Rapid Response cover image

Rapid Response

Leveraging celebrity culture to sustain an iconic brand, with The Apollo’s Michelle Ebanks

Feb 28, 2025
25:52

For over 90 years, countless iconic musicians have graced The Apollo Theatre in New York City, from James Brown and Aretha Franklin, to Drake and Bruno Mars. Today, the venue is expanding its footprint in the hopes of straddling in-person and digital engagement. The Apollo’s CEO Michelle Ebanks joins Rapid Response to explore how she’s tapping into celebrity culture, operating a historically Black institution in the midst of a DEI backlash, and more. Whether it's negotiating with Prince or proving a judgemental boardroom wrong, Michelle shares stories that illustrate the resilience and creativity we all need today.

Visit the Rapid Response website here: https://www.rapidresponseshow.com/

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