Songs Professionals Listen to Before Important Meetings
by: Anastasia KlinovskaPosted on:

The Power of the Pre-Meeting Playlist: Tuning Your Mind for Success

Whether you are stepping into a high-stakes negotiation or staring at a blank whiteboard waiting for a “lightbulb moment”, the right environment is everything. While we often focus on our notes or our coffee, one of the most effective tools for mental preparation is often sitting right in our pockets: music.

Science suggests that the right track can do more than just fill the silence. Listening to music before a big event can trigger dopaminergic activity, boosting your mood and confidence. For brainstorming, ambient soundscapes or lo-fi beats help lower cortisol levels, reducing stress and allowing the brain to enter a more fluid, creative state. From the “Mozart Effect” enhancing spatial-temporal reasoning to high-BPM “hype tracks” priming us for dominance, the “soundtrack of success” is a real psychological phenomenon.

To see how this works in practice, we reached out to a few professionals to see what they hit “play” on when the pressure is on. Here is our curated list of songs people listen to before important meetings or when brainstorming:

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1. “Coming Home” by Diddy & Dirty Mone

The first track on our list comes from Chris Stokes, Founder of HomeFront, a veteran-owned HVAC business based in New Braunfels. Here is why he associates “Coming Home” by Diddy & Dirty Money with his pre-meeting ritual:

Before a big proposal or system design meeting, I put on “Coming Home” by Diddy & Dirty Money. Something about that track grounds me. It’s about returning to what matters, and that’s exactly the headspace I need when I’m about to sit across from a homeowner who’s stressed about a $15,000 quote they got somewhere else.

Running a veteran-owned HVAC business means my decisions carry weight for real families. When I walk into a consultation, I’m not just selling equipment. I’m telling someone they don’t have to spend $30K to get quality comfort. That song reminds me why I started HomeFront in the first place.

The music slows me down just enough to listen first, sell second. That mindset is what turned free second opinions into one of our strongest trust-builders in New Braunfels.

2. “Gimme Shelter” by The Rolling Stones

The next track on our list comes from Daryl Rands, Owner of Vision Overhead Doors. Here is why he associates “Gimme Shelter” by The Rolling Stones with his high-stakes decision-making:

“Gimme Shelter” by The Rolling Stones. Before a big decision (like committing to same-day emergency service across the Okanagan Valley or pricing a custom installation), I’ll put it on because it forces me into “risk and responsibility” mode in about 10 seconds.

In a service business, you don’t get to hide behind long timelines – someone’s commercial overhead door is off-track or slamming shut and their day is on the line. That song reminds me to think like a Red Seal Carpenter: build it right, build it safe, and don’t guess.

It also resets my brain toward preventative maintenance, which is a myth I’m always trying to bust: doors shouldn’t wait to be serviced “after they break.” When I’m tempted to overcomplicate a plan, it pulls me back to simple execution – show up, diagnose fast, and leave the customer with a door that’s reliable.

3. “The Chain” by Fleetwood Mac 

The next track on our list comes from Mike Erickson, Founder of AFMS. Here is why he associates “The Chain” by Fleetwood Mac with his pre-negotiation focus:

As founder and CEO of AFMS, with over 30 years optimizing supply chains for clients like Honda and Starbucks – saving them $4.5 billion across 3,000+ companies – I rely on “The Chain” by Fleetwood Mac before high-stakes decisions.

Its relentless rhythm reminds me the supply chain link can’t break, mirroring how I audit freight invoices to cut costs amid 2025’s tariff uncertainty.

Before negotiating carrier rates for John Deere, I blast it to stay laser-focused, ensuring data-driven deals that slashed their shipping expenses by millions, just like my college football days ranking second in field goals at Portland State.

4. “The Man” by Aloe Blacc

The next track on our list comes from Cody Dampf, President & Co-Owner of American Home Pros. Here is why he associates “The Man” by Aloe Blacc with his professional mindset:

Before big decisions, I put on “The Man” by Aloe Blacc. There’s something about that opening line – “I’m the man” – that isn’t arrogance, it’s a reminder of accountability. When you’re leading a team, every decision lands on you.

