Caregiving 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...

When 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 ey...

As 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...

In 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...

In 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 impro...

In 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 l...

Welcome 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...

In 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, posit...

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 fore...

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 h...

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 h...

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 m...

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 ...

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...

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 ...

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 ...

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 sh...

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, pa...

We’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 ...

As 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 ...

Whitney 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 o...

What 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...

"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 ...

In 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...

In 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, o...