My Leadership Manifesto

Leadership, to me, is about creating space for others to thrive. Since 2015, I've had the privilege of serving as Executive Director of Filmshop, where we've grown from a regional collective into a nationwide community of nearly 500 filmmakers. But numbers only tell part of the story.

I believe in leading with humanity – embracing imperfection, practicing empathy, and fostering genuine connection. This means:

Listening More Than Speaking

Great ideas come from everywhere. My role isn't to have all the answers, but to create an environment where innovative solutions emerge through collaboration. Sometimes the most powerful thing a leader can do is step back and truly hear what others are saying.

Doing Less, Better

In a world that often demands more, faster, I've learned the courage of saying "no" to good opportunities so we can say "yes" to great ones. Every initiative we take on – from our themed film showcases to our educational programs – gets our full attention and intention.

Growing Through Challenges

Leadership isn't about avoiding conflicts or pretending to be perfect. It's about meeting challenges with openness and viewing them as opportunities for growth. When strong personalities clash or plans go sideways, I've learned to respond with flexibility and curiosity rather than rigid control.

Fostering Artistry

At Filmshop, we've supported hundreds of filmmakers in bringing their visions to life, with our members' work screening at festivals worldwide. This success comes not from imposing a singular vision, but from nurturing an ecosystem where creativity can flourish naturally.

Building Sustainable Community

True leadership is about creating something larger than yourself – a community that thrives not only because of you, but through the collective energy of its members. It's about setting the conditions for magic to happen, then getting out of the way.

I believe the future belongs to organizations that prioritize human connection, embrace complexity, and lead with heart. This isn't always the easiest path, but it's the one that creates lasting impact and meaningful change.