Francois Pachet is not only a professional jazz guitarist, but he's got a computer science degree - and he utilises both skills simultaneously in his role at Sony's R&D Lab. He's got several strings to his fret, you might say. As anyone who knows me can imagine, this article really resonated with me and was quite inspirational.  As a champion of transferable skills and pursuing multiple careers, that on the surface appear so far apart, but in reality fuse together in some wonderful ways, it's fascinating to read how the skill set required to be a jazz musician, complements so well a role in tech. Jazz musicians have to improvise, make fast decisions, using already learned and practised knowledge, and they also have to react to, as well as anticipate, what their band musicians (read, team) are going to do, or have done - in order to entertain (read, serve) their audience (read, clients). 

I'm not a jazz musician, instead I'm a classically trained pianist, clarinettist and opera singer. I'm also a professional Careers Coach, and started out my career at one of the Big 4 Professional Services firms on their graduate scheme, all from a Music and Italian degree. Not quite the career one might expect, but I wouldn't change it.  As musicians, we appreciate the significance of the 10,000 hours theory of purposeful practice in order to be proficient in our instrument, we work as collaborative teams and regularly communicate with people from different cultures. Showing up to rehearsals on time and being well prepared is key to success, and performing under pressure to small and large audiences, sometimes in unpredictable circumstances, is what we prepare for. Musicians  have to obey rules stringently, whilst judging how to be creative and add a personal touch to everything. And perhaps most importantly of all, we do it because we are passionate about it, and are motivated and truly driven to give every performance our absolute best. These qualities contribute to what all hiring managers are seeking, passionate people, ability to work in teams, ability to cope under pressure. But they aren't just found in musicians, sports people strive for similar qualities too as do many others. Good on Sony for recognising and harnessing this talented and multifaceted individual.