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Ep 202 How Trust, Feedback, and Validation Turn Staff into Stakeholders
In this episode of The Stroke It Podcast, host Jenny Townsend turns a last-minute guest no-show into a real, unscripted conversation with two key team members from Music Compound. Membership Director Alyssa and instructor/operations lead Taylor share what it’s actually like to work inside a growing, creativity-first organization — the wins, the culture, and a few places they’d love to streamline.
You’ll hear how Jenny uses validation, flexibility, and growth opportunities to keep her team invested — and you’ll also hear, very honestly, how too many channels or rapid-fire ideas can overwhelm people on the front lines. Alyssa talks about being “all in” since 2017, why being seen matters more than perks, and how choosing a word of the year helps her stay grounded. Taylor shares how teaching, band programs, and student performances fuel him — and why leaders should understand the day-to-day if they want long-term buy-in.
It’s candid, team-centered, and perfect if you lead people, want to build a stronger culture, or just love hearing how a creative business keeps its heart.
--
What You’ll Hear in This Episode
✅ Why Jenny put the Music Compound team on mic — and why showing off your people matters
✅ Alyssa’s journey from “every role” to key leader (and why words of affirmation work)
✅ How validation, inclusion, and being “in the loop” make team members feel essential
✅ Where communication can break down — too many tools, not enough filters
✅ Taylor’s perspective from the teaching side: energy, performances, and keeping it fun
✅ Honest feedback for leaders: react slower, simplify, and know what your team actually does
✅ Why culture at Music Compound = community through music
Chapters
00:00 Welcome and why this episode is different
02:15 Meet Alyssa — membership, culture, and feeling valued
07:40 What validation looks like on a real team
12:30 Feedback for leaders on reacting and communicating
16:55 The “word of the year” practice
20:40 Student performances and parent moments
24:05 Meet Taylor — music, bands, and operations
28:10 Love languages at work
32:45 Culture at Music Compound
37:20 Where leaders can improve
42:00 Energy and schedules
47:10 Give people their flowers
50:30 Jenny’s closing encouragement
Order Stroke It now at jennyaldaytownsend.com/book. Your order includes a signed copy, shipping and handling, and great Bonus items!
Follow the Stroke It Guide on socials to stay connected and to get tips on how you too can get your STROKE on'!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennyaldaytownsend/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thestrokeitguide
Check out more about Jenny Alday Townsend by visiting http://www.jennyaldaytownsend.com
Did you know there are free downloads available on my website? Go to All Products | Jenny Alday Townsend and snag the 4 Ground Rules to Elevate your life. Planning your future? Develop your 1-3-5 and change your life path!
View all episodes
By Jenny Alday Townsend
5
2424 ratings
In this episode of The Stroke It Podcast, host Jenny Townsend turns a last-minute guest no-show into a real, unscripted conversation with two key team members from Music Compound. Membership Director Alyssa and instructor/operations lead Taylor share what it’s actually like to work inside a growing, creativity-first organization — the wins, the culture, and a few places they’d love to streamline.
You’ll hear how Jenny uses validation, flexibility, and growth opportunities to keep her team invested — and you’ll also hear, very honestly, how too many channels or rapid-fire ideas can overwhelm people on the front lines. Alyssa talks about being “all in” since 2017, why being seen matters more than perks, and how choosing a word of the year helps her stay grounded. Taylor shares how teaching, band programs, and student performances fuel him — and why leaders should understand the day-to-day if they want long-term buy-in.
It’s candid, team-centered, and perfect if you lead people, want to build a stronger culture, or just love hearing how a creative business keeps its heart.
--
What You’ll Hear in This Episode
✅ Why Jenny put the Music Compound team on mic — and why showing off your people matters
✅ Alyssa’s journey from “every role” to key leader (and why words of affirmation work)
✅ How validation, inclusion, and being “in the loop” make team members feel essential
✅ Where communication can break down — too many tools, not enough filters
✅ Taylor’s perspective from the teaching side: energy, performances, and keeping it fun
✅ Honest feedback for leaders: react slower, simplify, and know what your team actually does
✅ Why culture at Music Compound = community through music
Chapters
00:00 Welcome and why this episode is different
02:15 Meet Alyssa — membership, culture, and feeling valued
07:40 What validation looks like on a real team
12:30 Feedback for leaders on reacting and communicating
16:55 The “word of the year” practice
20:40 Student performances and parent moments
24:05 Meet Taylor — music, bands, and operations
28:10 Love languages at work
32:45 Culture at Music Compound
37:20 Where leaders can improve
42:00 Energy and schedules
47:10 Give people their flowers
50:30 Jenny’s closing encouragement
Order Stroke It now at jennyaldaytownsend.com/book. Your order includes a signed copy, shipping and handling, and great Bonus items!
Follow the Stroke It Guide on socials to stay connected and to get tips on how you too can get your STROKE on'!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennyaldaytownsend/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thestrokeitguide
Check out more about Jenny Alday Townsend by visiting http://www.jennyaldaytownsend.com
Did you know there are free downloads available on my website? Go to All Products | Jenny Alday Townsend and snag the 4 Ground Rules to Elevate your life. Planning your future? Develop your 1-3-5 and change your life path!