset is about always looking for ways to evolve. What can you do today to help yourself tomorrow? Ask-
“When you find yourself bristling at what is being said, it’s probably the most important time for you to hear it.”
34 I MUSIC INC. I NOVEMBER 2025
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