# Ep. 40: Bend, don't break the rhythm, with Matt West

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-leadership-dance-7102140/ep-40-bend-don-t-break-the-rhythm-with-matt-west
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-leadership-dance-7102140/ep-40-bend-don-t-break-the-rhythm-with-matt-west.md
Podcast: [The Leadership Dance](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-leadership-dance-7102140)
Published: 2026-04-27T19:19:57+00:00
Episode link: https://b41db787-e5e6-4a3e-9e61-ff750a24b66c.libsyn.com/ep-40-bend-dont-break-the-rhythm-with-matt-west
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/b41db787-e5e6-4a3e-9e61-ff750a24b66c/Copy_of_TLD_-_Matt_A_West_-milticam_-_highlight_Music__Leadership_-_040126_-_AUDIO_ONLY_-_v1.mp3?dest-id=4801357
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-leadership-dance-7102140/episodes/ep-40-bend-don-t-break-the-rhythm-with-matt-west
Duration seconds: 2442

## Resource

"The goal isn't to avoid change. It's to bend without losing yourself." In this episode of The Leadership Dance, Matt West, executive coach, facilitator, speaker, and author of Bend, Don't Break, shares how his years as a professional jazz musician shaped the way he thinks about leadership, change, and human connection. From touring the world as a trombonist to coaching leaders at some of the world's most recognized organizations, Matt reflects on the lessons that came from rewriting his own story and learning how to stay grounded in times of uncertainty. 💡Key Takeaways: Why adaptability is more than flexibility and is really a practice, not just a trait. Why frozen expertise shows up when the things that once made us successful become the things that hold us back. How critical thinking, empathy, judgment, and taste remain essential human skills in the age of AI. Connect with Matt: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/westpractices/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewwest/ Website: https://matt-a-west.com/ ✅ Sign up for the newsletter: https://theleadershipdance.substack.com/s/the-leadership-dance 👉 Listen and follow: https://linktr.ee/theleadershipdance Music from InAudio: https://inaudio.org/ "Catwalk Queen"

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## Transcript

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