Nicole Alicea sits down with Sarah Cole, President and CEO of the Glazer Children’s Museum in Tampa, Florida, to explore how leadership, strategy, and a clear mission can transform an organization—even in times of crisis.
After stepping into her role shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic, Sarah was forced to make rapid, high-stakes decisions to keep the museum afloat. What followed was a complete rethinking of the organization’s direction—moving away from traditional strategic planning and toward a more flexible, purpose-driven approach.
In this episode, they discuss:
• How to lead through uncertainty and organizational disruption
• Why traditional strategic plans often fail—and what to do instead
• Building alignment between leadership, staff, and board members
• The role of community, partnerships, and access in nonprofit growth
• Why “play” is more than fun—it’s essential to learning, development, and long-term impact
Sarah also shares how the museum refined its mission, strengthened its culture, and positioned itself as a world-class destination for families and the Tampa Bay community.
This conversation offers valuable insights for business leaders, nonprofit executives, and anyone looking to build a resilient, purpose-driven organization.
Produced by David “Fingers” Bell and hosted by Nicole Valentin Alicea.
