Marple Friends & Neighbors’ mission is Bringing People Together, and we are pleased to introduce you to Dr. Michael Brenner, a Broomall resident
and author of Strike the Right Chord: The Emerging Leader’s Guide to Exceptional Performance.
Michael is not only an international leadership consultant, executive coach, keynote speaker and educator, he’s also a professional musician. “When musicians work in harmony, they can profoundly move their audience,” said Michael. “The same concept works for leaders.” Strike the Right Chord
examines the essential skills emerging leaders need, such as emotional intelligence and effective communication, to manage teams and resolve conflict. “Readers will discover a wealth of clear-sighted advice to guide, challenge and enlighten them,” said Michael.
As the founder and CEO of Right Chord Leadership, Michael uses a framework he developed called the CHORDS ModelTM with his clients. This model emphasizes the six “notes” of high-performance — Communication, Harmony, Ownership, Respect, Direction and Support. “These are the cornerstones of success with any team,” Michael said. Right Chord Leadership has used this method to help numerous clients, including Habitat for Humanity, QVC, SAP, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Godiva.
Michael wanted to write a unique and unconventional book that was both substantive and fun to read. To this end, Strike the Right Chord features the CHORDS ModelTM as well as plenty of anecdotes, examples, and stories from business as well as music. “As a wonderful example of adaptability, for example, I included the story of Def Leppard’s drummer Rick Allen,” Michael explained. “Allen, who lost his arm in an accident in 1984, had to learn to play the drums with a disability that could have ended his career. Not only that, but his bandmates had to adapt to his new playing style when they
could have understandably chosen to let him go.”
Prior to founding Right Chord Leadership, Michael worked for Rosenbluth Travel, writing print and radio ads, and he later worked as an Organizational Development Specialist and Performance Consultant at both QVC and Penn Medicine. His educational background includes a Bachelor’s Degree from Rutgers University, a Master’s Degree in Adult and Organizational Development from Temple University, as well as a PhD in Adult Learning and Leadership from Columbia University.
Michael recalled the moment that inspired him to start his own company. “I’d been a consultant for a few years, and I wanted to distinguish myself in a crowded marketplace,” he explained. “With Right Chord Leadership, I was able to craft a unique vision and brand that is all me.” Michael’s unique
brand and vision come not only from his consulting career but also from his lifelong passion for music and 35 years as a professional musician.
At a young age, Michael picked up the clarinet. A few years later, he was introduced to jazz by his Haverford Jr. High School music director and he added the saxophone to his repertoire. Since the mid- 90s, Michael has been a member of the band Flip Like Wilson (FLW), performing in venues large and small along the East Coast. Locals may remember watching FLW perform at venues like Brownies 23 East in Ardmore and down the shore as they entertained crowds with their high energy blend of different musical genres.
While Michael’s decades of musical and professional experience led him to write his book, he also draws inspiration from his family. He and his wife Subhi have lived in Broomall since 2016 with their 14-year-old daughter, Nadhi. Michael said that Nadhi, who has Down syndrome, lives with a joyful heart and inspires him to do so. “She’s a bundle of joy, and she reminds me what is important,” he said proudly.
Strike the Right Chord: The Emerging Leader’s Guide to Exceptional Performance is perfect for anyone looking to strengthen their leadership skills,
and it’s available on Amazon. com. “No matter what your goal is, the book is a roadmap for developing leaders who want their teams to function like well-tuned instruments,” Michael said. “When people work in harmony, great things happen!”