Moving Forward with EMC

Send a textThe team looks ahead to 2026 with clear eyes about programming, funding, audiences, and the practical tools leaders can use to regain momentum. We argue for multi-year season plans that balances familiar titles with new work, a rebuilds middle donor base, and smart tech that amplifies people rather than replaces them.Email us your ideas at [email protected] This will be our last episode of the year! We're taking a break and will be back with more episodes in early 2026. 

Send a textWhat do you call a year where lobbies buzzed, budgets tightened, and policy storms hit midseason? We call it 2025—and we’re unpacking what actually mattered. Al, Leandro, and Tiff get candid about the dissonance nonprofits felt: sold-out shows alongside rising costs, NEA guideline whiplash colliding with DEI commitments, and a post-pandemic audience that behaves by new rules.Listen as we unpack 2025 and what we learned as we look back on a dizzying year. Leave a comment, follow, or email us at [email protected]. 

Send a textTickets chosen by algorithms. Glasses that guide you to the bar. A digital lobby that follows you home and sparks a late-night debate about the ending. We explore how AI is rewriting the audience journey from first spark to final takeaway and why the art still sits at the center.

Send a textJob hunting in the nonprofit arts can feel like shouting into the void, so we break the process down into a clear, usable framework: your resume is your data, your cover letter is your voice, and your interview is your presence. Across the hour, we show how those pieces add up to one story about value and fit: what you did, how you think, and why you’re right for this moment.By the end, you’ll know how to align metrics, voice, and presence so committees can see your edge fast. Ready to turn a scattered application into a coherent narrative that lands interviews? Subscribe, share this episode with a friend who’s applying, and tell us: which piece needs the biggest upgrade right now?

Send a textWhat if the future of theater isn’t a choice between the room and the screen, but a smarter way to hold both? We dig into how live streaming can expand access, deepen community, and stabilize budgets without draining the electricity of in-person performance. Using fresh reporting on the National Theatre’s hybrid work and lessons from our own practice, we unpack what counts as “live,” why hybrid storytelling matters, and how to design digital experiences that feel intentional, intimate, and worthy of your art.If this sparked ideas or pushback, we want to hear it. Subscribe, share with a colleague, and leave a review with one question you’re wrestling with about hybrid theater so we can tackle it next.

Send a textA flagship theater, a city that loves to make things, and a leadership team ready to push past old limits. This conversation with Portland Center Stage Artistic Director Marissa Wolf and Board Chair Jelani Memory opens a candid window into how Portland Center Stage is building its next chapter. We trace the path from Marissa’s new-play roots and community-focused seasons to Jelani’s entrepreneurial approach to board leadership, revealing a clear-eyed view of what it takes to grow audiences, stabilize revenue, and keep the art at the center.Click the link here to apply for the Managing Director role. Applications for best consideration are due November 14. Subscribe for more conversations with arts leaders shaping what comes next, share this with a colleague who should hear it, and leave a review to help others find the show.

Send a textLeandro sits down with Kevin Laibson, a director, producer, and educator working at the edge of live performance and emerging tech, to draw bright, useful lines between AI, VR, and the human heart of theater.Kevin traces the path from cheap, scrappy stages to virtual spaces where physics is optional and paper tech becomes a live demo. He explains why virtual rehearsals can cut late surprises, how actors walking first-day sets in VR changes design conversations, and what the Royal Shakespeare Company learned prototyping spatial tools for real rehearsal rooms. Then we press into the hard question: should theater keep AI out of the art? If you’re hungry for a human-first roadmap where VR strengthens rehearsal and documentation, AI automates the boring bits, and the stage stays gloriously alive—this one’s for you. Listen, share with a colleague, and tell us: where do you draw the line between tool and co-author? Subscribe, leave a review, and join the conversation at emcforward.com.