I think about it this way: when we launched our Warm Our Neighbors program – giving away fully installed furnaces to families who couldn’t afford heat – that wasn’t a “safe” business decision. It took conviction. That song helped me silence the doubt and move forward anyway.

Marines taught me that hesitation costs more than action. Music is just another tool to get your mind right before you step into the room.

5. “Changes” by David Bowie

The next track on our list comes from Cristina L. Amyot, President of EnformHR, who uses a classic anthem to navigate the complexities of human resources and organizational culture. Here is why she associates “Changes” by David Bowie with her professional approach:

Honestly, the song I keep coming back to before big decisions is “Changes” by David Bowie. Running an HR consulting firm means I’m constantly helping organizations navigate transitions – restructurings, culture shifts, leadership changes – and that song captures the inevitability of change without making it feel threatening.

What I love is the lyric “turn and face the strange.” That’s literally what I coach senior leaders to do when they’re tempted to go quiet during organizational uncertainty. Employees are watching, and the leaders who lean into change openly – communicating more than feels necessary – are the ones whose teams come out stronger on the other side.

Before I walk into a tough client meeting where I’m delivering hard HR news, that song reminds me to lead with honesty and empathy rather than sugarcoating. Ben Franklin said “When you’re finished changing, you’re finished”- and Bowie lived that. That energy translates directly into how I advise my clients.

6. “Orinoco Flow” by Enya

The next track on our list comes from Kristen Kearns, Founder of Luxury Marine. Here is why she chooses “Orinoco Flow” by Enya as her professional anchor:

Before key decisions like negotiating a superyacht sale or planning a vessel’s maintenance schedule, I play “Orinoco Flow” by Enya. As a Qualified Commercial Master who’s captained up to 80-metre vessels on Sydney Harbour and founded Luxury Marine, this track centres me with its sailing imagery and steady rhythm.

Take the time I walked a buyer through a 2002 model during due diligence – spotting survey issues that saved them thousands. The song’s expansive feel mirrors commanding a tall ship from Athens to Monte Carlo at nineteen, demanding focus amid uncertainty.

It evokes the water’s unforgiving precision I’ve lived since eight, filtering out noise to protect client assets through clear budgeting, crew coordination, and fast cash sales within weeks. No hype, just grounded perspective for stronger outcomes.

7. “Believer” by Imagine Dragons

The next track on our list comes from Preston Guyton, Founder of ez Home Search, who uses high-energy rock to sharpen his focus on lead conversion and team performance. Here is why “Believer” by Imagine Dragons is his go-to:

“Believer” by Imagine Dragons primes me before high-stakes brainstorming on lead conversion strategies or team coaching sessions. As founder of ez Home Search and co-founder of Reside Platform and Digital Maverick, I’ve scaled real estate teams nationwide by instilling structure and drive – much like the song’s raw energy that turns obstacles into fuel.

Before auditing ISA calls at Digital Maverick, where we check for full criteria, motivation, and challenged timelines, I play it to sharpen focus. It echoes the script I teach: asking “Of all the reasons for this move, what has you looking?” to uncover hidden drivers, filling those critical 2-minute motivation slots without interruption.

That beat reinforces personal drive, preventing burnout by realigning time blocks – just as we guide teams from chaos to production, setting more appointments via CRM nurture flows.

8. “All I Do Is Win” by DJ Khaled

The next track on our list comes from Ryan De Freitas, Founder & CEO of New Way Enterprise LLC, who operates in the high-stakes world of compliance technology. Here is why he uses “All I Do Is Win” by DJ Khaled to sharpen his professional edge:

“All I Do Is Win” by DJ Khaled. There’s something about that track that cuts through the noise right before I have to make a high-stakes call – whether it’s finalizing our secure filing architecture or deciding how to position NYLTA.com against a new regulatory update from NYDOS.

Running a compliance tech platform means decisions have real consequences. A misclassified beneficial owner or a missed filing deadline isn’t just an inconvenience – it’s a legal liability for a small business owner who trusted us. That song puts me in a headspace where hesitation isn’t an option.

