CI to Eye with Monica Holt

Risk is usually something leaders are told to minimize. But for Sammi Cannold, it's essential to success. As an award-winning director across Broadway, film, and television, Sammi has built her career on ambitious projects—like staging Violet on a moving bus and reimagining Ragtime on Ellis Island. What stands out isn't just the boldness of the choices, but the intention behind them: using place and performance to help audiences experience even the most familiar stories in new ways. In this episode, Sammi shares how she found her voice as a young woman in a male-dominated field; how she brings new perspective to beloved works while still honoring their legacy; and what it means to be an "actor's director" whether she's working on stage or the silver screen. Plus, she shares why advocacy in entertainment doesn't always have to feel like eating your vegetables, and breaks down the false dichotomy between mission-driven and commercial work. LINKS: Sammi Cannold: https://www.sammicannold.com/ The Agnes Index: https://www.instagram.com/theagnesindex/?hl=en Broadway Briefing: https://broadwaybriefing.com/

Andrew Recinos, President and CEO of Tessitura and former musician turned arts leader, reflects on a global listening tour of 103 cultural organizations. He highlights themes of reconstruction and fatigue. He talks about member-owned tech, treating AI as co-intelligence, and the need for creative pragmatism in future leadership.

Join host Monica Holt as she reflects on the moments that defined the Fall 2025 season, and hear cultural leaders remind us why connection, creativity, and collaboration are more important than ever.

Aly Maier Lokuta is an arts and well-being leader at NJPAC, known for bridging the gap between arts and health. In this engaging conversation, Aly discusses the power of arts prescribing (ArtsRx) and shares how cultural institutions can enhance community health. She reflects on her work with NYC Health + Hospitals, the importance of systemic changes post-pandemic, and robust evidence linking arts participation to improved health outcomes. Aly also offers practical advice for organizations looking to integrate arts into health initiatives.

Ming Min Hui, the Executive Director of Boston Ballet, combines a unique blend of finance and arts leadership. She shares her journey from Wall Street to the ballet stage, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and courage. Ming discusses how ballet shaped her discipline and confidence, and reflects on the value of diverse career paths. She highlights collaborative problem-solving, the need for equity and inclusion in arts, and her vision for a relevant ballet company that inspires future generations.

Alex Sarian, President and CEO of the Werklund Centre and author of The Audacity of Relevance, explores the evolving role of arts in society. He emphasizes that relevance is a responsibility, urging cultural leaders to listen to communities rather than relying on fixed mission statements. Alex discusses the transformative $700M expansion of the Werklund Centre, positioning it as a hub for both culture and community engagement. He advocates for programming that truly reflects what people value and shares insights on fostering collaboration in the arts sector.

Deborah F. Rutter, a seasoned arts leader and former President of the Kennedy Center, shares her insights on leading through disruption. She reflects on her early musical journey and how arts administration became her passion. Rutter explores the balance of aesthetic curiosity and data-driven decisions in programming, and the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration. She discusses her transition to Duke University, her proudest moments at the Kennedy Center, and calls on arts organizations to remain resilient in storytelling and support for artists.

In this engaging discussion, Christopher Williams, President of Capacity Interactive, shares his insights on the upcoming Boot Camp conference for arts professionals. He reflects on the evolution of the event, from its humble beginnings to a forum tackling courage and curiosity in leadership. Christopher emphasizes the importance of art in tough times and highlights how creativity can flourish through learning from different industries. He also touches on the impact of new tech and decentralized platforms, ultimately urging arts leaders to embrace courage and curiosity.

Shanta Thake, Chief Artistic Officer at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, shares her vision for democratizing arts programming and enhancing community connection. She discusses transformative initiatives like Summer for the City, aimed at boosting civic engagement through arts. Shanta reflects on her journey from the Public Theater to Lincoln Center, emphasizing collaboration over silos and the importance of community input in projects like the West Side Expansion. Her insights highlight the vital role of the arts in promoting wellbeing and innovation in a post-pandemic landscape.

For Rachel S. Moore, the arts aren't just a mirror for society. They're a means of shaping it. As President and CEO of The Music Center in Los Angeles, she oversees one of the largest performing arts centers in North America, stewarding $3 billion in county assets and programming that reaches hundreds of thousands of Angelenos each year. A former professional dancer with American Ballet Theatre (she's also its former CEO and executive director), Rachel brings an artist's discipline to leadership—and a belief that creativity and civic life are deeply intertwined. In this episode, Rachel shares what ballet has taught her about resilience and collaboration, how The Music Center works to stay accountable to its community, and why building relevance doesn't just sustain our organizations, but strengthens democracy itself. LINKS: The Music Center