Matt Ross, Entrepreneur, Media Executive, and Author of Grow or Fold

Episode 400 – and the start of our 8th year of the podcast!We welcome Matt Ross — entrepreneur, media executive, and author of the book Grow or Fold: Transform Yourself in Midlife & Beyond.Matt's WebsiteMatt's Facebook pageLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-ross-entrepreneur/Matt has spent nearly 30 years building businesses at the intersection of creativity and leadership. He led New York’s legendary rock station Q104.3 and hip-hop station Hot 97, helped scale School of Rock from a struggling startup into a global franchise, and later founded One River School, a first-of-its-kind art education company now with fifteen schools across six states. Grow or Fold — Why This Book, and Why Now?Matt, you’ve spent decades building creative organizations—from School of Rock to One River School. What inspired you to write Grow or Fold, and what does that title mean to you personally?From Rock Stages to Art Studioso Throughout his career, Matt has made creativity the core of every organization he’s led, whether inspiring musicians, mentoring young artists, or empowering educators to think like innovators.What lessons carried over from building School of Rock that helped you launch One River School—and how did those experiences change your view of what creativity really means?Building Communities Through ArtOne of your core beliefs is that creative spaces are essential for wellbeing and connection. How have you seen art schools, studios, and community programs transform the lives of students and adults alike?Creative Growth and Leadership at Every AgeYou’ve said that creativity isn’t just for the young—it’s the key to staying sharp as we age. How can leaders, educators, and professionals rediscover their creative edge during midlife transitions or after major life changes?The CEO as Creative — and the Creative as CEOYou’ve lived in both worlds—the creative studio and the C-suite. What can business leaders learn from artists about innovation, and what can artists learn from CEOs about sustainable growth?You write about nurturing originality and trust in teams. What are the most effective ways leaders can foster that kind of environment?You’ve described Grow or Fold as a mindset for sustainable creativity and leadership. How can people apply that mindset to their daily lives, especially in times of uncertainty or change?Matt, for listeners who might be standing at a crossroads in their own careers or creative paths — what’s one action they can take today to start ‘growing’ rather than folding?Thanks to our sponsor, White Cloud Coffee — fueling creative conversations everywhere. Listeners, enjoy 10% off your first order at whitecloudcoffee.comAnd before you go, be sure to download your free e-book of A World of Creativity when you visit mark-stinson.com.