Our Perspective

Children's museums, science centers, and cultural institutions have earned their place among the most trusted spaces in our communities. They are also facing pressures that are testing even the strongest among them: declining attendance, tightening budgets, and audiences with expectations at an all-time high. How do these institutions honor what has made them valuable while adapting to a world that's changing faster than ever?

In the first two parts of this series, I discussed how effective Boards begin succession planning early, reconsider what “ready” really means, and choose leaders who are rooted in mission and adaptability. For our final installment in this series, I focus on two more truths: the value of thinking beyond stability and the courage needed to make the right decisions, not the easiest ones.