Building Welcoming Culture and Trust: JoAnn Newman's Leadership Philosophy at Orlando Science Center

🎙️ From Engineering Bull Pit to Science Center CEO: JoAnn Newman's Journey at Orlando Science CenterJoAnn Newman, President and CEO of Orlando Science Center, shares her path from first-generation college student and only woman in her Penn State engineering class to leading a 660,000-visitor science center through a zero-budget turnaround, a $48 million capital campaign, and a culture built on respect and play.✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:First-generation college student and only woman in Penn State engineering class of 40, stubborn enough to stay when half dropped outAT&T Microelectronics 20-year career in semiconductor manufacturing, from Orlando facility opening to shutdown when the US could not compete offshore2003 connection from former AT&T boss led to chaotic Science Center that struggled after its 1997 opening; became CEO in 2009Zero-budget turnaround: moved exhibits, removed weak ones, set quality standards, and surveyed community feedback through the Review of Quality Service (ROQS) programRebuilt donor trust after early meetings where donors asked "you only come when you want something"; nearly doubled attendance and revenue since 2009$48 million Unlock Science campaign funded a VR flight lab, LIFE exhibit rainforest with monkeys and a sloth, free-flight aviary, and 8K digital laser CineDome renovationInformal science learning leads with fun to show kids science is not boring before junior high makes catching up on STEM nearly impossibleCode.org partnership: staff certified to teach AI to middle and high school teachers, drawing participants from across the countryMost important CEO role is creating a welcoming, respectful culture where people bring their full selves, because that is where innovation startsNonprofit hiring prioritizes skill set and culture fit over exact experience, offering mission and community impact over corporate pay🌟 JoAnn's Key Mentors:Oldest Brother (Civil Engineer): Recognized JoAnn's math and science strengths and pushed her toward engineering when she had no directionAT&T Microelectronics Leadership: Delivered 20 years of process-driven operational training from facility opening through shutdownFormer AT&T Facility Runner: Became UCF College of Science Dean and made the connection that changed JoAnn's career trajectoryOrlando Donors and Community: Taught her to rebuild trust through relationships, not just funding requestsScience Center Board and Team: Believed in the quality-first approach and executed incremental improvements together👉 Don't miss this conversation about surviving a semiconductor shutdown, rescuing a struggling science center with no budget, and why leading with fun is the best strategy for changing how kids see science.🔗 Connect with JoAnn Newman:Email: [email protected] Organization: Orlando Science Center📄 Transcript Available: Building Welcoming Culture and Trust: JoAnn Newman's Leadership Journey📺 Watch on YouTube: Inspired Stories Podcast🌐 Our Website: The Inspired Stories Podcast📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com