W | W | H
WHO I WORK WITH
WHY I DO WHAT I DO
HOW I DO IT ALL
Nuts and Bolts of Being a Performing Artist | Photo: Sita Magnuson
The Weirdos and Freakazoids
Ever hear the term “wicked problems”? It’s a good one. I support people who are doing good in the world and creating radical, progressive change. Those that continually self-reflect and want to better themselves. Folks who understand that we have to laugh at ourselves and our collective situation or we’ll pass out. Those who need to get more pragmatic without losing sight of their vision. Workhorses who struggle to define the terms “community”... or “mission”... or “purpose”. Organizations on the constant edge of burnout. Colleagues finding themselves at a major crossroad. Softies who cry at the thought of Mr. Rogers.
In other words: artists, social good enterprises, small fringe businesses, start-ups, progressive doers, cooperatives and collectives, neighborhood associations, and nonprofits.
Emceeing a Thing at a Place | Photo by Julian Parker-Burns
In a nutshell: I give a shit
No one taught me a thing about functioning in the real world at any point in my education. I had to learn all the business acumen (including the word, acumen) through trial and error. Through this process, my chops got refined the same way they did by rehearsing a performance: consistent attention, willingness to fail and improvise, increasing my tolerance for ambiguity, and honoring the need for self-care.
There are always significant, overwhelming challenges when you are doing critically important work. I believe professional demands are a part of the equation. It’s time to navigate away from the stereotypical overworked and undervalued do-gooder. Those who inspire me should continuously thrive in their personal, professional, and creative lives.
You do great things to make the world better. Let’s create more ease so you can rejuvenate your resilience on a daily basis.
Business Model Canvas Sprint | Photo: Sita Magnuson
Tenacious, curious play
There’s no straight formula I follow other than through deep, inquisitive listening. I ask a shitload of questions to unearth people’s non-negotiables, their fears, hang-ups, and strengths. From using the Business Model Canvas to coordinating a fundraising event that participants will never forget, I create blueprints that you can return to and tweak as needed.
Yes, there are deliverables with every project, but the process is what will create the shift.
I’ll also probably make you play four square or go bowling. Yep.