We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ken Trush a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Ken, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I found my purpose through my family’s life journey. I had a very typical family life until an undetected brain aneurysm exploded inside the head of my 12 year old son, Daniel’s brain while playing basketball. He was in a coma for 30 days but that doesn’t tell the full story. He was as close to the line of death as one can get but didn’t cross over. We were told to say goodbye on numerous occasions and that if he did survive he would not have a meaningful life. He pulled through and after a year in the hospital and rehab he came home. He was different and our family was different, as he faced numerous challenges both cognitively and physically. We were also worried about our younger son, Michael as we were spending so much time with Daniel. He was amazing throughout and is now a neuropsychologist. But this story is not a pity or feel bad story. Together our family came together and formed Daniel’s Music Foundation in 2006 – www.danielsmusic.org. We understood the power of music and learned about the challenges facing our community. Since then, we have been providing free music programs for individuals with disabilities as well as disability awareness programs and haven’t looked back. We now have a staff of 25 people and have provided over 14,500 free in-person music classes for deserving individuals as well as online classes and events. We also have a record label “Just Call Me By My Name” and an annual awards show highlighting the musical talents of individuals with disabilities called “The Danny Awards.” I left the business world two years ago and it has truly been one of the most fulfilling things that I have done.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I had a successful business career for over 40 years as a CFO, EVP of Corporate Development, a CPA and a partner at a M&A firm. I loved the whole journey and it has prepared me well, now that I am spending all my time at Daniel’s Music. My passion is to continue to grow the Foundation and help more deserving individuals and show the world the talents that we see everyday. Everyone deserves a meaningful and purposeful life but that is not always the case for our members. Since music is truly the one universal language, we have the opportunity to see how our musicians come together through performance and expression. I wouldn’t change a thing – just keep making a difference everyday. And on top of everything else, I get a chance to work with my family and an incredibly talented team. We wouldn’t be where we are without everyone working together and being dedicated to making a difference.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Go deep with your knowledge and expertise rather than wide. You will know when you have hit on your passion – you will want to read, research and discuss the area with others all the time. It excites you. You don’t have to be an expert at everything – trust others to fill in the gaps. Learning an area well allows you to excel and communicate at a higher level. Dream big and then execute. I have this saying that I have been sharing with others for years –
– A great idea with poor or no execution is a dream.
– A good idea with good execution is a success.
– A great idea with great execution is Apple.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I am always looking to collaborate especially since music was not my first career. Learning fast and on the fly I am looking to collaborate with artists and music industry executives to move the needle for our artists on our label, Just Call Me By My Name. Knowledge and understanding the ins and outs plus making contacts so that our artists can flourish and level up is a high priority. Also, if your company, school or organization believes inclusion is important, we have meaningful ways to collaborate through interactive presentations, concerts and performances. Would love to hear from you – [email protected]
Contact Info:
- Website: danielsmusic.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dmfmusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danielsmusicfoundation/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kentrush/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanielsMusicFdn
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DanielsMusicFoundation
