Leading the Way with Jill S. Robinson

Three out of four first-time attendees never return. Not because the art isn’t strong, but because the follow-up isn’t built for loyalty. Most arts & cultural organizations are investing in acquisition, but losing the retention game where it matters most: right after the first visit.

In this episode, we explore why timing trumps intention, where most post-show strategies fall short, and how small shifts in behavior can drive long-term impact. If you're ready to increase the number of your first-time attendees that come back, this is the conversation to start with.

Key takeaways you can...

In this episode of Leading the Way, Jill S. Robinson talks with Seth Godin about strategic leadership in the arts. Together, they explore how cultural leaders can bridge immediate operational demands with long-term vision, embracing adaptability, empathy, and purpose to create meaningful, audience-centered institutions that thrive beyond today's challenges. 

Drawing on insights from Seth’s lates book This Is Strategy: Make Better Plans the conversation touches on the urgent need for leaders to step out of reactive cycles and into proactive, strategic modes of thinking. They discuss how to define success beyond sellouts, build deeper audi...

In this bonus episode of "Leading the Way" with Jill S. Robinson, the spotlight is on Ariel Fristoe, the Artistic Director of Out of Hand Theater, an Atlanta-based theater company renowned for its innovative integration of art, social justice, and civic engagement. The conversation delves into the origins, evolution, and significant impact of Out of Hand Theater since its inception in 2001. Ariel Fristoe shares insights into how the company has distinguished itself by focusing on social issues and working closely with community groups and experts, leading to a unique business model that monetizes artistic skills while addressing pressing societal...

In this bonus episode of "Leading the Way" with Jill S. Robinson speaks with Marna Seltzer and Dasha Koltunyuk from Princeton University Concerts. Explore how they're reshaping the classical music landscape through groundbreaking initiatives designed to connect deeply with audiences in a post-pandemic world. From the serene blend of music with meditation to the powerful Healing with Music series, discover how they're pioneering new pathways to engage, inspire, and heal. 

This episode isn't just about music; it's about community, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of relevance in a rapidly changing world. Learn about their strategies for audience g...

Jill S. Robinson closes out season 1 of Leading the Way with a retrospective considering the patterns and through lines of her conversations this year. Innovators or disruptors all, the guests of Leading the Way point to not only the key pillars of TRG Arts, but also the direction of necessary attention for arts and cultural leaders heading into 2024 and longer, 2040 and beyond. 

For additional resources and to sign up for the podcast newsletter, we invite you to visit our website at leadingthewaypodcast.com.  

Key Topics & Chapter Markers:  

Introduct...

In this episode, Jill talks with Alecia Lawyer (artistic director and founder of the chamber orchestra, ROCO). Alecia shares how this Houston-based orchestra disrupts and innovates the traditional presentation of classical music. With a revenue model where 95% comes from contributed revenue, ROCO designs audience-first experiences. Alecia is putting the fun, access, and creative license back into the world of classical music through what she calls wildcatting in the arts.   

For additional resources and to sign up for the podcast newsletter, we invite you to visit our website at leadingthewaypodcast.com.    

Key Topics...

In this episode, Jill talks with Andrew Taylor (program director and associate professor of Arts Management at American University), a leading voice in the North American nonprofit arts sector, to discuss the prevalent issue of the “overhead myth.”  The discussion takes a deep dive into the challenges arts organizations face, the scarcity mindset, and the importance of understanding the values in direct and indirect costs. Andrew also talks about educating future arts leaders about these financial intricacies. 

For additional resources and to sign up for the podcast newsletter, we invite you to visit our website at leadingthewaypodcast.com.<...

In this episode, the Boston Children's Chorus (BCC) shares its organizational mission, spotlighting the pivotal role of its new Director of Good Trouble. Guests Andrés Holder and Akiba Abaka offer listeners a deep dive into BCC's community engagement, its programming, performance metrics, and visionary educational initiatives. Andrés and Akiba also share their views on the broader concept of "just cause" within the arts sector and the importance of it to the sustainability of BCC.  

For additional resources and to sign up for the podcast newsletter, we invite you to visit our website at leadingthewaypodcast.com...

Ross Binnie of The Cleveland Orchestra joins Jill to discuss the orchestra's decade-old Center for Future Audiences program. The initiative aims to attract younger audiences to classical music concerts. Binnie discusses their digital platform "Adella" and their mission to shift perceptions of classical music to make it more inclusive. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of finding new ways to engage and retain audiences across age groups and shares how The Cleveland Orchestra is doing just that.  

For additional resources and to sign up for the podcast newsletter, we invite you to visit our website at leadingthewaypodcast.com.

In this two-part episode, Jill sits down with accomplished UK arts leader Tom Bird (Chief Executive at Sheffield Theatres). Drawing inspiration from Nina Simon's book, "The Art of Relevance" and their own personal leadership experiences, Jill and Tom engage in a rich dialogue about how to keep audiences at the center of every decision and what relevance means in today's arts and cultural industry. 

For additional resources and to sign up for the podcast newsletter, we invite you to visit our website at leadingthewaypodcast.com. 

In this two-part episode, Jill sits down with accomplished UK arts leader Tom Bird (Chief Executive at Sheffield Theatres). Drawing inspiration from Nina Simon's book, "The Art of Relevance" and their own personal leadership experiences, Jill and Tom engage in a rich dialogue about how to keep audiences at the center of every decision and what relevance means in today's arts and cultural industry. 

For additional resources and to sign up for the podcast newsletter, we invite you to visit our website at leadingthewaypodcast.com. 

In this episode, Jill highlights two arts leaders and their organizations that are not just surviving but thriving in contrast to overwhelmingly negative narratives surrounding American theatre. Jill Anderson (Managing Director of Syracuse Stage) and Vincent VanVleet (Executive Director of The Phoenix Theatre Company) share how they've managed to keep their theatre organizations robust in financial stability, fundraising and marketing strategies, artistic innovation, and mission fulfillment. 

For additional resources and to sign up for the podcast newsletter, we invite you to visit our website at leadingthewaypodcast.com.