Send a textA great job description doesn’t start with bullet points, it starts with a story. We take you inside our executive search process for Portland Center Stage’s next managing director and show how we craft a job profile that so candidates have a clear idea of what to expect and the opportunities ahead.We talk candidly about the post‑pandemic reality for theaters: season sizes have shifted, revenue mixes have inverted, and audiences and funders behave differently. That’s why we frame the role around four clear charges: strategic leadership and administration, revenue generation and enhancement, staff management and culture building, and community engagement and external relations. You’ll hear how PCS’s landmark home at the Armory, its proximity to Powell’s, and its role in a recovering downtown shape the expectations for a leader who can fund, partner, and represent the institution with credibility. We also surface what surprised us: a staff culture that lives its values, real trust across teams, and inclusion that feels natural rather than performative.This is a conversation for candidates, board members, and arts lovers who want to understand how executive search can honor both numbers and nuance. We unpack how repeated themes from stakeholders become core competencies, why storytelling is the thread through budgets and campaigns, and which soft skills such as grit, humility,  and presence are needed for success. If you’re considering the role or advising someone who is, you’ll leave with a grounded sense of the work, the city, and the partnership with Artistic Director Marissa Wolf.Ready to dive deeper or apply? Visit emcforward.com/apply, email us at [email protected]. Follow the show, share it with a colleague, and leave a review so more arts leaders can find it.

Send a textWe welcome Theater Mu’s new artistic director, Fran, and managing director, Anh Thu, for a candid talk about service-driven leadership, sustaining bold art in a tight funding climate, and building trust as co-leaders. The conversation moves from search lessons to advocacy, legacy, and why creating new stories matters for AAPI communitiesWe talk openly about money from sunsetting grants, consolidating foundations, and why “profit for nonprofit” thinking matters when artist labor is too often treated as an afterthought. Together they map how a theater rooted in AAPI stories responds to immigration raids, visa barriers for artists, casting controversies, and local tragedies without losing artistic ambition or community trust.

Send a textWhat if adding more leaders isn’t the solution—and sometimes makes things worse? We dig into the real work behind shared leadership in nonprofit arts with guests Devon Berkshire and Miranda Gonzalez, tracing why so many theaters moved beyond the traditional AD/MD model and what it actually takes to decentralize power without breaking your culture. We follow the arc of this conversation in organizations from trend to practice, unpacking the difference between shared leadership and shared responsibility, and how “move fast and break things” becomes “move slow and build trust.”Go read the Howlround series here: The Evolution of Shared Leadership - https://howlround.com/series/evolution-shared-leadership-theatre

Send a textThe lines between artificial intelligence and art are vanishing faster than expected. In this episode, Leandro discusses OpenAI’s bold new project Critterz—an animated feature film produced in just nine months, with a fraction of the usual budget and team size. By blending human creativity with AI-driven production, Critterz shows how technology is reshaping not just efficiency, but the very future of storytelling.

Send a textCaregiving and creative careers have long been treated as incompatible worlds, forcing artists and arts administrators to choose between their passion and their families. Rachel Spencer-Hewitt, founder of the Parent Artist Advocacy League (PAAL), is challenging this false dichotomy through groundbreaking advocacy work.This eye-opening conversation delves into Rachel's personal journey from hiding her pregnancy as a Broadway actor to creating a national organization that's transforming how the arts industry supports caregivers.

Send a textWhen the National Endowment for the Arts abruptly terminated funding for organizations across the country in what became known as the "Friday Night Massacre," many arts leaders wondered if federal arts funding could be trusted again. In this eye-opening conversation, arts entrepreneur and consultant David Mack shares his journey through nonprofit arts management and his recent  encounter with NEA leadership.Check out David's website to learn more about him and his business: https://www.artistmagnet.com/aboutCorrection: Brett, a consultant mentioned in our podcast, did not post an article from Nonprofit Quarterly. 

Send a textAs summer winds down, the EMC crew reflects on their summer and the upcoming fall. We discuss what we're watching out for in the arts and culture sector including a lawsuit, technology, and the changing nature of leadership roles in a new world. We also give candidates and clients some tips and advice that clients and job candidates alike should be thinking about for the near and long term future. Finally, we end telling you what we're excited about ahead in pop culture. Hint - Cardi B might be involved. Article Link: The One Danger That Should Unite The U.S. and China - https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/02/opinion/ai-us-china.html 

Send a textIn this episode, Leandro and Al dive into the groundbreaking albums of The Velvet Sundown, a synthetic music project shaped by human imagination and guided by artificial intelligence. We explore not just the music itself, but also what it reveals about the evolving future of art-making. Can A.I. help us express what makes us most human? Don’t miss the final chapter in our A.I. series, where we unpack the next phase of creativity, content, and the ever-shifting line between human and machine-made art.

