#75: In this conversation, Suzanne Weller interviews Michele Y. Smith, CEO of the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), discussing her journey of courage and leadership in the nonprofit sector. They explore themes of democratizing pop culture, the importance of community engagement, and the challenges faced during the pandemic. Michele shares her personal story, the influence of her mother, and her innovative approaches to revitalizing institutions. The discussion emphasizes the significance of philanthropy and representation in leadership roles, highlighting how small acts can lead to significant change.
Key Topics:
- Michele shares she is a “product of philanthropy” having received a Milton Hershey School scholarship as a girl
- Crisis leadership: 9/11 at United Airlines, Keeping 1,000 animals alive during pandemic shutdown at Woodland Park Zoo
- Her "positive disruptors" leadership philosophy
- Transforming MoPOP through local partnerships and community engagement
- Making philanthropy accessible (starting with $5 donations)
Notable Quote: "I consider my entire organization positive disruptors... What is the opportunity?"
Key Takeaways:
Leadership:
- View problems as opportunities, not failures
- Balance accountability with empathy for your team
- Model the behavior you want to see during crisis
Community Building:
- Partner locally to strengthen the entire ecosystem
- Start small - every contribution matters ($1, $5, membership)
- Make people feel part of something bigger than themselves
Career Growth:
- Say yes to unexpected opportunities (San Francisco relocation)
- Build resilience through compassion during challenging times
- Use each experience to develop skills for future roles
Essential viewing: Michele’s rap at The Peer 150 event in October 2024.
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