EPISODE · Aug 5, 2025 · 17 MIN
IAM2549 - Music School Founder Helps Individual Tap Into Their Creative Side Through Art
from CEO Podcasts: CEO Chat Podcast + I AM CEO Podcast Powered by Blue16 Media & CBNation.co · host CEO Podcasts
For 20 years, Matt was an executive in the radio industry before becoming an investor and the founding CEO of the School of Rock. In five years, Matt grew the franchise from five locations to 55 schools, the largest of music schools in the world. In 2012, he opened the first One River School of Art and Design in Englewood, New Jersey, and he franchised the concept in 2017, with 12 locations, with up to five more expected to open this year. Matt believes that creativity is essential—not just for artists, but as a foundation for problem-solving, innovation, and emotional well-being. He focuses on empowering and mentoring his team, prioritizing personal development and strong culture over rigid efficiency. Over time, Matt has come to deeply value self-awareness and patience. He now shares these lessons with others and recommends using tools like Clifton Strengths and Born to Build to uncover personal strengths and build more cohesive, capable teams. Website: One River School LinkedIn: Matt Ross Instagram: mattross_oneriverschool Previous Episode: iam334-music-school-founder-helps-individual-tap-into-their-creative-side-through-art Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our premium newsletter with hacks and nuggets to level up your organization. Sign up HERE. I AM CEO Handbook Volume 3 is HERE and it's FREE. Get your copy here: http://cbnation.co/iamceo3. Get the 100+ things that you can learn from 1600 business podcasts we recorded. Hear Gresh's story, learn the 16 business pillars from the podcast, find out about CBNation Architects and why you might be one and so much more. Did we mention it was FREE? Download it today!
What this episode covers
For 20 years, Matt was an executive in the radio industry before becoming an investor and the founding CEO of the School of Rock. In five years, Matt grew the franchise from five locations to 55 schools, the largest of music schools in the world. In 2012, he opened the first One River School of Art and Design in Englewood, New Jersey, and he franchised the concept in 2017, with 12 locations, with up to five more expected to open this year. Matt believes that creativity is essential—not just for artists, but as a foundation for problem-solving, innovation, and emotional well-being. He focuses on empowering and mentoring his team, prioritizing personal development and strong culture over rigid efficiency. Over time, Matt has come to deeply value self-awareness and patience. He now shares these lessons with others and recommends using tools like Clifton Strengths and Born to Build to uncover personal strengths and build more cohesive, capable teams. Website: One River School LinkedIn: Matt Ross Instagram: mattross_oneriverschool Previous Episode: iam334-music-school-founder-helps-individual-tap-into-their-creative-side-through-art Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our premium newsletter with hacks and nuggets to level up your organization. Sign up HERE. I AM CEO Handbook Volume 3 is HERE and it's FREE. Get your copy here: http://cbnation.co/iamceo3. Get the 100+ things that you can learn from 1600 business podcasts we recorded. Hear Gresh's story, learn the 16 business pillars from the podcast, find out about CBNation Architects and why you might be one and so much more. Did we mention it was FREE? Download it today!
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IAM2549 - Music School Founder Helps Individual Tap Into Their Creative Side Through Art
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