Frank Barrett

Awarded: 2025
Born: Cleveland, OH

"Music, especially jazz, is a spiritual experience that involves vulnerability and community."

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At age eight, Frank Barrett was already playing ragtime piano duets with his grandfather. While music was a source of childhood joy, his love of learning guided him toward becoming a college professor. His passion and his professional desire would reunite as a new duet.

Currently a professor of organizational behavior at Case Western Reserve University’s Weatherhead School of Management, Frank is the author of Yes to the Mess: Surprising Leadership Lessons from Jazz. He draws parallels between the collaborative, improvisational nature of the jazz band and their flexibility to make split second musical decisions with that of the fast-paced, teamwork-based modern workplace. He has consulted a variety of global corporations on creating organizational change by employing the jazz mindset.

Prior to his career in academia, the accomplished jazz pianist played locally with Ken Peplowski.  Frank later toured with the Tommy Dorsey Band, under the leadership of trombonist Buddy Morrow.