I recently joined the Colorado Business Podcast for a conversation about leadership, entrepreneurship, classical music, and the role the arts can play in bringing people together.
We talked about what conducting has taught me about leading highly skilled teams, what it takes to grow arts organizations like Symphony of the Rockies and Boulder Symphony & Music Academy, and why nonprofit organizations still need to think seriously about sustainability, audiences, partnerships, and long-term growth.
We also explored some of the bigger questions facing the arts today. Is classical music really dying, or is it continuing to evolve? What happens to creativity in the age of AI? Why does live music still matter? And how do we make orchestral music feel relevant and accessible to people who may never have stepped inside a concert hall?
One idea kept coming back throughout the conversation: art is deeply human. It gives us a way to connect, to tell stories, to challenge ourselves, and to contribute something meaningful to our communities.
I’m grateful to the Colorado Business Podcast for the conversation, and to Travis and the Symphony of the Rockies board for helping make the connection.
Listen to the full episode below.
