Jazz Impact

Negotiating Change

Jazz improvisation and the corporate business model share foundational elements—both require creativity, agility, empathy, and flexibility. These are the very skills that many corporations depend on for success in a dynamic business landscape. By applying the principles of jazz to the corporate environment, Jazz Impact fosters an innovative response to change, enhancing teamwork, creativity, and innovation.

Jazz Impact incorporates the Five Dynamics of Jazz, an acronym APRIL, into its seminars. These dynamics are: Autonomy (self-governing and adaptable), Passion (the drive for excellence), Risk (exploring new methods), Innovation (creating new solutions), and Listening (understanding and responding to others). The program uses these principles to demonstrate the critical business skills of improvisation and risk mitigation, providing insights that have an immediate impact on business operations and team dynamics.

Through the "Jazz Impact Experience," which includes a live, interactive performance by a world-class jazz ensemble, participants engage in improvisational exercises that stimulate company creativity and innovation. Each seminar is tailored to the specific goals of the event, typically lasting 60-90 minutes and focusing on business culture, music, and team building. This approach transforms the traditional keynote presentation into a powerful learning experience that empowers audiences and facilitates change.

Jazz Impact was developed by Michael Gold, Ph.D., who spent many years as a jazz bassist in New York City before integrating his music expertise with business acumen. After teaching and managing the jazz department at Vassar College, Gold transitioned to a corporate role, bringing his unique perspective to enhance collaborative dynamics and creative energy in professional settings.