Case Studies
Every project is different—but they all share one thing: people coming together to create something meaningful.
Below are snapshots of spaces I’ve helped design and facilitate, from retreats and convenings to bootcamps and transformations.
Think of them as behind-the-scenes stories where clarity, connection, and creativity came to life.
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(Boulder, CO)
When a family set out to build a new arts-focused foundation, they needed space to explore big questions: Who are we? What impact do we want to make?
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I designed and facilitated early-stage sessions to help surface values, shape mission and vision, and introduce strategic philanthropy frameworks. Through creative exercises and collaborative planning, inspiration turned into clear, actionable next steps.
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The result? A sharper purpose—and a confident path forward.
"We are still so amped from the inspiring and exciting conversation yesterday... We feel like we’re in a much better position moving forward and can’t wait for the next steps— Alyssa Graham, DAG Foundation Co-Founder
Western Arts Alliance (Portland, OR)
Western Arts Alliance launched the WAA Leadership Institute to deepen cross-cultural understanding and leadership in the performing arts.
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I designed and facilitated a multi-day retreat for 18 national arts leaders, blending storytelling, strategic reflection, and cultural dialogue. Together, we explored how identity, community, and creativity shape leadership—and field-wide change.
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The result? A transformative experience that continues to shape WAA’s vision for a more inclusive arts ecosystem.
“The Institute was an extraordinary experience. A word I rarely use applies for everyone from our organization that attended—transformational.”
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"BEST. RETREAT. EVER. Thoughtful discussion, productive work sessions, and true team-building. Joe did a fantastic job."
The Walton Family Foundation
(Bentonville, AR)
As the Home Region Program prepared for a new strategic plan, leadership recognized the need for trust, alignment, and clarity.
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I designed and facilitated a three-day, off-site retreat blending creative team-building, collaborative meals, and future-focused visioning. Throughout, we surfaced insights, built trust, and mapped next steps.
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The result? A reset, a recharge, and a team ready to lead—together.
"Joe’s ice-breakers were amazing—and the experience of cooking a meal together was such a powerful way to connect."
Facing silos and client service challenges, UT Austin needed new collaboration across teams.
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I designed and facilitated a kickoff workshop to launch a cross-functional workgroup, blending team bonding, problem-solving frameworks, and shared purpose. After the session, I provided facilitative project management to drive implementation—guiding projects from better signage to improved food and beverage services.
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The result? A one-day workshop that sparked a culture shift—and tangible improvements across campus.
The University of Texas at Austin
(Austin, TX)
"This is the first time I’ve really felt empowered to solve a problem like this. It’s been such a positive experience working with so many colleagues from across campus."
"A new theater will be transformational for our artists and audiences. It will offer artists a stage worthy of their talents and a welcoming space for intimate, high-quality performance."
— Nancy J. Preis, General Director, Opera in the Ozarks
(Eureka Springs, AR)
With a $34 million grant from the Walton Family Foundation, Opera in the Ozarks embarked on a transformational expansion—building a 300-seat theater, rehearsal halls, production shops, and on-campus housing.
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As Facilitative Project Manager, I guided diverse stakeholders—owners, funders, architects, and contractors—through a multi-year collaboration, from visioning to groundbreaking.
Scope included:
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Scope development and integrated scheduling
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Strategic planning and stakeholder alignment
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Conflict resolution, risk mitigation, and approvals
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The result? A future-ready campus designed to inspire the next generation of opera talent.
"The ability to focus in for 72 hours CANNOT be undersold... I witnessed ideas that likely spent months on the shelf get pulled down, tinkered with, and given a go."
— Mario Ochoa, Chamber Orchestra of San Antonio
"Having instant feedback allows you to recalibrate and refine your concept—you don’t have to continue down the wrong path for long."
— Asia Ciaravino, President & CEO, The Playhouse
3-Day Startup
(San Antonio, TX)
3 Day Startup launched its first-ever program for performing arts organizations—to equip nonprofit leaders with startup tools and earned revenue strategies.
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I co-facilitated a three-day immersive bootcamp with 3DS, Geekdom, and the 80/20 Foundation, guiding six arts organizations through structured ideation, customer discovery, and live pitching to funders.
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Participants like Ballet San Antonio, YOSA, and The Playhouse developed new membership pipelines, immersive offerings, and mobile apps—building entrepreneurial muscles along the way.
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The result? Fresh ideas, real validation, and renewed confidence for arts leaders to innovate.
Secretariat of Culture-São Paulo
(São Paulo, Brazil)
When the Secretariat of Culture and ISPA partnered to host a global performing arts congress, they needed more than logistics—they needed cultural connection.
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Over three years, I designed and facilitated the planning for a weeklong event that brought 400+ delegates to 14 venues across São Paulo, fostering exchange between Brazilian artists & arts leaders and their international colleagues.
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My role included:
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Facilitating a Host Committee of 20+ partners
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Aligning vision and content with ISPA leadership
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Co-curating eight panels and two keynote events
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Coordinating logistics across languages, continents, and cultures
The result? A landmark event spotlighting Brazil’s arts ecosystem—and what’s possible when diplomacy, creativity, and facilitation come together.
"Joe’s contributions were invaluable. His cross-cultural skills helped deliver a world-class experience—without losing the fun we Brazilians love!"
— Claudia Toni, Special Advisor, Secretariat of Culture, São Paulo State