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#19 Glazer Children’s Museum CEO Sarah Cole on Leadership, Strategy, and the Power of Play

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.

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