Send a textIn this episode, Leandro reveals how he keeps up with the latest news and updates about artificial intelligence. He discusses the various A.I. platforms he uses, his go to influencer for coding tips, and the number one thing you can do to improve your A.I. game and knowledge.  

Send a textIn this episode, we explore how our understanding of AI has evolved in just a few short months—shaped by new breakthroughs, public debates, and hands-on experience. From early optimism and hype to a more nuanced grasp of AI’s capabilities and limitations, we unpack what’s changed, what’s stayed the same, and how these shifts are influencing the way we work, learn, and imagine the future. We discuss ways in which we have seen A.I. deployed and what that means for the future or work and productivity. 

Send a textWelcome back to the EMC Podcast! After taking July to recharge and map out our fall season, we’re kicking off August with a topic that’s everywhere all at once: Artificial Intelligence.This month, we’re diving deep into how our team is exploring A.I., how the technology has rapidly evolved in just the past few months, and practical ways you can stay ahead of the curve. Expect insights, strategies, and tips to make sure you’re not just keeping up, but you’re leading the conversation.In this first episode, our partner Leandro revisits an article he wrote on a critical challenge for nonprofits: the risks of using A.I. without a clear plan. From missed opportunities to potential pitfalls, he lays out why a thoughtful approach matters now more than ever. You can read his full article on our blog at emcforward.com/blog.

Send a textIn this episode, we delve into Al Heartley's thought-provoking piece, "For Leaders, Power Is Part of the Job," exploring the nuanced role of executive power in leadership. Heartley challenges the notion that power is merely about control, positing instead that it's about the courage to make decisions and accept their consequences. Through real-world examples, including the complexities faced by nonprofit leaders during the COVID-19 pandemic and the expansive use of executive authority in political spheres, we examine how power, when exercised responsibly, becomes a catalyst for effective leadership.

Send a textIt’s hard to believe we’re halfway through 2025. In this episode, Al is joined by co-hosts Tiff and Leandro for a reflective roundtable on the year so far. From unexpected shifts in the arts and culture sector to global trends and economic forecasts, the trio unpacks what’s gone as expected—and what’s taken them by surprise.We tackle big topics like the NEA funding cuts, the economic uncertainty facing organizations, and tensions between artists and audiences about what kind of art resonates these days. Plus, we each share a surprising delight from the world of pop culture. 

Send a textThis week, Leandro and Al hit the road and land in Washington, DC for a site visit with Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, where they’re kicking off the search for their next artistic director. In this episode, they pull back the curtain on what happens during a site visit and why these on-the-ground moments are so essential to their work. From learning a city's cultural landscape to picking up cues that go far beyond Zoom calls, Leandro and Al share stories and strategies that shape their approach to executive search.Plus, it wouldn’t be a travel episode without a few road warrior hacks—Leandro and Al trade tips for making sure you stay hydrated and staying wrinkle-free on the go. Come learn more about what we look for when we visit a client. And look out for the job description which will come out in early July! 

Send a textIn this episode, Al dives into the evolving landscape of theater leadership, inspired by reading and reflecting on his blog article "12 Artistic Directors and 1 Production: Advancing the Shared Leadership Model."Traditionally, theaters have operated under singular leadership structures, often placing immense pressure on one individual to fulfill multiple roles. However, as the demands of the industry grow and the call for equity and collaboration intensifies, a shift towards shared leadership models is gaining momentum.We'll explore real-world examples like The Wilma Theater and HERE Arts Center, which have embraced multiple artistic directors to distribute responsibilities and infuse diverse perspectives into their productions. But shared leadership isn't without its challenges. Questions arise: How are decisions made collectively? What happens when one leader departs? How do organizations evaluate the performance of a leadership team versus an individual?Join me as I reflect on these complexities, share personal insights, and discuss the potential of shared leadership to foster a more inclusive and sustainable future for organizations.

Send a textThis week, we’re talking numbers and the numbers don’t lie. The Broadway League just released its year-end report for the 2024–2025 season, and it’s official: Broadway is back. With a record-breaking $1.89 billion in grosses and 14.7 million in total attendance, this was the most lucrative season ever. That’s worth celebrating not just for Broadway, but for the arts and culture sector as a whole.In this episode, Tiffany, Al, and LZ break down what’s behind the boom. Was it star power? Calendar quirks? Ticket prices soaring past $800? We’ll unpack the data, look at what this means for nonprofit arts organizations (hint: it’s not all transferable), and throw out some cautionary flags along the way.Plus, Tony Awards chatter: the Patti LuPone drama, our hot takes and predictions (Audra McDonald, we’re looking at you), and what we’re reading/watching/listening to this week.Broadway’s thriving—so what can the rest of us learn? Let’s get into it.

