Customer-Centric Culture: A Conversation with Aubrey Bergauer

Join us for a special conversation with @Aubrey Bergauer about her book Run It Like a Business: Strategies for Arts Organizations to Increase Audiences, Remain Relevant, and Multiply Money—Without Losing the Art. As we wrap up our fall book club season, we'll explore key themes from the book, focusing on becoming “customer-obsessed” and what that means for cultural institutions today. Whether you've been reading along with us or are just discovering the book, this session offers valuable insights for anyone interested in audience development and organizational growth. Session Format1. 20 minutes: Interview and discussion with Aubrey 2. 10 minutes: Small group discussions exploring what it means to become truly customer-obsessed (one of the four principles of relevance described in the book) and what will need to change at your institution to prioritize community goals or user needs 3. 20 minutes: Full group Q&A and reflection How to ParticipateThis free session is open to all. While you don't need to have read the entire book to participate, we encourage you to familiarize yourself with its key concepts beforehand.  You can purchase the book here or check if your local library has a copy. RSVP to receive a reminder with a link to join the session on the day of the event.  About Aubrey BergauerAubrey Bergauer is known for her results-driven, customer-centric approach to transforming performing arts organizations. She has consistently driven remarkable growth in audiences and revenue as a leader at major institutions, including the Seattle Symphony, Seattle Opera, and San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Most notably, as chief executive of the California Symphony, she doubled the audience size and nearly quadrupled the donor base. Her work focuses on helping cultural organizations move from scarcity to opportunity through data-driven strategies, digital innovation, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Her first book, Run It Like A Business, published in February 2024, shares these proven approaches for growing audiences while staying true to her artistic mission.