DGTL Voices with Ed Marx

Episode: The Power of Voice Training for Leaders in Any Profession (ft. Serg Sanchez)

Release Date: February 16, 2026

Overview

In this engaging episode, host Ed Marx welcomes vocal coach, music writer, and producer Serg Sanchez to explore the transformative power of voice training—not just for performers, but for leaders and professionals across fields. The conversation delves into Serg's personal journey, the mechanics of vocal training, the crossover between music and executive communication, and practical tips for anyone looking to improve their vocal presence.

Main Discussion Points & Insights

1. Serg Sanchez’s Journey into Music and Coaching

• Early Influences:
  • Serg describes his transition from a Miami childhood to rural North Florida, shaping his early years of self-discovery.
  • Exposure to diverse music genres through his older brother, especially the impact of hearing "Big Empty" by Stone Temple Pilots as a formative experience (07:00).
  • Pivot moment: Meeting his wife led him to Knoxville, TN—paving the way for his career in vocal coaching and his connection to artists like Morgan Wallen (05:00-06:00).
  • On his early drive:

    “I don't have a natural ability or inclination. I actually was extremely pitchy... singing was my weakness. But I look back and I think I was very determined to somehow turn that into a strength.” — Serg (25:50)

2. Career Highlights and Artist Collaborations

• Diverse Roles: Serg wears many hats—songwriter, producer, performer, and especially vocal coach.
• Collaboration Highlights (13:30):
  • Major role in Morgan Wallen's development, both musically and as a vocal performer.
  • Other artists coached: Bailey Zimmerman, Parker McCollum, Nate Smith, Nick, Dylan Marlow, Josh Ross, Cameron Whitcomb, and more, including alternative artists like Briston Maroney.
  • Unique in combining songwriting credits with vocal coaching for several artists (13:30-14:30).

3. Typical Year in the Life of a Vocal Coach (10:19)

• The balance:
  • Split between songwriting sessions, music production, teaching both virtually and in-person, and touring with artists during summer road seasons.
  • Serg notes the “hectic but exactly how I want it” nature of his multifaceted career (10:19-11:28).

4. The Role and Value of Vocal Coaching

• Why Artists Seek Coaches:
  • Early-stage: “Singing on key… giving them regiments, the proper vocal technique and breath support, seeing if they can hold a tune” (14:39).
  • Advanced artists: Need to preserve vocal health under touring/recording strains, resolve issues with hoarseness, or prep before major sessions (15:55-16:25).
  • Personal experience: Serg lost his voice just as his band was signed, which catalyzed his journey into voice care and later coaching (16:46-17:59).

    “I was too punk rock to go do that... I blew my voice out, and it didn’t come back. The producer convinced me to see a coach, and that changed the game for me.” — Serg (16:46)

5. Transferable Lessons: Voice Training for Non-Musical Professionals

• The Case for Executive Coaching:
  • Ed relates his own experience seeing a family member’s dramatic vocal improvement after coaching, underlining how valuable it can be for anyone who "performs" vocally—leaders, speakers, executives (18:59).
• Practical Techniques for Leaders (19:38-21:50):
  • Breathing: “Public speakers… you are singing. It’s not a musical thing, but you’re getting a lot of words out. And that’s often how we lose our voice. The reality is just make sure you’re breathing also while you’re talking.” — Serg (19:38)
  • Warm-ups: Everyone—singer or not—benefits from vocal warmups, even just five minutes before big meetings.
  • Finding Your Clarity Spot: Notice where your speaking voice is most clear and natural to prevent hoarseness.

    “Make sure you find a spot in your speaking voice where you hear clarity or feel smooth. If you’re talking too low or rough, you’ll wear out quickly.” — Serg (21:15)

6. The Role of Technology and AI in Voice Training (22:00-24:30)

• In Production:
  • Using AI to model an artist’s voice for songwriting demos.
  • Leveraging recording technology for feedback and practice—"I'll have them send me recordings... I'll send them little videos” (23:13).
  • Serg addresses both the creative boost and challenges AI presents:

    “The hardest thing about AI is when you throw that [demo] on there and it does something different that you love. It’s hard to unhear that…” (24:15)

• In Coaching:
  • Tools like recording software help students visualize and improve pitch/control.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Persistence Philosophy:

  “Die trying... Almost in anything if I’m struggling, if my day has been going rough, just try. Don’t stop.” — Serg (02:50)

• Transformative Power of Voice Coaching:

  “A good coach brings it out. It’s not that she had a more blessed voice than the rest of us. We all had that raw voice. But a good coach brings it out.” — Ed (18:59)

• Coach’s Humility:

  “I was a really, really terrible singer when I started... My journey was not started off with someone saying, ‘Hey, you’re pretty good.’... It blows my mind that my journey… did not start that way.” — Serg (25:50)

• Universal Application of Vocal Techniques:

  “Executive leaders, public speakers... You’re using your voice as your instrument every day. It’s not just about singing.” — Ed (19:00)

Timestamps of Key Segments

• Serg’s playlist & musical influences: 01:32–02:43
• Life philosophy & mantras: 02:43–03:25
• Serg’s upbringing & pivotal moments: 03:34–06:00
• Entering music and early influences: 05:56–09:57
• Highlights of career & notable collaborations: 11:28–14:30
• Why artists need a vocal coach: 14:39–16:46
• Personal story of losing voice & discovering coaching: 16:46–17:59
• Transfering voice training to executive life: 18:59–21:50
• Tips for daily vocal health: 19:38–21:50
• Use of technology and AI: 22:00–24:30
• Closing reflections and Serg's final advice: 25:50–27:13

Actionable Takeaways

• Never underestimate the importance of a daily vocal routine—even for non-singers.
• Breathing and warm-ups are essential before any significant vocal activity (speaking or singing).
• Finding your natural, clear speaking voice reduces strain and prolongs vocal health.
• Technology can be a powerful tool for self-coaching and improvement.

Final Reflection

Serg’s journey from self-described “terrible singer” to respected vocal coach and producer illustrates the power of grit, self-awareness, and targeted training. Both he and Ed underscore that voice is a vital instrument for everyone—especially leaders—and that with the right habits and mentorship, anyone can unlock its potential. As Serg sums up:

“There’s a ton of weaknesses, and I have a way of just really trying to turn those into my strengths.” — Serg (27:13)

For contact information and resources mentioned, check the episode show notes.