Send a textIn this candid conversation, Al and Managing Partner Tiffany Vega dive deep into the challenges of today’s job market. From endless application processes and the frustration of ghosting to the shifting expectations around skills, branding, and networking this episode explores why finding meaningful work feels harder than ever. They also discuss the realities of entrepreneurship, why graduate programs have failed the arts management field, and what employers and candidates can do differently to navigate a job market that feels increasingly challenging. 

Send a textWhy does it take six months and 17 interviews to land a job, but the Vatican can choose a Pope in under a week?In this episode of Moving Forward, Al dives into the time-tested, meme-worthy, and surprisingly effective process the Catholic Church uses to elect a new Pope. From black smoke to bulletproof planning, Al explores what the modern workplace can learn from a 2,000-year-old organization that runs its executive searches like a sacred ritual.

Send a textCurious about artificial intelligence but unsure where to begin? In this episode, we break down how to take your first steps with A.i as it starts to integrate into the arts ecosystem. Whether you're a creative or an arts executive, you'll get approachable insights and practical tips to start experimenting with A.i. tools in a way that fits your goals. Plus Leandro tells us what he's watching this week - HBO Max's The Rehearsal. 

Send a textThis week on Moving Forward, we break down the stunning late-night decision that sent shockwaves through the American arts community: the government's abrupt termination of all National Endowment for the Arts grants. What does it mean when a nation pulls the plug on its own cultural lifeblood? Who stands to lose the most — and who’s organizing to fight back? With voices from artists, organizers, and policy experts, Friday Night NEA Massacre is a dispatch from the frontlines of a new cultural reckoning.

Send a textArtificial Intelligence is no longer science fiction. It’s here, it’s powerful, and it’s shaping how we work, think, and live. In this episode, our team dives into the evolving world of AI: what it is, how we discovered it, and the ways it's showing up in our everyday lives. From Disney Channel’s Smart House to the real-world power of ChatGPT, we reflect on how AI moved from the margins of pop culture to the center of productivity and planning. We also explore how nonprofits might be missing out on AI’s potential, and what leadership looks like in an AI-driven world. Whether you're a skeptic or an enthusiast, this conversation will get you thinking about the future and your place in it.

Send a textIn this solo episode, Al breaks down how economic turbulence—from inflation to shifting consumer habits—is shaking the foundations of the arts sector. Why are audiences pulling back? How can arts orgs stay resilient? It’s part reality check, part rallying cry.

Send a textWe’re back—and the world looks very different. In our season premiere, Al, Tiff, and Leandro unpack the new economic realities and the political firestorm hitting arts, nonprofits, and DEI. From rising inflation to rolling back equity policies, it's a lot—and we’re breaking it down. Plus, tips for job seekers, advice for nonprofit leaders, and we tell you about things we've been listening to or watching right now. 🎧 Tune in for real talk, smart strategy, and the start of a new season. We'll be coming to you with episodes weekly, so make sure you follow and subscribe! 

Send a textAs 2024 comes to a close, we’re taking a moment to reflect on a whirlwind year of growth, challenges, and surprises. From groundbreaking conversations about shared leadership to unexpected shifts in the arts and culture landscape, this episode dives into what defined the year and what we’ve learned from our clients and candidates.Looking ahead to 2025, we’ll explore what’s on the horizon: the future of shared leadership, the transformative power of AI, shifts in arts funding, and how organizations can stay subversive and innovative in a rapidly changing environment.Join Al, Tiff, and Leandro as they share their reflections, predictions, and cultural highlights of 2024. Whether you're a nonprofit leader, arts professional, or just curious about what’s next, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.

Send a textWhitney Houston once sang, "The children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way." But where do kids learn how to lead? In this nostalgic and thought-provoking episode, our team takes a stroll down memory lane to explore one of our favorite children’s shows. Together, we unpack the surprising lessons in leadership it offers—and what it can teach us about guiding the next generation. Tune in for a mix of fun, reflection, and timeless wisdom!

