WOMEN OF NAMM I BY STACEY RYAN Lean Into the Unknown
T he first time a musician steps on stage, there’s almost always a mo- ment of doubt. The lights are blinding, the crowd feels distant and the question creeps in: What if I mess up? Then, the first note rings out, the rhythm locks in with the band, and suddenly, everything falls into place. It’s in that moment of stepping into the unknown, of risking imper- fection, that music becomes an act of courage. This same principle holds true in business, leadership and life. Growth doesn’t happen in comfort zones — it happens when we embrace uncertainty, push past fear, and allow our- selves to be our authentic selves. In any pursuit, openness plays a crucial role in progress. Asking questions, seeking guid- ance and making mistakes can feel uncomfortable, but they are necessary steps toward mastery. Too often, we hold back for fear of looking unprepared or inex- perienced. But the truth is, no one ever became great without first being a beginner. I understand this fear all too well. Walking away from a career I had spent years building — stepping into the unknown without a backup plan — was one of the most difficult deci- sions I’d ever made. What fol- lowed wasn’t easy. But eventu- ally, I found my way to School of Rock, where I quickly realized that music isn’t just about play- ing instruments — it’s about stepping into the unknown in order to grow. The fear of being open often stems from a long-held belief that
it’s a weakness. That’s not the case here. Not in music. Not in leadership. Not on this stage. UNCERTAINTY LEADS TO GROWTH At School of Rock, I see every day how leaning into the unknown leads to confidence and resilience. From the first time a student picks up an instrument to the moment they step onto a stage, mis- takes are inevitable. But rather than being a source of shame, those mistakes become essential milestones on the journey to greatness. Live performance amplifies this lesson. When a musician walks
onto a stage, they expose their work to an audience, knowing that, despite all the preparation, something might go wrong. And yet, they step forward anyway. That’s not weakness, that’s strength. And the same applies to leadership. One of the most powerful examples of this phi- losophy in action is the School of Rock AllStars Tour, where top young musicians from around the world come together to perform while raising awareness for a greater cause. The experience is about more than just music — it’s about stepping outside com- fort zones, adapting to unpredictable situations, and showing up despite exhaustion, setbacks or fear. Beyond performing, students learn the realities of life on the road — loading and unloading gear, pushing through challenges and supporting their bandmates through every performance. They learn
to open up and be authentic in a world that often demands perfection. And that lesson stays with them long after the tour ends. The lessons learned in music apply directly to leadership. The best leaders aren’t the ones who pretend to have all the answers; they’re the ones who create spaces where others feel safe enough to learn, experiment and grow. They model resilience. They admit when they don’t know something. They show others that making mistakes isn’t failure — it’s progress. Success isn’t just about technical skill
“Asking questions, seeking guidance and making mistakes can feel uncomfortable, but they are necessary steps toward mastery.”
or expertise. It’s about confidence, adaptability and the ability to collaborate. You will mess up. You will stumble. You will question yourself. And then, you will pick yourself up, find the lesson and try again. And you will be better for it. So take the risk. Ask for guidance. Step onto the stage and own the moment. Because the real breakthroughs happen when you stop fearing failure and start playing loudly, even when you don’t feel ready. MI
Stacey Ryan is the president of School of Rock and a member of women of NAMM.
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