The repetition in the track mirrors how I think about compliance systems: consistency beats brilliance. Our automated status assessment works because it runs the same rigorous logic every single time, not because someone had a creative moment.

9. “Hells Bells” by AC/DC 

The next track on our list comes from Aaron Estep, Owner of Buckeye Electrical Solutions, who relies on a rock classic to prepare for the high-voltage demands of electrical contracting in Northeast Ohio. Here is why he turns to “Hells Bells” by AC/DC:

I put on “Hells Bells” by AC/DC when I’m heading into a high-stakes decision. I run Buckeye Electrical Solutions in Northeast Ohio, and when you’re responsible for permitted service upgrades, panel replacements, and rewires, you can’t “feel” your way through it – you need calm, focus, and a hard reset into execution mode.

That opening is basically my cue to slow down and run the checklist: load calculations, code requirements, scope creep, and what could fail after we leave. I’ve overseen 60+ permitted jobs since 2021, including a full 6,000 sq ft commercial rewire, and that song helps me stay deliberate when the timeline is tight and the consequences are real (downtime, failed inspection, safety).

10. “Lose Yourself” by Eminem

The final track on our list comes from Haiko de Poel, Marketing Specialist at Palmetto Surety Corporation, who uses a modern classic to bridge the gap between strategy and execution. Here is why he turns to “Lose Yourself” by Eminem:

Before any major rebranding pitch or strategy session, I put on “Lose Yourself” by Eminem. One shot, one opportunity – that framing is exactly how I approach every critical decision.

When I was rebuilding the entire brand identity for Palmetto Surety Corporation, I listened to it on repeat before every stakeholder meeting. That urgency translated directly into execution – we relaunched one of the fastest-growing surety bond companies in the US.

Same energy carried into my work at eSURETY®, where that focused, zero-hesitation mindset helped drive $600MM in sales volume in under six months. Music isn’t background noise for me – it’s a mental trigger that collapses the gap between thinking and doing.

11. “The Glasshouse With Butterfly” by Tomáš Dvořák

The final addition to our collection comes from David Haddington, Co-Founder of Haddington & Haddington, who provides a perspective on the power of instrumental soundscapes for deep, creative immersion. Here is why he chooses “The Glasshouse With Butterfly” by Tomáš Dvořák:

Music has always played an important part in my life, especially when it comes to supporting my creative work. For decades now, I’ve listened to music while working. What I listen to depends on the work. Preparation for meetings tends to be quick and focused, so music tends to be turned off at this point.

When thinking and creating, I like instrumental music playing so lyrics don’t intrude on my consciousness. “The Glasshouse With Butterfly” by Czech composer Tomáš Dvořák is a wonderful, meandering piece originally written for the computer game Machinarium. It’s relaxing, uplifting and allows my mind to do what it does best, which is to get way too absorbed in whatever it is I’m working on.

12. “Weightless” by Marconi Union

The next track on our list comes from Morgan Wilson, Founder of creditte, who advocates for a pre-meeting ritual centered on neurological reset rather than high-octane energy. Here is why he listens to “Weightless” by Marconi Union:

Lately I’ve been experimenting with listening to “Weightless” by Marconi Union before brainstorming sessions or big strategic conversations. It is known for its ambient sound and binaural elements, which seem to help quiet the mental noise that builds up during a busy day.

Running a business means you are constantly switching between reactive work and strategic thinking. I have found that taking a few minutes to listen to something like this helps reset my head before walking into a meeting where decisions matter. Instead of trying to hype myself up, the goal is simply to slow things down and create space to think clearly.

It is a small ritual, but it helps me walk into the room calmer and more focused. When you lead meetings or make decisions every day, clarity often matters more than energy.

