Can. Of. Worms. (in a good way)

Can of WormsYesterday’s post about entrepreneurship courses running the risk of becoming the Second Great Lie Of Academia generated a considerable amount of interest. I can’t recall the last time so many readers from such a diverse cross section took the time to reach out directly via email and private social media messages. Long story short, there’s a good bit of thought going on about the very concerns addressed in the article and if half of those who wrote in privately take the time to send in something for publication and/or a comment, it could help usher in a much needed public conversation on this very issue.

In the meantime, there are some fascinating discussion threads working their way through social media. If you’re a Facebook friend of Jon Silpayamanant, be sure to swing by his wall for a lively exchange. Likewise, there is a good comment thread growing at the original post and don’t be shy about weighing in with your thoughts and observations.

About Drew McManus

"I hear that every time you show up to work with an orchestra, people get fired." Those were the first words out of an executive's mouth after her board chair introduced us. That executive is now a dear colleague and friend but the day that consulting contract began with her orchestra, she was convinced I was a hatchet-man brought in by the board to clean house.

I understand where the trepidation comes from as a great deal of my consulting and technology provider work for arts organizations involves due diligence, separating fact from fiction, interpreting spin, as well as performance review and oversight. So yes, sometimes that work results in one or two individuals "aggressively embracing career change" but far more often than not, it reinforces and clarifies exactly what works and why.

In short, it doesn't matter if you know where all the bodies are buried if you can't keep your own clients out of the ground, and I'm fortunate enough to say that for more than 15 years, I've done exactly that for groups of all budget size from Qatar to Kathmandu.

For fun, I write a daily blog about the orchestra business, provide a platform for arts insiders to speak their mind, keep track of what people in this business get paid, help write a satirical cartoon about orchestra life, hack the arts, and love a good coffee drink.

Related Posts

  • Not unlike many across the country, I became absorbed with current events yesterday so today's original topic will have to wait. It's been an…

    Adaptistration People 143
  • Whether you're home all day enjoying the holiday with family and friends or your orchestra is putting on a performance today, try to take…

    Adaptistration People 118
  • Whether you're home all day enjoying the holiday with family and friends or your orchestra is putting on a performance today, try to take…

    Adaptistration People 118

Leave a Comment