Busting the myth of the starving artist w/ Ringling College of Art & Design President Larry Thompson

September 12, 2024

Dr. Larry R. Thompson became president of Ringling College of Art and Design in July 1999. As the head of this pre-eminent art and design college, he is transforming the way people think about art and design and why businesses must infuse creativity to thrive.

A lawyer and an educator, Thompson served as Special Assistant to the President of The Ohio State University, President/CEO of Flint Cultural Center in Michigan, and was the founding Executive Director/CEO of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland, Ohio prior to joining Ringling College.

He is the former president of the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design and currently serves as a member of its executive committee, is chair of the President’s Council of the Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida, and serves on boards of many local arts and civic organizations.

3 Takeaways

(13:15) It’s not about the leader, it’s about the people around the leader
(17:15) Leaders need to be able to listen
(18:05) Don’t try to be the smartest person in the room, be part of something larger than yourself

Timestamps

(00:00) This episode is sponsored by Kerkering Barberio!
(00:25) 25 years as President of Ringling College of Art and Design
(01:40) How Larry got to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
(05:10) What was Ringling College like in 1999?
(07:30) Growing Ringling College
(11:20) Shattering the myth of the starving artist
(13:00) Navigating the pandemic
(16:00) What do you look for in leaders?
(17:55) Leadership advice
(19:10) Best and hardest parts of being a college president
(22:10) Infusing Ringling College into the community
(23:00) What is next for Ringling College?

Join us every week as we interview business leaders to learn what makes them great, what they look for in growing leaders and much more.