The “Lost Years” That Prepared Justus Zimmerman to Lead an Orchestra

Send us Fan Mail Life Is Podcast - Justus Zimmerman on building a career across acting, entrepreneurship, and orchestra leadership Episode insight Justus Zimmerman’s path from acting and rock climbing to entrepreneurship and orchestra leadership shows how experiences that seem like detours can build skills for a future you can’t yet see. He reflects on learning through risk, feedback, and failure—and on leading an orchestra by building trust and buy-in rather than relying on authority alone. Key topics Finding value in the so-called “lost years” What acting and rock climbing taught him about resilience and risk Lessons from starting a toy company Entering the orchestra world as an outsider Using feedback and humility to grow Leading through trust, empathy, and buy-in Austin’s growth and the Austin Symphony’s role in the city Choosing alignment and impact over stability or prestige Timestamps 00:00 – Introducing Justus Zimmerman and his unconventional path  05:37 – The road trip west that sparked climbing and a bigger life  09:14 – What acting and climbing taught about risk and resilience  11:48 – Starting a toy company and learning the business  17:00 – Why clever products still need to be easy to understand  18:28 – Entering the orchestra world as a marketing outsider  23:07 – Bringing digital strategy to a traditional arts organization  30:55 – Confidence, ambition, and “dare to suck”  34:08 – Feedback as a tool for growth  35:35 – Leading through buy-in, boards, and relationships  41:22 – The music director partnership and empathy  44:41 – Austin’s growth and the orchestra’s opportunity  52:24 – Reframing the so-called “lost years”  61:09 – Luck, timing, preparation, and showing up  68:47 – Knowing when it’s time to leave a good thing  73:14 – A five-year vision for the Austin Symphony  77:07 – Mission, impact, and money  78:13 – Where to find Justus and the Austin Symphony  78:58 – Closing reflection: “Life is lived gratitude” Resources & links Austin Symphony Orchestra How to Support the Austin Symphony Orchestra Austin Symphony Orchestra Instagram  Self Discovery Blueprint  Mental Edge Coherence Diagnostic  Coherence Intake - The Life Is Podcast  Books That Build The Life  St. Joseph County Public Library Events  Schedule Call with Host  How to connect with Justus Zimmerman X Account  Instagram  LinkedIn Notable quotes  “Dare to suck." “Life is lived gratitude.” “You have to be willing to be corrected.” “The title doesn’t matter as much as the output.”   Support the show