Co-CEO Chronicles: Navigating Growth, Change, and Complexity (EP.84)

Discover the real-world lessons of co-leadership in this two-part conversation with Americans for the Arts’ interim Co-CEOs, Suzy Delvalle and Jamie Bennett.Recorded at the start and end of their nine-month shared leadership journey, host Tim Cynova explores how they divided responsibilities, built trust, navigated challenges, and embraced the benefits of having two leaders at the helm. From the decision to take the roles together, to the cultural shifts and surprises along the way, this episode offers candid insights for executives, boards, and organizations exploring interim leadership, shared power, and values-driven change.We explore:How the co-leadership arrangement came together and why neither would have said yes without the otherStructuring responsibilities, building trust, and navigating shared decision-making in a high-profile national nonprofitThe benefits—and surprises—of having two leaders instead of one, both internally and externallyHow interim roles can create space for experimentation, transparency, and cultural changeLessons for boards, staff, and leaders considering co-leadership or shared power modelsPart One captures Suzy and Jamie’s hopes, plans, and questions as they begin. Part Two—where Tim is joined by podcasting’s favorite co-host Lauren Ruffin—unpacks what worked, what didn’t, and what they wish they’d had time to do.Whether you’re curious about co-leadership, fascinated by interim executive roles, or wondering how to lead in turbulent times, this episode offers an honest, behind-the-scenes look at shared leadership in practice.Listen in and discover: How two leaders, one job, and a finite timeline reshaped an organization’s transition—and their own perspectives on leadership.Highlights:00:00 Introduction and Podcast Episode Origins00:56 Meet the Interim Co-CEOs02:09 The Co-Leadership Journey Begins04:41 Structuring the Co-Leadership06:17 Intentional Interim Ministry08:06 Challenges and Opportunities10:23 Shared Leadership Dynamics14:51 Project Management and Organizational Goals17:39 Reflecting on Interim Leadership25:41 Future Vision and Organizational Evolution33:34 Part Two: Reflecting on the Journey35:42 Entering the Interim Role36:35 Navigating Co-CEO Dynamics37:36 Building Trust with Staff39:13 Reflections on Co-Leadership41:26 Challenges and Benefits of Shared Leadership43:18 Interim Leadership Insights45:23 Future of Leadership Models48:13 Final Thoughts and ReflectionsBIOSABOUT SUZY DELVALLESuzy is a seasoned advisor who has leveraged her expertise to drive strategic growth and stability in arts organizations, most recently through interim leadership roles at A Blade of Grass, Artadia, Socrates Sculpture Park, and United States Artists. With a proven track record of success, she previously led Creative Capital and was one of the architects of Artists Relief, a $25 million initiative that provided emergency support to artists during the COVID-19 pandemic. She was the founding executive director of The Sugar Hill Children’s Museum of Art and Storytelling following tenures at El Museo del Barrio and American Composers Orchestra.ABOUT JAMIE BENNETTJamie has been providing strategic advice through a partnership with Lord Cultural Resources to clients that include the American Museum of Natural History, the Barr Foundation, the BIG We Foundation, the Greater Columbus Arts Council, the MacArthur Foundation, PolicyLink, Starfish Accelerator, and Walk With Amal. Previously he ran ArtPlace America and worked at the National Endowment for the Arts as a political appointee in President Obama’s administration and at the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs during Mayor Bloomberg’s administration.ABOUT LAUREN RUFFINApproaching challenges with multiple perspectives, Lauren Ruffin creates solutions bridging technology, art, and social impact. She is the Director and Lead Strategist of Arts & Cultural Programming at Michigan Central's Detroit innovation campus and teaches at Arizona State University's MIX Center. As a 2025 Lewis Latimer Fellow, she explores ethical AI applications for oral histories. Ruffin co-founded CRUX Cooperative supporting immersive artists and previously served as Fractured Atlas Co-CEO where she founded the Artist Campaign School. With a J.D. from Howard University and experience spanning arts administration and education, she remains committed to empowering creative communities while serving on the Black Innovation Alliance board.ABOUT TIM CYNOVATim Cynova is the host of the Work Shouldn’t Suck podcast, where he and guests explore bold ideas and practical strategies for creating workplaces where people thrive. At the consulting firm WSS HR Labs, he draws on deep experience leading and advising mission-driven organizations through growth, change, and complexity to help them dust off outdated policies, challenge default approaches, and design values-centered workplaces that align people strategy, organizational culture, and operational infrastructure. A certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and trained mediator, Tim’s path has taken him from orchestral trombonist to C-level roles in multiple $25M+ nonprofits around the globe. Whether consulting, teaching, or recording, he brings curiosity, candor, and a knack for making workplace design engaging and actionable.