"Step Into Your Power"

Music speaks where words sometimes fail, making it a powerful tool for transformation.

Music has a profound ability to move us emotionally, mentally, and even physically. As an executive coach, I’ve seen firsthand how integrating song lyrics into coaching sessions can unlock deep insights, shift perspectives, and evoke transformational change in clients. A well-chosen lyric can tap into unspoken emotions, reframe limiting beliefs, and inspire new ways of thinking about leadership and personal growth.

Why Song Lyrics Resonate in Coaching

At its core, coaching is about guiding clients toward self-discovery and action. Music, particularly lyrics, has a way of bypassing analytical thinking and speaking directly to emotions. A lyric can articulate a truth that a client might struggle to express in their own words.

Consider the song “Step Into Your Power, which appears on Ray LaMontagne’s latest release, Long Way Home. (FYI, you can click on the song titles throughout this post to link to the music.) It is an inspiring, fun, upbeat song that would be perfect for someone who needs a little boost before a big meeting. The lyrics— “If you want it, you can have it. All you gotta do is just reach out and grab it[…]Step into your power”— are a powerful call to clients who systematically doubt their positive impact on others and struggle to “own” their executive presence in the workplace.

H.E.R.’s single “The Journey” for the soundtrack to the movie “The Six Triple Eight”, written by legendary songwriter Diane Warren, is another winner: great artist, great vocals, great message. Here are a few of the lyrics:

“All the times they thought that they could hold you back
But you've always known there was no chance of that
You're made (you're made) too strong (too strong)
And when you're going with your heart, you can go
Further than you'd ever thought possible
Prove them all wrong”

If you’ve seen the movie (I recommend it!), you know its themes of overcoming obstacles and the limiting beliefs of others; the lyrics capture this message and might inspire someone doubting their place and influence.

Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now” is another favorite of mine: Freddie Mercury’s ebullient, urgent vocals beg you to get up, dance, and power through whatever you are working on or struggling with. Lyrics from Andra Day’s “Rise Up”— “And I’ll rise up, I’ll rise like the day, I’ll rise up, I’ll rise unafraid”— can inspire hope and resilience.

For a client who struggles with self-doubt or imposter syndrome, consider the song “Brave” by Sara Bareilles, which encourages listeners to “say what you wanna say, and let the words fall out.” These words can be a catalyst for conversations about confidence, authenticity, and leadership presence.

Coaching often involves helping clients shift limiting beliefs. Lyrics can serve as powerful reframing tools by introducing new narratives and perspectives. There are thousands of songs that seek to inspire and reshape thoughts and beliefs in words and music. Sometimes, a song can communicate something that a discussion cannot. So next time you're coaching a client through a leadership challenge (or being coached), consider asking: What song speaks to your journey right now? The answer just might unlock the next breakthrough.

Question: What are your go-to songs when you need a new perspective or increased confidence in your work? I will aggregate recommendations and post a “work jam” playlist soon!