13. “Titanium” by David Guetta ft. Sia

The next addition to our collection comes from Michelle DeFronzo, President & CEO of ImEx Cargo LLC, who highlights the role of music in building the mental armor required for the world of global logistics. Here is why she turns to “Titanium” by David Guetta ft. Sia:

Before major meetings or when I’m mapping strategy, I often listen to “Titanium” by David Guetta ft. Sia. It’s not just the energy – it’s the message. The lyrics remind me that resilience is a decision. In aviation and logistics, especially when building digital freight infrastructure and navigating government programs, you face constant pressure. “You shoot me down, but I won’t fall” isn’t just a lyric – it’s a leadership posture.

When I’m in deeper strategy mode – building execution frameworks or designing scalable systems – I’ll switch to instrumental cinematic music. Anything with a build. It helps me think in layers. Infrastructure is orchestration. Every piece has timing, weight, and consequence. Music with momentum helps me think the same way.

For me, the right song isn’t about hype – it’s about anchoring into clarity, resilience, and forward motion before stepping into rooms where decisions matter.

14. “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC

The next addition to our collection comes from Ryan Majewski, General Manager of CWF Restoration, who draws on his military background to navigate the high-stakes world of emergency property recovery. Here is why he turns to “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC:

I listen to “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC before major strategy sessions or high-stakes restoration bids. It mirrors the high-intensity, 24/7 nature of property restoration, where my team must respond to catastrophic floods or fires within 60 minutes.

My time as an Infantry Squad Leader in the Marine Corps taught me that mindset is everything when walking into a chaotic environment. This track helps me shift from managing daily operations to making the decisive, strategic moves required to lead a top-tier restoration firm.

Whether I am navigating a complex real estate investment or scaling our sales operations, this ritual provides the mental “reset” needed to maintain a customer-first focus. It keeps me grounded in the urgency required to help homeowners recover from structural damage quickly and effectively.

15. “Back in Black” by AC/DC

The next addition to our collection comes from John Dean, Owner of Superior Air Duct Cleaning, who uses a rock staple to reinforce the high standards of his NADCA-certified trade. Here is why he turns to “Back in Black” by AC/DC:

“Back in Black” by AC/DC. Before a big estimate, a tough customer call, or a day packed with jobs, it snaps me into execution mode – steady tempo, no overthinking, just show up and do the work right.

In air duct and dryer vent cleaning, reliability and attention to detail aren’t slogans; they’re what keeps homes safer and air systems running efficiently. I’m NADCA-certified (ASCS, CVI, C-DET), and the song reminds me to stick to standards and process – especially when I’m explaining to a homeowner why a thorough truck-mounted vacuum setup isn’t the same as a small portable unit.

16. “Running with the Night” by Lionel Richie

The next track on our list comes from Caitlyn Stout, the founder and visionary behind Stout Tent. Here is why she turns to “Running with the Night” by Lionel Richie:

Before a big product launch or when I’m staring down a major sourcing decision, I put on “Running with the Night” by Lionel Richie. There’s something about that relentless, driving momentum that mirrors exactly what building Stout Tent from a $6,000 startup into a multi-million dollar global brand actually felt like.

When we were first breaking into international markets – shipping tents to six continents, navigating export logistics, troubleshooting canvas treatments for African desert heat versus Central American jungle humidity – I needed music that kept me moving through the uncertainty, not around it. That song does exactly that.

It’s not about hype. It’s about sustained rhythm. The decisions that shaped Stout Tent most weren’t made in a rush – they were made after long, methodical nights of honest thinking. That song matches that energy perfectly.

17. “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey

The next addition to our collection comes from Geoff Stanton, President at Stanton Insurance, a fourth-generation agency leader who uses a classic anthem to balance the heavy lifting of risk management with a necessary dose of optimism. Here is why he turns to “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey:

“Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey. Insurance leadership is a grind of details and worst‑case scenarios, and this song snaps me back into optimism without pretending the risks aren’t real – perfect before a tough renewal meeting or a claims-heavy conversation.

As a 4th‑generation owner of a Waltham agency (and a CIC), I’m often balancing commercial property & liability decisions for small/medium portfolios where one endorsement or limit change can materially impact a client. This track helps me stay steady and people-focused, especially when I’m advising on coverage that’s easy to skip until it’s too late – EPLI, D&O, business income, or an umbrella on the personal side.

