Guest Michael Roberts had already taken on the identity of musician—specifically singer—while in high school. He was encouraged by his parents to attend college where he could be pursue what he loved while being exposed to a wide range of subjects and experiences through a liberal arts curriculum. It would also be convenient if he attended Dartmouth, the same place his three siblings had already enrolled. And so he did, and he continued to live into the singer identity, graduating into a master’s program in vocal music with his sights set on continuing a professional voice career. When he moved to New York and saw others who had gained the discipline and more honed skillset that an undergraduate conservatory experience provided, he realized he might have to supplement his earnings with something else.

He landed a job in consulting and, swiftly moving through the ranks, realized strategy consulting let him dwell in big ideas and communicate with a variety of people. Eventually, his experience in strategy and internal consulting at the top levels of a number of global firms, led him to a project setting strategy for marketing operations. This eventually led to his gaining an on-the-job MBA in marketing and to leadership roles and finally the Chief Marketing Officer role. Throughout his business career, he has been able to apply the lessons at the core of making music—taking risks, putting in the work to get better, and learning how to communicate what you need to say to a new audience all the time.

In this episode, find out from Michael how getting better at communicating what you have in mind and connecting with people can help make impact in the world…on Roads Taken with Leslie Jennings Rowley.

About This Episode's Guest

Michael Roberts is currently Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at MetLife, one of the global leaders in insurance, annuities, and employee benefit programs. Previously he has held the CMO role and other senior strategy and marketing positions at some of the biggest names in the financial sector including TIAA and Vanguard. He lives in Brooklyn with his wife and two children and is still an active classical vocalist.

Executive Producer/Host: Leslie Jennings Rowley

Music: Brian Burrows

Find more episodes at https://roadstakenshow.com

Email the show at RoadsTakenShow@gmail.com

Find more episodes at https://roadstakenshow.com

Executive Producer/Host: Leslie Jennings Rowley

Music: Brian Burrows

Email the show at RoadsTakenShow@gmail.com

Music Lessons: Michael Roberts on getting better and connecting with an audience

Roads Taken