Overview
In the dynamic world of arts and design, leadership takes on a distinct form—one that balances creativity with clarity, vision with vulnerability, and innovation with integrity. Authentic Leadership in Arts and Design is a course designed to empower emerging and established leaders to cultivate a leadership style that is genuine, impactful, and deeply rooted in self-awareness.
Led by Alyssa Scholz, a seasoned professional in healthcare design, this course explores the essence of authentic leadership through storytelling, reflection, and hands-on activities. Each module delves into core principles such as transparency, ethical behavior, feedback, and emotional intelligence—translating these concepts into practical tools for leading teams, managing projects, and nurturing creativity in collaborative environments.
Throughout the course, you'll:
- Discover what authentic leadership means and why it matters in the creative industries.
- Reflect on personal values and leadership experiences to build self-awareness.
- Learn to navigate expectations and relationships with transparency and empathy.
- Explore the power of feedback, vulnerability, and resilience in leadership growth.
- Identify your leadership superpower and learn how to use it to inspire and influence others.
- Develop strategies to empower team members and foster a culture of trust and collaboration.
Whether you’re leading in a studio, managing a creative team, or charting your own artistic path, this course will help you lead with confidence, authenticity, and purpose. Expect to be challenged, inspired, and equipped to make a meaningful impact—in your work and in the lives of those you lead.
Throughout the course, you will engage in diverse activities such as:
- Readings, reflections, quizzes, discussions, and projects to build your portfolio. These activities are designed to give you hands-on experience and a thorough understanding of authentic leadership in arts and design.
Course Modules
Who this course is designed for
- Emerging Leaders in Creative Fields: Early-career professionals in design, fine arts, architecture, or media who are stepping into leadership roles and want to build a foundation based on authenticity and self-awareness.
- Mid-Level Creatives Seeking Growth: Designers, artists, and project leads looking to refine their leadership style, improve team dynamics, and lead more effectively through change and complexity.
- Educators and Mentors in the Arts: Instructors and mentors guiding the next generation of creatives, who want to foster leadership skills grounded in empathy, feedback, and ethical practice.
- Creative Entrepreneurs and Freelancers: Independent creatives managing client relationships, collaborations, or teams who want to develop leadership presence and influence.
- Anyone in the Arts and Design Industry: Professionals across roles who want to lead more intentionally, improve communication, and contribute meaningfully to their creative communities.
Outcomes
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
- Define authentic leadership and articulate its importance in the context of arts and design professions.
- Develop greater self-awareness to understand how personal values, behaviors, and experiences influence leadership style.
- Analyze expectations and communication dynamics within creative teams and collaborative environments.
- Apply strategies for transparency, ethical decision-making, and feedback, fostering trust and resilience in professional relationships.
- Identify and articulate a personal leadership superpower and distinguish it from general strengths.
- Empower others effectively, recognizing when to lead from the front and when to support from the sidelines.
- Demonstrate vulnerability and accountability, using real-life challenges as opportunities for growth and connection.
- Embrace feedback as a tool for improvement, practicing both giving and receiving feedback with Radical Candor.
- Reflect on and refine personal leadership practices, aligning them with long-term professional and creative goals.
- Cultivate a leadership brand that is consistent, intentional, and aligned with authentic values and creative vision.
Practical skills you will develop
This program equips learners with vital skills to thrive in today's complex workforce. Key skills include:
Program support
Have additional questions?
Please reach out to Timothy.McKean@asu.edu for course/exam content related questions.
Instructors
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