Cameron Terry
Cameron Terry (’23)—Founder and Artistic Director of Shades Dance Theater and a member of the NYU PAA Experts-in-Residence—led a leadership workshop for NYU students titled “What’s Going on Here?.” The session explored a common challenge in the nonprofit sector: the transition from subject-matter expert to organizational leader. Terry described this evolution as moving from “worker bee to beekeeper,” emphasizing the importance of stepping back from day-to-day tasks to understand and steward the organization as a complex, interconnected system.
Participants worked in teams to analyze a series of multifaceted scenarios that encouraged big-picture thinking. Each group identified underlying issues, asked strategic questions, and examined the systemic implications of their choices. Students then proposed potential solutions and mapped out which departments and stakeholders would need to be engaged to implement those ideas effectively.
The workshop highlighted strategic leadership, cross-functional awareness, and collaborative problem-solving. Students left with a deeper understanding of how arts leaders navigate complex challenges and guide organizations through change and growth. Thank you, Cameron Terry, for an insightful and engaging workshop!
