Lyric Opera 2022-2023 Issue 8 - Carmen

Lyric Opera of Chicago | 72 TELL US ABOUT YOUR ROLE HERE AT LYRIC—AND HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN HERE? I started in October 2022. I see my role as being the lead architect for the design and optimization of scalable, world-class people and talent systems, and a strategic partner in guiding the People & Culture department to support our organizational priorities. A system by which the people, the humans who do the work, feel a sense of belonging, are motivated to show up every day and bring their talent and their best self, and also to feel a sense of commitment. We are uniquely centered in that our product is performing artists. To me, performance art is a way to energize and engage society in ways that bring joy, contentment, and ful llment. So in a lot of ways, I think our people—sometimes without even knowing it—are a catalyst for social good. WHAT KEEPS YOU COMMITTED TO THE WORKYOU DO? I enjoy seeing people thrive—and that looks different for everyone. Whether it’s someone on the administrative side or the artistic side, I think creating a sense of community and allowing people to thrive in their individual way is what keeps me motivated and showing up every day. We’re so passionate about what we do, and along the way, we nd our sense of purpose and our connection points. I want to help everyone connect to those powerful, meaningful moments and really cement what it means to be a member of this organization. WHAT LED YOU TO WORK AT LYRIC? I’m a nurturer by heart, so naturally it was nice when I found my calling. I started out in for-pro t and while that was a great learning experience, I just didn’t connect to the cause of those institutions. I was intentional about pursuing organizations that contributed back to social good and humanity. I’ve been in the nonpro t space for more than 15 years. An executive search rm reached out to me. I wasn’t looking, but then they said, “Lyric.” To me, there has never been a better time to be in the performing arts. We’re treading into innovative new spaces as an organization. Looking at the new titles, at our world premieres, and at the level of talent that we attract and retain, I wanted to be part of this emergence of change at a critical time. To continue and elevate the amazing foundational work that has been happening. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGING ASPECTS OF YOUR JOB? There isn’t a lot of information out there particular to our industry about how to tackle some of the challenging aspects of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility. There’s no playbook. But I think we as an institution are uniquely positioned because we’ve intentionally carved out resources dedicated to supporting the IDEA work. That allows us to kind of be the pioneers, thought leaders in some respects, just even taking for example some of the stories that will be told on our stage. BEYOND OPERA,WHAT ARE YOUR OTHER PASSIONS? I’m a bit of a foodie. I enjoy going anywhere good, from small family-owned places, up to the big Michelin star restaurants. There’s nothing that I’m allergic to or won’t try. I love food, I love wine. I’m really looking forward to Lyric’s Wine Auction in May. A FAVORITE LYRIC MOMENT? I know this is a bit unusual, but for me it was powerful. Just one week into my new role, we were faced with a tough challenge as an organization, with the loss of Deborah Hare, a longtime and signi cant member of our Development division. After I had walked around the building, talking with colleagues and learning about who she was, and as I re ected on her impact, I thought, I only hope to be half as remarkable as her. For me, that was a de ning moment of, I’m at the right place. This is a place that values people, values individuality. I’m walking into an institution that cares. People of Lyric Jennifer E. Boyd Vice President, People & Culture Andrea Guerrero/After School Matters