Leading Through Scarcity: Purpose Over Panic
Show notes
CEO lessons for navigating constant change: When resources are tight and uncertainty is high, what keeps organizations moving forward? New Jersey Performing Art Center CEO John Schreiber and BCG’s Rishi Varma share how purpose-led strategy, prioritization, and the right partnerships drive growth. Clear, actionable plans grounded in mission give leaders a north star, helping them stay focused and make hard calls with confidence.
Learn More
John Schreiber, President and CEO, New Jersey Performing Arts Center https://www.njpac.org/about/our-people/
Rishi Varma, Managing Director & Senior Partner, BCG https://www.bcg.com/about/people/experts/rishi-varma
When Strategy Follows Purpose: The Art of Revival, https://www.bcg.com/publications/2025/when-strategy-follows-purpose-art-of-revival
BCG's CEO Agenda, https://www.bcg.com/executives/ceo-agenda/insights
Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:57 The role of NJPAC
02:33 Why did the organization need to reshape?
05:47 How BCG partnered with NJPAC
07:52 Leading change in a legacy organization
11:16 CEO lessons for navigating constant change
13:28 Building resilience without abundant resources
14:25 How do leaders lead with less?
15:42 When does expanding mission become overreach?
17:36 What should leaders consider before expanding beyond the core?
18:44 How do you build coalitions that unlock real value?
19:54 What impact are you most proud of beyond Newark?
21:23 How do you think about legacy and long-term impact?
23:06 What stands out from disruption and change?
24:45 Outro
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