E24: From Reggae Bands to Marketing Tech: Finding Rhythm Together with Jeff Eckman, Founder of Blue Green
Episode 24 of We are Open Circle’s Beyond Listening podcast welcomes Jeff Eckman, Founder and CEO of Blue Green, to share his thoughts on creative conflict.
Jeff’s experience as a drummer playing in bands and the suprising and crucial ways that developed his skill-set.
The challenges in transitioning from pursuing a professional music career into a corporate world.
Why he priortises on an individual’s capacity to adapt, both in hiring and daily work.
Here are some of the key insights from the conversation..
Enduring a period of difficulty during his music career led him to noticing the organisational structures implemented in successful companies. This allowed him to reflect on his behaviour and adopt a more principle-led approach to working relationships.
“I was essentially having difficulty staying in certain bands... either leaving or getting kicked out. It was right about this time I was starting to see some of these organisational principles. I felt like there was power in the principles that I saw, and if people were following a certain set of principles, that they negated the individual human dysfunctional element, if the culture was open to it... but more importantly was I open to change? I could certainly see where other people needed to change, but it was harder to see what I needed to change.”
Positive interpersonal relationships are fundamental for building a healthy culture in which each person has an equal voice. Jeff’s attitude on this changed dramatically from his early years playing in bands.
“What I didn’t know and didn’t recognise at the time was how important the friendships in those jamming relationships were. I remember saying to my other band members that I thought we needed better musicians. I had no idea how dysfunctional that attitude was. I had no respect for the diversity of thought and opinion.”
Hearing management defined as ‘working with and through others to achieve organisational objectives’ instilled this quality in both his creative endeavours and professional career.
“I’ve had the privilege of being able to play on so many records and that gets shared with so many people. To be able to do that in business, create those opportunities for people both at Blue Green and those who have moved on to other companies... that gift, generating all that love... is huge. That’s what I love to do. I love to get that love and give that love.”
