Wynton Marsalis: Leading from the Back

In this episode of Questions Are Greater Than Answers, we explore the leadership philosophy of Wynton Marsalis, the visionary Artistic Director of Jazz at Lincoln Center and one of the most influential cultural leaders of our time. Marsalis is often seen at the front of the stage, horn in hand — but his true leadership power comes from how he leads from the back: through listening, collaboration, and a deep respect for the individuality of every musician in the orchestra.

Drawing from interviews, essays, and critiques of his work, we examine how Marsalis uses jazz itself as a blueprint for leadership. Jazz becomes a living metaphor for shared responsibility, conversation, and democratic expression. At the same time, we look at the tensions and criticisms surrounding his more traditionalist approach — raising questions about innovation, gatekeeping, and the fine balance between protecting cultural heritage and allowing an art form to evolve.

This episode invites you to reflect on powerful questions:

• What does leadership sound like when the leader isn’t the loudest voice?

• How do we preserve what matters while making space for what’s emerging?

• And what can jazz teach all of us — educators, executives, and community builders — about listening, trust, and shared purpose?

Wynton Marsalis shows us that leadership isn’t always about taking center stage. Sometimes, it’s about shaping the space where others can shine.

Links Mentioned in this Podcast:

Wynton Marsalis, Live at the House of Tribes

How Music and Leadership Connect with Reggie Quinerly (Ep. 08)

In this episode, Dr. Russ explores the powerful connection between flow state—the psychological experience of total absorption and peak performance—and one of the most legendary live music moments of the modern era: D’Angelo’s 2000 Voodoo Tour with The Soultronics.

Drawing from the work of psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, this episode breaks down how D’Angelo and his 12-piece supergroup achieved an extraordinary level of collective flow on stage: deep focus, perfect synchrony, trust, improvisation, and creative fearlessness. Their performances became more than concerts—they became rituals, examples of musical excellence operating at its highest frequency.

But behind the brilliance lies an important lesson. The same intensity that fuels flow can also take a toll. After months of high-pressure touring, D’Angelo struggled with burnout, identity collapse, addiction, and reclusion. This episode explores what leaders, creators, and teams can learn from both the power and the cost of pursuing flow.

Whether you are a musician, athlete, leader, or simply someone seeking meaningful performance and well-being, this episode offers insight into how flow can elevate your craft—and why recovery and psychological safety matter just as much.

Theme: Leadership Through Non-Traditional Lenses

Welcome to Season Seven of Questions Are Greater Than Answers, the podcast where we explore leadership not through titles or hierarchy, but through curiosity, purpose, and the stories that shape who we become.

This season, we’re stepping outside the boardroom—and even outside traditional leadership theory—to examine how leadership reveals itself in unexpected places. From music and movement to food, sports, and art, we’ll look at how creativity, culture, and lived experience can teach us more about leading others—and ourselves—than any textbook ever could.

We’ll explore Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s Flow State through the electrifying 2000 D’Angelo and The Soultronics tour, and what happens when a group of artists tap into collective mastery.

We’ll study Wynton Marsalis, who leads the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra from the back of the ensemble—modeling a style of leadership grounded in trust, humility, and shared excellence.

We’ll examine Dawn Staley, an introvert who never wanted to coach, yet built a powerhouse at the University of South Carolina by leading with authenticity, values, and fierce belief in her players.

We’ll look at Carlo Ancelotti, and how something as simple as food—yes, food—has become his signature tool for building belonging and culture at Real Madrid.

We’ll dive into Joslyn Thompson Rule’s philosophy of movement, and how physical well-being connects to resilience, change management, and empowerment.

And finally, we’ll explore how Netflix’s Chef’s Table reveals the power of employee voice—showing how creativity flourishes when leaders give people room to experiment, fail, and grow.

Through each episode, we’ll ask the same core question:
What can leaders learn when we look in unexpected places?

If you’re ready to rethink leadership—
to stretch your imagination—
and to learn from artists, athletes, chefs, and innovators—
then this season is for you.

Let’s get started.
Because in leadership, just like in life…
the questions will always be greater than the answers.