I interviewed James Daly, CEO and Founder of the San Ramon Academy of Music, co-founder of the San Ramon Chamber Ensemble and San Ramon Youth String Orchestra, and founder of The Powerful Piano.
Beyond his work in music and tech, James is also a competitive powerlifter.
We chat about music, fitness, productivity, and time management, including his sophisticated planning system on Apple Notes which helps him run his life and work.
And at the end of this video, watch James perform on the piano 🎹.
People often say, “I’m not creative…that’s for others,” which makes it easy to avoid trying. It’s a feedback loop of self-doubt that traps many of us. But I’d say this: you are creative. Everyone is. It’s just about finding what truly resonates with you.
– James Daly
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QTR — Manage time well. Achieve big goals.
Topics we discussed
00:24 The Importance of Being Organized
02:21 Finding Drive and Motivation
06:08 The Role of Music Education
26:12 Balancing Music and Fitness
41:32 The Importance of Protein, Fat, and Carbohydrates
42:43 Tracking Progress and Using Apps
43:50 Body Weight Exercises and Weight Training
47:03 The Role of Technique in Preventing Injuries
48:56 Finding a Good Personal Trainer
51:47 The Unique Qualities of Great Musicians
01:03:11 The Journey from Performer to Teacher
01:17:03 Balancing Multiple Roles and Staying Organized
01:23:22 Balancing Work and Family on Weekends
01:24:42 Task Management Tools and Techniques
01:26:03 Personal Goals and Achievements
01:28:05 Effective Team Management
01:30:03 The Importance of Creativity and Flexibility
01:37:10 Starting and Maintaining Productive Habits
01:54:20 Insights on Business Success and Mentorship
Insights from James
“Teaching isn't just about the notes or technique—it’s about creating a safe space for students to be themselves.”
– James Daly“Organization is a form of self-care and love—it’s how I make everything possible.”
– James Daly“You have to be able to do stuff regardless of how you feel.”
– James Daly“Can you just start with five minutes of meditation each day? It sounds simple, but it's surprisingly hard. How can you expect to journal, do affirmations, and create a vision if you can’t even meditate for five minutes? We all start somewhere—just like when I first went to the gym. It’s about taking that first step, however small.”
– James Daly“To be truly exceptional at anything, you have to be selfish—though not in a negative way. I know professional athletes whose lives are entirely centered around their goals, and it has to be that way. It’s not that they’re selfish people—it's just the reality of what it takes.”
– James Daly“I follow my intuition in everything—business, decision-making, all of it. It’s like standing in a lake: if you kick around, the water gets murky, but if you stay still, you can see clearly to the bottom. A clear mind helps me make choices that feel grounded in principles and good morals.”
– James Daly
