15 Minutes with the Boss Lou Oppenheim: How data stories drive decisions, changing entertainment patterns & the joy of seeing staff flourish
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Jun 30, 2025 Lou Oppenheim, Executive Director of the Sydney Dance Company, transitioned from computational linguistics to the arts, merging data with creativity. She discusses how data reveals human stories and influences her decisions. Lou shares her joy in watching her staff thrive and highlights the shift in social dynamics in entertainment post-COVID-19. With a nod to her love for jazz singing, she emphasizes the emotional connections that drive both art and community engagement.
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Career Pivot into Arts
- Lou Oppenheim transitioned from a computational linguistics background into the arts unexpectedly.
- She was drawn to the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra during its transition to independence and stayed in the arts sector for 23 years.
Data Drives Arts Decisions
- Arts organizations rely on both quantitative data and qualitative audience feedback for decisions.
- Understanding pricing and cost of living impacts is crucial to balancing income and expenses.
People First Leadership
- Treat everyone fairly and transparently, giving consistent answers to the same questions.
- People management and culture are 90% of leadership roles.