Welcome to the inaugural episode of Rock Star MBA! I'm your host, Martin McDermott, author of the upcoming book, Rock Star MBA: 77 Untapped Lessons on Life, Business, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, & Leadership from Rock Stars.

This podcast explores the surprising truth: art and business aren't opposites, but powerful partners in understanding creativity, value, and human connection. We'll challenge you to see the world differently, drawing inspiration and actionable insights from the lives of rock stars and artists.

For our very first episode, I wanted to go big. As a 16-year-old, I was blown away by the band Riot, especially the powerful bass lines on albums like Born in America, Restless Breed, and Fire Down Under. To me, the bass player is the unsung hero of any band.

That's why I reached out to Kip Leming, the legendary bass player from Riot's classic lineup—and he graciously called me back! As I discuss in my book, often the bigger the rock star, the nicer the person, and Kip was no exception.

Join us as we dive into a conversation with Kip Leming, where you'll discover:

From one traffic light to world stages: How a small-town New Jersey kid honed his skills on dirt roads to become the powerhouse bassist for the legendary rock band Riot.

The surprising secret to a gig every night: Kip reveals the unexpected advantage of being a bass player in a town full of guitarists and drummers.

"What can you do? I'm the bass player!" Hear the hilarious and pivotal moment on a school bus that launched Kip Leming's lifelong journey into music.

Let's jump right into this incredible interview! Click the play button below.

Nancy Friedman, a former theatre actress and founder of Telephone Doctor, argues that skills from the stage are highly applicable to business. She highlights how a "showtime" mentality, rooted in her acting career, taught her valuable lessons. This includes the importance of punctuality, treating it as non-negotiable just as a play can't start without its actors. She also emphasizes the "show must go on" principle, which in business means being prepared to overcome challenges and provide a seamless customer experience regardless of internal issues. Furthermore, improvisation, a crucial skill for an actor who forgets a line, translates to a business professional's ability to adapt quickly to unexpected situations.

Friedman also built her company on the communication skills she learned in theatre. She believes that a smile can be "heard" over the phone, making a person sound more enthusiastic and approachable. She also stresses that speaking about a product or service requires passion and authenticity, similar to how an actor must deliver their lines with belief, not just read them. This also extends to fostering a positive workplace culture, as negativity can be easily perceived by others.

Friedman even suggests an unconventional hiring strategy of asking candidates about their theatre experience, as it can reveal strengths like teamwork, confidence, and adaptability. Her journey demonstrates that the arts can be a powerful training ground for developing the communication, confidence, and commitment required for success in the business world.