Send a textWhat sets leaders apart from managers? While managers focus on keeping the train on the tracks, leaders are tasked with charting the course and defining the destination. But how does transformational leadership actually happen, and what does it look like in practice?In this episode, we dive into the concept of transformational leadership by drawing inspiration from transformational artists. Join us as we uncover the parallels between visionary leadership and the creative processes that reshape the way we see the world.

Send a text"Strategy" is the buzzword that dominates leadership, business, and life, but what does it really mean? In this episode, we tackle the elusive art of strategy: how to define it, develop it, and determine if it’s the right one. Through the lens of reality game shows like Survivor and Traitors, we explore the lessons these high-stakes competitions offer for strategic planning in organizations. We’ll also share our firm’s unique approach to strategic development, helping you identify what your organization needs now—and how to future-proof your game plan.

Send a textIn this episode, Al and Tiffany take a deep dive into the vibrant and chaotic world of FX’s acclaimed series The Bear. We unpack the intricate challenges that leaders face when navigating high-pressure, fast-paced work environments and explore how the show masterfully highlights the importance of developing a cohesive team by tapping into each member’s unique strengths. From moments of raw tension to inspiring breakthroughs, we’ll analyze how the series portrays the delicate balance of leadership, trust, and resilience. Plus, we reveal our favorite episodes and the pivotal scenes that left a lasting impact.Spoiler alert: This episode includes in-depth discussions that may reveal major plot points, so listen with caution.

Send a textIn the premiere of Season 2 of Moving Forward with EMC, we explore how leadership is portrayed through the lens of movies and TV shows. From the teamwork in Remember the Titans to the perseverance of Hidden Figures, our hosts Al, Tiffany, and Leandro break down iconic leadership moments and the lessons we can apply to our own lives.Join us as we kick off a season of looking at leadership through a pop culture lens. Whether it’s the strategic chaos of Succession, the unyielding courage of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, or the reluctant leadership of Harry Potter, we explore what these stories have to teach us about teamwork, adversity, and growth. We’ll also share some of our favorite shows and movies, and we want to hear from you, too!What are your favorite pop culture moments that inspire leadership? Tune in and join the conversation!Key Takeaways:How leadership dynamics unfold in Remember the Titans and Hidden FiguresInsights from shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Friday Night Lights, and Harry PotterA look at the relationship between pop culture and leadership lessonsAvailable now wherever you listen to podcasts!

Send a textWe’re back with Season 2 of the Moving Forward with EMC Podcast! 🚀 Get ready for more insightful conversations, industry trends, and inspiring stories to help you navigate your career and leadership journey.In this sneak peek, we give you a taste of what’s to come in our upcoming episodes. Episode 2 drops next Wednesday, and trust us, you won’t want to miss it! 🔥Stay tuned for expert advice, exciting interviews, and actionable tips to keep you moving forward. 💼

Send a textThis week we're replaying our most downloaded episode of the pod. The team discusses how candidates can stand out in an interview process, where to look for jobs in arts and culture, what stories you should tell in an interview, the types of interviews, and why having questions in an interview is essential. We'll be back next week with new episodes! Episode edited by Triple Threat Media

Send a textFour years ago, companies and arts organizations everywhere made commitments and statements about equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism. On today's episode, Al, Tiffany, and Leandro discuss if and how far we have come. Are we better off than we were four years ago? Yes. And no.

Send a textGet to know us a little bit more! Al, Tiffany, and Leandro talk through the EMC search process - how we do it, what we consider as we get to know an organization, and what we've learned. You'll get a taste of the way we think about and facilitate executive search processes. Whether you're embarking on your own search or not, come learn about our approach and style! 

Send a textLeandro, Al, and Tiffany discuss the basics of launching a search process and discuss the important qualities to look for in identifying a search committee chair. For more reading about  committee chair qualities, check out Leandro's blog post on our website! 

Send a text Three consultants Al, Tiffany, and Leandro, talk about Evolution Management Consultants, a new consulting firm focusing on the performing arts industry and the nonprofit sector.  Get to know our hosts a little more by diving into their backgrounds and getting to know a little bit more about what fuels their work. Edited by Amara Skinner. Powered by Triple Threat Media