Last week, a festival director told me something that broke my heart: "We have the most talented team in the industry. But by show week, half of them are in tears, and the other half have stopped talking to each other." Sound familiar? Here's what I've learned after…
Read MoreWe need to talk about something that's keeping me up at night—and if you're leading a festival or large-scale live event, it should be keeping you up too. I've spent decades producing one of America's most complex cultural events. I've watched this industry evolve, grow, and face challenges…
Read MoreI’ve been scratching my head wondering when our beloved music festivals turned into these brand-saturated extravaganzas. Was it really George Wein in the 1950s, or did the shift creep in later? The truth is, sponsorship in music events has a long pedigree, but it exploded as…
Read MoreIt's 2am on December 23rd, and you're alone. Not alone because you chose to be. Alone because your team went home to families three states away. Alone because the venue is dark and everyone else is wrapping presents. Alone because the adrenaline crash from your…
Read MoreHere's what I know you're facing right now: It's December. Peak production season starts in January. And you're looking at a team that's already running on fumes. The numbers tell a story you're living: 79% of event professionals say their jobs are more…
Read MoreBefore you can lead others toward unity, you must understand the invisible forces working against it. This isn't just organizational theory—it's the essential foundation for leaders committed to authentic transformation. If you've ever wondered why…
Read MoreIn an era defined by disruption, uncertainty, and rapid transformation, the call for courageous leadership has never been more urgent. Research from Harvard Business School demonstrates that fortune favors the bold rather than the cautious, yet many leaders hesitate to act when volatility increases. However, true courage in leadership extends beyond…
Read MoreAre you showing up as your whole self, or just fragments?
Many of today’s leaders, professionals, and creatives live divided lives. At work, they project one version of themselves — polished, driven, and performance-focused. At home, they may wear another mask, trying to…
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