From Classical Violin to Flow States: Diane Allen on Music, Speaking, and Leadership
Oct 10, 2024
Listen on:
How can you unlock your flow state and prevent burnout?
In a recent episode of the Dominate Your Day podcast, I spoke with Diane Allen, a professional violinist turned keynote speaker and TED Talk presenter. Diane’s unique journey from the classical music world to the speaking circuit is not only fascinating but also inspiring, particularly for leaders looking to harness their strengths and enter a state of flow.
From Classical Music to Public Speaking
Diane’s musical career began in the traditional way—decades of intense training, a degree from the prestigious Manhattan School of Music, and a successful stint as a lead violinist in a prominent orchestra. "I had the full classical training violinist background,” she explains. “When [YouTube] came out, I was an early adopter and I got on there. I was one of the first people doing tutorials.” After rewatching her videos, she realized she needed public speaking training.
What began as a curiosity blossomed into a passion for public speaking. At first, Diane kept her two worlds—violin and speaking—separate. But after some encouragement from friends, she started to see how the two could collide. “It wasn’t until they did collide that my speaking business took off,” she says. It was in this convergence that she discovered her sweet spot—a powerful synergy between music and speaking that resonated with audiences.
Hitting Rock Bottom and Rediscovering Music
However, Diane’s journey wasn’t a straight path. During a particularly challenging period of her life, her son was struggling with depression, and her mother was suffering from Alzheimer’s. At this low point, she felt numb and disconnected from her passion for music. Despite having a leadership role in her orchestra, Diane described feeling "numb" as she performed. "I was done," she explained, detailing how she took a year off, sold her beloved violin, and walked away from the classical world.
It wasn’t until years later, at a film festival, that Diane’s love for the violin reignited. After watching a documentary about countercultural artists questioning societal norms, something clicked for her. “I borrowed a violin, played a little Bach, played a pop tune… It took 10 minutes for me to realize I was not done with the violin. I was done with classical music,” she reflects.
This realization sparked a new phase in her career. Diane didn’t return to classical music, but instead, she explored new musical forms. Shortly after, she combined her new style with speaking, performing her own music at a leadership event. The fusion of her two passions led to a powerful realization: leading through music was more than just a metaphor for leadership—it was a visceral experience of connection, energy, and flow.
The Power of Flow State in Leadership
For Diane, this concept of “flow” became central to her work. In her speaking engagements and upcoming book, she explains how flow—an optimal state of mind where you feel and perform your best—can transform both personal and professional lives. Leaders, in particular, can benefit from understanding how to access flow and lead their teams with renewed energy and purpose.
Diane shares that when you’re in flow, your own work excites you. You lose all sense of time and self. Your inner critic shuts off, fear disappears, and you’re filled with ideas and insights. She describes it as being in a “positive feedback loop” where the more you invest in your work, the more it energizes and refuels you.
Diane also explains the neuroscience behind flow, emphasizing how certain hormones—like endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin—are released during this state, amplifying learning, creativity, and happiness. For leaders, this means that the key to combating burnout and imposter syndrome lies in finding ways to work in flow, making it a sustainable source of motivation and performance.
Practical Steps for Leaders to Access Flow
In her book, Flow: Unlock Your Genius, Love What You Do, Diane outlines a three-step process to help people, particularly leaders, tap into flow more regularly.
Her advice to leaders: Start by recognizing the moments when you feel most energized and passionate about your work. Reverse engineer those moments to create more of them. Leaders can also encourage their teams to identify when they feel in flow, creating a culture that fosters energy and creativity rather than one that drains it.
Diane Allen’s journey from classical violinist to public speaker highlights the importance of embracing change, even when it feels daunting. For leaders, her story underscores the value of integrating passion and work to create an environment of flow.
About Diane Allen
International speaker, violinist, and author Diane Allen, is a global authority on the flow state. She is known for her experiential Keynotes, Training, and Coaching programs that go Beyond Engagement™, featuring her three-step Flow Strategy™ system, which empowers people to get into their flow state, be in their genius, and love what they do.
Episode Minutes:
- Minute 1:00 — Diane’s Journey from Violinist to Speaker
- Minute 10:00 — The Power of Flow State
- Minute 15:00 — Applying Flow State in Leadership
Episode Links:
- Visit dianeallen.com
- Access free guide + videos: Flow Essentials: Tools to Unlock Your Best Self
- Get your copy of Flow: Unlock Your Genius, Love What You Do
- Learn more about The Strengths Journal
- Visit danawilliamsco.com
Did you enjoy this episode of Dominate Your Day?
If so, please rate, review, and follow us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! This helps more people find Dominate Your Day, so they can learn to live in their strengths, transform their life, and dominate their day.
Rate, review, and follow the podcast on:
Journal your way to a life with purpose
The Strengths Journal™ is the only Gallup-certified, daily planner that guides you to live in your strengths every day. No more leaving your CliftonStrengths Assessment in your desk drawer. Now you can use The Strengths Journal™ to channel your unique strengths and dominate your every day! Get your copy of The Strengths Journal™ here.
Sign up for the Weekly Leader's Digest
Each week we'll send you easy action items you can incorporate into your daily work routine to help you become a better leader.
By signing up, you are joining the Dana Williams Co. email list. We never sell our data. You can unsubscribe at any time.
