What heartbreak means (and a pro bono consulting offer)

Rejection is an experience everybody encounters at some point in their career. I recently experienced a deal falling through, a disappointment that shook me but also surfaced a long-suppressed passion.

I began my career in music and audio products with a love for drum gear and a desire to make it better. For 20 years, I’ve worked in this field, but I’ve always held onto that original aspiration.

The first time I had truly allowed myself to dream about fulfilling my childhood ambition was a recent opportunity in the drum business. I was in discussions for something that seemed like the perfect convergence of my direct operating knowledge in the product category, experience building multiple internal startups (plus one of my own), and deep domain expertise.

I found myself reminiscing about young Dan. He spent countless afternoons obsessing over dog-eared, slightly crumpled Modern Drummer magazines and catalogs from legendary brands like Gretsch, Yamaha, Tama, DW, and Zildjian on his carpeted bedroom floor. (Before neatly placing them back in their dedicated filing cabinet, just like any other teenager would do, right? 🤓) Without trying, I found myself taking pages and pages of notes on questions to ask, ideas to consider, topics to learn about, examples and case studies that could be applied.

Pursuing your passion can be filled with anticipation, hope, dreams, and, in this case, heartache. Despite great initial conversations with the team, I was informed that they had decided not to proceed. My disappointment was profound, and I felt my heart pounding, palms sweating, and tension at the back of my skull. I also felt sadness, frustration, and even a sense of loss for what could have been the most meaningful and fulfilling work of my career.

In processing these feelings, I’ve prioritized self-care and mindfulness. I’ve allowed myself to fully experience my emotions rather than avoiding them. This approach has been helpful in seeking clarity and perspective. But I won’t lie—I am suffering, from headache to nausea, to discomfort in my belly and chest.

But why? Rejection is a regular occurrence in prospecting for work as a consultant. It’s not as if every call results in a request for my bank details.

Upon reflection, I feel that the depth of my disappointment underscores how deeply connected I am to the original passion that brought me into business: innovation in drums and percussion. This realization has reinforced my belief that I must continue to pursue this path, even if this particular opportunity did not work out, and even if it’s only a small part of my work.

I believe in the power of generosity leading to good things. I want to take this moment as an opportunity to give: I am announcing availability of pro bono (no-cost) consulting services to two drum and percussion companies, to support their innovation and growth. I want to catalyze positive change in the business I love.

If you know a company that could benefit from this offer, or want to discuss collaboration, please reach out. Together, we can discover new possibilities and create a promising future for drummers and the companies that serve them.

The path ahead may not be clear or easy, but I am committed to following my passion and making a difference in music and audio, and in the instrument that has been central to my life. This experience has reminded me that disappointment can lead to growth and renewal. I’m excited for the next part of this journey—with you.