My practical ritual is: one song, then a 10‑minute “what changes?” scan – operations, payroll/headcount, vehicles, new locations, and any leadership/HR risk. It aligns with what we preach publicly: review policies regularly, because being “adequately covered” is usually about catching the small changes before they become big losses.

18. “Breathe” by The Prodigy

The next addition to our collection comes from Felix Bagr, Owner of ITECH Recycling, who uses a high-intensity electronic track to bridge the gap between sustainability and data security. Here is why he turns to “Breathe” by The Prodigy:

Breathe” by The Prodigy. It’s aggressive but structured, and that’s exactly the headspace I need before high-stakes calls – calm enough to think, intense enough to act.

In electronics recycling/ITAD, a “small” decision (like whether a retiring server gets wiped or physically shredded) can turn into a real risk if it’s wrong. When we’re coordinating pickups, chain-of-custody, and issuing destruction certificates and weight reports, this track helps me lock into process: inventory tagging, custody checkpoints, and no shortcuts.

It’s the song I put on when we’re building a tailored program for a client who needs both sustainability outcomes (max recovery, zero landfill for hazardous components) and data-security outcomes (verified destruction). The beat is basically my reminder that compliance and speed can coexist if the workflow is tight.

19. “Everything In Its Right Place” by Radiohead

The next addition to our collection comes from Einar Vollset, Founder & Managing Partner of Discretion Capital, who uses a hauntingly structured electronic track to anchor himself in the high-stakes world of B2B SaaS M&A. Here is why he turns to “Everything In Its Right Place” by Radiohead:

“Everything In Its Right Place” by Radiohead. It slows my pulse and forces my brain into pattern-recognition mode, which is exactly what I need before I make a call that changes someone’s outcome – pricing a process, pushing an LOI deadline, or telling a founder the honest truth about runway.

In sell-side M&A for B2B SaaS ($2–25M ARR), timing is leverage: the difference between 12–18 months of runway vs 3–6 months can be the difference between running a competitive process and taking whatever’s in your inbox. That track is my mental cue to ignore the noise, stare at the metrics (NRR/churn, growth, customer concentration), and choose the next move that preserves optionality.

I also listen to it before management-meeting weeks, when we’re juggling multiple buyers and you can’t let adrenaline turn into sloppy negotiation. A calm, structured process is how we routinely create real competition and avoid the “one buyer drags you into exclusivity and retrades later” trap.

20. “Firework” by Katy Perry

The final addition to our collection comes from Adrian James, Product Manager at Featured, who brings the high-octane energy of a Super Bowl halftime stage to the world of product management. Here is why he turns to “Firework” by Katy Perry:

I listen to “Firework” by Katy Perry before important meetings and when I need a creative reset. I have a personal connection to it because my dance crew was selected to perform in Katy Perry’s Super Bowl halftime show in Arizona, and we closed the performance with that song.

That memory takes me right back to the feeling of stepping onto the field, finding my mark fast, and staying calm even when things were not exactly like rehearsal. When I hear it now, it helps me shift into a confident, upbeat mindset and reminds me to bring energy and focus to the room.

Final Thoughts

As these stories show, there’s no single formula for the “perfect” pre-meeting or brainstorming song. Some professionals turn to high-energy anthems to boost confidence and step into action. Others choose calm, instrumental tracks to slow down, think clearly, and make better decisions. And for many, music is something deeper – a personal ritual that reconnects them with their purpose, values, and experience.

What unites all these choices is simple: the right song creates the right mindset. It helps shift from distraction to focus, from pressure to clarity, and from hesitation to action.

Now it’s your turn. What song do you listen to before important meetings or when brainstorming? Share your go-to track in the comments below.

And if you enjoyed this collection, don’t forget to explore our other articles: Songs About Work: The Soundtrack of Our Daily Grind (Part 1) and Songs About Work: The Soundtrack of Our Daily Grind (Part 2). You might just find your next favorite track for getting in the zone.

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