Moving Forward with EMC

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It’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. 

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This 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! 

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In 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.

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This 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.

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In 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. 

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Why 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.

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Curious 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. 

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This 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.

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Artificial 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.

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In 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.