In this episode, Bernhard Kerres shares insights from an unexpected meeting with 30-40 banking executives who just completed an orchestra leadership workshop. Their biggest takeaway? Even world-class musicians practice daily—but leaders rarely rehearse difficult conversations. Plus: Why the PR2 Framework matters, what to do when your opera co-star doesn't sing her lines, and why AI can't replace consultants in high-stakes meetings (yet).
Bernhard's leadership framework is based on his opera background:
- Prepare - Understanding the wider ecosystem, project context, and company environment
- Rehearse - Working efficiently with your team within strict time limits (like 3-hour orchestra rehearsals with one 20-minute break)
- Perform - Authoritative leadership when it counts (example: when the house is on fire, you can't discuss feelings)
- Reflect - The hardest part as you move up in hierarchy; requires people who give you well-founded feedback, not just praise
LINKS:
- RolePlays.AI - www.roleplays.ai (free feedback scenario available)
- Onlettvint - www.onlettvint.com (Feedback framework partner)
If you run leadership workshops or training programs:
- Orchestra leadership workshops available (contact Bernhard)
- RolePlays.AI scenarios can be customized for your organization
- Free feedback scenario available for trial
- Reach out: www.bernhardkerres.com
This Week's Challenge:Before your next difficult conversation (feedback, performance review, objective setting):
- Identify what makes it difficult
- Actually practice it once (even just talking through it)
- Notice the difference
Try It:
- Visit www.roleplays.ai
- Try the free feedback scenario
- Practice a conversation you've been avoiding
Bernhard Kerres is an executive coach, founder of RolePlays.AI, and the first opera singer to become a C-level executive of multi-million Euro tech companies. He was the only artistic director of a world-leading concert house to bring his startup to Silicon Valley. Based in Vienna, Austria, he coaches executives at firms like Henkel, PwC, and Strategy&, and teaches at London Business School.
More at: www.bernhardkerres.com
LinkedIn: Connect with Bernhard Kerres
Hashtags: #CoffeeAndCoaching #Leadership #Practice #RolePlaysAI #DifficultConversations
Leadership, Executive Coaching, Difficult Conversations, Practice, Feedback, Performance Reviews, Orchestra Leadership, PR2 Framework, AI in Consulting, Banking Leadership, Situational Leadership, RolePlays.AI
Key Takeaway: Even world-class performers practice daily. When's the last time you rehearsed a difficult conversation?