Never Stop Creating: From Music to Film and Beyond with Henri Yonet

In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, Henri Yonet takes us through a remarkable creative journey shaped by two very different influences: an artistic mother and a scientific father. From experimenting with chemistry, music, and photography as a child to studying classical music, songwriting, and arranging at Santa Monica College and Berklee, Henri learned to see both creative possibilities and the structures that bring ideas to life. He shares how mentors and unexpected connections opened doors throughout his career, and how producing music, engineering sound, and working with artists taught him to listen deeply, recognize talent, and help others bring out their best. Henri also reflects on the realities of building a creative career, from running his own recording studio and navigating the pressures of business to composing under tight television deadlines and eventually moving into film and documentary storytelling. Along the way, he shares lessons about curiosity, humility, presence, self-work, and the importance of treating people well. Today, Henri is focused on writing for film and television and telling stories of his own, with the hope of encouraging greater openness, creativity, and human connection. Follow Henri Yonet on Instagram @henri_theworld  Don't miss an episode! Be sure to click on the Follow and Subscribe buttons. Follow Expressions of Leadership on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also catch the show on CKMS 102.7 FM Radio Waterloo, Canada. Discover more about host Michele Kawamoto Perry and The Forward Project's expertise in culture transformation and leadership development at www.theforwardproject.co. Chapters 00:00 Introduction: Expressions of Leadership with Henri Yonet 02:35 Growing Up Between Art and Science 06:18 Creativity, Curiosity and Childhood Experimentation 10:15 Discovering Music, Photography and Creative Possibility 14:12 Berklee, Music Education and the Structure Behind Creativity 18:35 From Musician to Music Producer 22:10 Mentorship, Relationships and Opening Doors 26:18 Learning Sound Engineering at Paramount Studios 30:42 Working With Artists and Understanding Different Personalities 34:45 Building a Recording Studio and Creative Business 39:20 The Leadership Lessons of Curiosity, Humility and Presence 43:05 Composing for Television Under Tight Deadlines 47:15 Perfectionism, Pressure and Learning to Deliver 50:35 From Music Production to Film and Documentary Storytelling 54:25 Reinventing Your Career and Telling Your Own Stories 58:10 What Henri Yonet Wants to Create Next 1:01:20 Advice to His Younger Self 1:03:10 Wisdom & Whimsy 1:06:00 Closing: Never Stop Creating