From Art School to Urban Impact: Designing Spaces That Bring People Together | Emily Isenberg | Founder & Creative Director, Isenberg Projects

What happens when you merge creativity, city planning, and community-building into a business? Meet Emily Isenberg, the founder and creative director of Isenberg Projects. Based in Boston, her firm brings people together through placemaking, public art, and activating city spaces in ways that feel inclusive, unexpected, and fun. In this episode, we talk about leading a collective, designing experiences that reflect a city’s heartbeat, and why real community-building happens when we get out into the world and try all the flavors. We also discuss the difference between leadership and management, how to make career pivots from art school to urban planning, and why curiosity, empathy, and collaboration are key skills for building a creative business that lasts. Chapters: (00:00:00) What is creative placemaking? (00:01:10) From art school to community activation (00:03:05) Why public-private spaces matter (00:04:40) Building micro-communities through shared experiences (00:07:00) The creative landscape in Boston (00:10:45) What motivates us as entrepreneurs (00:12:00) How Emily’s Halloween parties shaped her career (00:13:50) Bringing brands, cities, and artists together (00:16:00) Lessons from building and leading a creative team (00:18:45) The power of mentorship and community in business (00:22:00) What powerful ladies look like in practice (00:30:00) Reclaiming curiosity and real-world joy (00:35:45) Why community is more than just your inner circle (00:42:00) Rewriting your story through conscious choices (00:43:40) How to connect with Emily and what she’s looking for next The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms. Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think. Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices