Grace Under Pressure: Leading Your Studio with Humor, Heart & Flexibility with Samantha Bower

Episode Description

In this episode, Jill sits down with veteran studio owner and mentor Samantha Bower to talk about navigating the pressures of leadership with humor, heart, and flexibility. From tackling unexpected challenges and staff burnout to building joyful culture and sustaining creativity, Sam shares stories and strategies that are equal parts inspiring and practical.

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Key Takeaways

• Create Space for Rest and Recovery: Rest isn't just helpful, it's critical. The studio is intentionally closed during holidays to encourage genuine time off.
• Humor Is a Leadership Tool: Leading with humor builds trust and fosters a fun, supportive culture for staff and students alike.
• Meetings Matter When They’re Meaningful: Plan meetings well in advance and make them engaging with food, games, and personal connection.
• Intentional Curriculum = Confident Kids: Giving kids space to grow at their own pace builds confidence that lasts through their entire studio journey.
• Don’t Do It Alone: Studio ownership can feel isolating, but finding a community of like-minded leaders is a game-changer.

Episode Timestamps

• [02:42] – Samantha’s journey: From a 14-year-old founding her own performing group to a thriving studio owner.
• [08:22] – Lessons in leadership: Learning from “not-so-smooth” moments, especially around staff and parent management.
• [13:31] – Handling burnout & stress: “Work hard, play hard, rest hard” becomes a new motto.
• [17:05] – Self-care insights: Why Samm loves winter breaks, reading, and turning off completely.
• [22:57] – Leading with humor: From silly games to custom nicknames, Samm shares how lightness builds connection.
• [28:28] – Staff meetings done right: Planning ahead, adding fun, and creating a sense of community.
• [32:39] – Spotlight on Little Limelight: Samm introduces her early childhood musical theatre curriculum for ages 3–7.

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Links Mentioned in this Episode...

Little Limelight: https://www.littlelimelight.com/ 

Energize Conference and Expo: https://www.energizeconference.com/

Dance Studio Owner: https://www.dancestudioowner.com/public/joinnow.cfm

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About Our Guest:

Samantha Bower is an award-winning teacher, producer, coach, entrepreneur, and proud mother of three boys ages 11, 8 and 4. She founded her first theater company at age 14 and holds a B.A. in Theater Education from Wagner College. The 2021 recipient of Businessperson of the Year from the Sudbury Chamber of Commerce, Samm established The Performing Arts Connection, a theater and dance studio for all ages, in Sudbury, MA in 2007. Years of development went into what is now Little Limelight, a Musical Theater curriculum for ages 3-7. Samm has been teaching Little Limelight Musical Theater for over 15 years. 

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Running a dance studio is hard work, and growing your studio