Elizabeth Rowe: Former Principal Flutist on Redefining Excellence Beyond the Spotlight

Elizabeth Rowe is a leadership and executive coach whose career sits at the unique crossroads of world-class performance, leadership coaching, and advocacy. For two decades, she was the principal flutist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. In 2018, she made national headlines with a landmark equal pay lawsuit — an act of courage that earned her recognition as one of The Boston Globe’s “Bostonians of the Year,” calling her “The Fighter.”  During her TEDx talk The Lonely Onlys, she shared how imagination and vulnerability can help us build connection and community. In her coaching work, Elizabeth works at the intersection of personal and professional development, helping high achievers thrive in high-pressure environments and navigate major career or life transitions with ease and confidence.

Summary

In this conversation, Elizabeth Rowe shares her journey from being a principal flutist with the Boston Symphony Orchestra to transitioning into leadership coaching. She reflects on the emotional farewell to her music career, the challenges of maintaining passion, and the importance of quality over quantity in practice. Elizabeth discusses the pressures of live performances, the significance of emotional expression in music, and her experiences with mistakes and internal pressures. She also addresses her lawsuit under the Equal Pay Act, the courage to explore new paths, and the evolution of her definition of excellence. Ultimately, Elizabeth emphasizes the importance of trusting the process and finding fulfillment beyond the spotlight.

 

Takeaways

·        Resilience is forged through setbacks and failures.

·        Quality and focus in practice matter more than hours logged.

·        Success comes from focusing on inputs, not just outcomes.

·        Perfectionism can protect but also isolate.

·        Vulnerability creates connection and growth.

·        Most obstacles for high achievers are internal, not external.

·        Excellence evolves from proving worth to providing value.

·        True fulfillment comes from connection, purpose, and service.

 

Notes

Websites:

I Am Elizabeth Rowe

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