What a Jazz Virtuoso Taught Me About Mastery, Joy, and Making a Difference

The night before we left Orlando, the bags were nearly packed and the whirlwind of the PGA Show was finally slowing down. Joy Ross and I decided to step away from convention halls and conversations about business and technology and do something different—something live.

That decision led us to Judson’s Live, and to a performance I’m still thinking about days later.

From the first note, Gunhild Carling didn’t just walk onto the stage—she owned it. Within minutes, I realized we weren’t simply watching a jazz show. We were witnessing a masterclass in courage, discipline, and creative joy.

And then she did something I’ll never forget. She played three trumpets at the same time.

Moments later, she balanced herself, played trumpet, and laid down bass—simultaneously. It was bold, playful, technically brilliant, and utterly fearless. The audience wasn’t just applauding skill; they were responding to spirit.

That night stayed with me because it reminded me of something I’ve seen time and again in art, leadership, and life: true excellence rarely fits neatly into one box.

Click pic to see a clip of this amazing talent!

Three takeaways worth stealing

Mastery comes from saying “yes” to discomfort
Gunhild Carling’s résumé is impressive—classically trained, steeped in swing-era jazz, and fluent across instruments—but what makes her unforgettable is her willingness to stretch beyond what’s expected. Watching her perform wasn’t about gimmicks; it was about confidence earned through repetition, risk, and relentless practice. Growth doesn’t happen in comfort zones—it happens when you dare yourself to try what others won’t.

Joy is not optional—it’s contagious
What struck me most wasn’t just what she played, but how she played. There was joy in every movement, every grin, every playful exchange with the audience. That joy became the bridge between performer and listener. Whether you’re an artist, a leader, or a professional in any field, enthusiasm isn’t fluff—it’s fuel. People follow energy long before they follow credentials.

Don’t dilute your gifts—layer them
In a world that often encourages specialization to the point of narrowing ourselves, Carling does the opposite. She layers talents. Trumpet, trombone, vocals, dance, humor, showmanship—all working together in harmony. It was a reminder that our gifts don’t compete with one another; they complement each other when we allow them to coexist.

Why this matters beyond the stage

As someone who has spent a lifetime creating art and encouraging others to use their talents to make a difference, that evening felt personal. I’ve learned that the people who truly stand out are rarely the ones who follow a straight line. They’re the ones who embrace curiosity, take risks, and refuse to downplay what makes them unique.

Gunhild Carling didn’t just perform jazz that night—she modeled what it looks like to fully commit to your craft and invite others along for the ride.

Closing thought

The world doesn’t need more people playing it safe. It needs more people willing to practice, prepare, and then step boldly into the spotlight—trumpets, balance, courage, and all.

“Don’t ask if your gift is too much. Ask if you’re brave enough to use all of it.”