Becoming the Conductor

My Journey from Manager to Leader

Eliza Sapir Koren
2 min readNov 9, 2024

In today’s world, everyone talks about the difference between being a “leader” and just a “boss.” It’s a distinction that has fascinated me for years, and I’ve spent so much time researching, reflecting, and working toward understanding what it truly means to lead. Yet, it wasn’t until recently that I fully grasped the art of leadership — and I have music to thank for it.

Since childhood, I’ve been captivated by opera, especially the orchestra. There’s something magical about watching musicians come together, each with their own skill and passion, to create something beautiful as one. Coming from a musical family, where almost everyone plays an instrument (mostly the piano), I grew up with a deep appreciation for classical music. Although I never had the chance to learn an instrument myself, I still make music a part of my life: I listen to orchestral pieces daily and attend performances whenever I can.

This passion is something I’ve passed on to my children, enrolling them in music lessons and encouraging them to find joy in playing. Recently, their music teacher, who also plays in an orchestra, invited me to attend a concert. That day, I had navigated a particularly tough day as a manager, handling multiple challenges and decisions. When I finally sat down in the concert hall, the power of the music washed over me — and I had a realization that changed how I see my role.

Watching the conductor guide each musician, weaving together their talents into a single, harmonious piece, I understood that my role as a manager is much like that of a conductor. A conductor doesn’t play the instruments themselves, but they’re responsible for creating the conditions where each musician can bring their best, and together, they create something greater than the sum of their parts.

As a manager, my team is my orchestra. My job isn’t to play each “instrument” but to empower each person to shine in their role, ensuring they feel valued, connected, and part of something bigger. I have the responsibility — and the privilege — to guide them toward a common vision, to support them in achieving it, and to trust in their unique skills to bring it all together.

So here’s my advice: be the conductor. Bring out the best in your team, inspire them to play their part in the symphony, and remember that the harmony you create together is something no single person could achieve alone. When you see your team’s work come together beautifully, there’s no greater reward — for you, for them, and for your audience. And that, truly, is the essence of leadership.

And here is a small recommendation to watch and get some inspiration and joy:

https://youtu.be/fd16sNr9T2Q?si=uKlNybeUEq4czna5

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Eliza Sapir Koren
Eliza Sapir Koren

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