Honing a Five-Star Board
A thriving creative enterprise isn’t just about talent—it’s about bold leadership, smart strategy, and, most importantly, a powerhouse board that makes things happen. Whether you’re launching a new venture or reimagining your board to drive growth, you need the right mix of expertise, passion, and fresh thinking to turn creative vision into real impact. Why […]
Competing for Attention, Cultural Enterprises in the Digital Age
The “attention economy,” first introduced by economist Herbert Simon, describes how businesses compete for a finite resource: human focus. In an era dominated by social media, streaming platforms, and digital entertainment, cultural organizations, and artists must rethink how they capture and sustain audience engagement. The challenge is no longer just about visibility—it’s about staying relevant […]
Confronting the Inner Critic
Imposter syndrome is a persistent sense of self-doubt where individuals, despite clear achievements, feel undeserving of their success. Originally identified by psychologists Clance and Imes in 1978, this phenomenon drives high achievers to attribute their accomplishments to external factors rather than their own abilities. Although not an official mental health diagnosis, imposter syndrome is common […]
Reimagining Urban Infrastructure
Cities around the globe are redefining urban spaces by repurposing underutilized infrastructure into vibrant cultural hubs. This strategic transformation not only breathes new life into forgotten spaces but also drives economic revitalization, builds community, and enhances the urban experience. As the integration of art and culture into urban planning is emerging as a driver of […]
The Creative Act, Rick Rubin’s blueprint for arts leadership
Rick Rubin is not just a legendary music producer—he is considered by many as a philosopher of creativity. In his debut book, “The Creative Act: A Way of Being”, he distills decades of experience into a meditation on artistic process, intuition, and the conditions that foster originality. While the book is deeply personal and reflective, […]
Breaking Bottlenecks, applying the Theory of Constraints in cultural leadership
Cultural institutions and creative organizations constantly face challenges like limited funding, shifting audience preferences, and technological disruptions. The Theory of Constraints (TOC) offers a practical framework to tackle these obstacles by identifying and addressing the biggest bottlenecks in their systems. The Theory of Constraints (TOC) is a problem-solving methodology focused on identifying and addressing the […]
Cultural Organizations as Innovation Labs
Some cultural organizations are now emerging as labs for innovation. Rather than being solely custodians of tradition, these institutions are redefining how they engage audiences, secure funding, and embrace digital transformation. Their trailblazing approaches offer valuable lessons for businesses navigating rapid change, making them an indispensable source of inspiration for leaders seeking adaptability and growth. […]
Think Global, Act Local: Empowering Arts Leaders Through Multicultural Learning
The phrase “Think global, act local,” originally coined by urban planner Patrick Geddes, serves as a guiding principle for addressing global challenges through localized actions. This philosophy emphasizes integrating global insights with a nuanced understanding of local contexts. For cultural leaders seeking to advance their organizations, GLI’s MBA in Arts Innovation provides a unique platform […]
Stuck? Time to Unlearn
Organizations across sectors are continuously pressed to innovate and adapt. Cultural organizations, in particular, face unique challenges in staying relevant, engaging diverse audiences, and sustaining themselves financially. One powerful approach to navigating these complexities is First Principles Thinking—a method that enables problem-solvers to break down challenges to their core elements and rebuild solutions from the […]
Storytelling for Impact: What Business Can Learn from Artists
A playwright might craft narratives that evoke empathy, a choreographer may tell stories through movement, and a painter can capture an entire world in a single image. For these creative professionals, storytelling isn’t merely about entertainment—it shapes perception, inspires action, and forges lasting bonds with audiences. Surprisingly, the same holds true in leadership. Leaders who […]