The Interview of Michelle Wildenhaus

Episode Summary:

In the latest episode of the InPowered Women’s Podcast, host Sharon Lee interviews Pamela Williams-Lime, Executive Director of The Arts Council. Pamela shares an overview of the Council’s mission and her role within the organization. Coming from a background in retail, she explains how she successfully transferred her skills into the arts industry.

 

Building an arts centre was no easy feat. Pamela recounts how she began by working without pay, gradually assembling a team, generating revenue, and getting the organization off the ground.

 

She offers valuable insights into defining a clear vision, building a strong team through mentorship, and equipping team members with life-long skills. Pamela also highlights the summer music series, a major fundraiser featuring a big jazz orchestra.

 

Sharon Lee

Sharon Lee is an accomplished entrepreneur and marketing expert dedicated to empowering female leaders. With a diverse background in sales and marketing across industries like advertising, magazine publishing, and solar energy, Sharon's journey showcases her versatility and determination. As the principal of Pinnacle Strategic Advisors, she assists businesses in enhancing their marketing strategies. Sharon's entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish her own consulting firm, reflecting her commitment to excellence. Alongside her professional pursuits, Sharon co-founded the InPowered Women's networking group, fostering mentorship and support for women in business. Through the InPowered Women Podcast, Sharon will share stories of resilient female leaders with listeners, encouraging them to pursue their aspirations fearlessly.

 

Pamela Williams-Lime

Pamela Williams-Lime is the new Executive Director of The Arts Council in Gainesville, Hall County, Georgia. She joined the organization in January 2022, following a year-long search for a successor to Gladys Wyant, who served as executive director from 1984 until March 2021. Williams-Lime previously served as the executive director of Milwaukee's Pabst Mansion.

 

Insights from this episode:

• Overview of the Arts Council and its mission
• Pamela’s role as Executive Director
• Transitioning from the retail industry to the arts sector
• Building and staffing an arts and cultural facility from the ground up
• Defining a clear vision for the organization
• The value of mentorship in the workplace
• Supporting team growth through skill development and guidance

 

Quotes from the show:

• “When people think about starting an arts and cultural facility, they think this is gonna be easy. But they really don’t know what kind of talent you need to staff it to build it.” – Pamela Williams-Lime, InPowered Women, Episode #16
• “I love looking at a community and gaining an understanding of the community and where an asset like this could better serve the community” – Pamela Williams-Lime, InPowered Women, Episode #16
• “I am a firm believer that things happen for a reason, but you have to be aware, and not rigid in what you want your career path should be. You cannot limit yourself, you have to be very open-minded.” – Pamela Williams-Lime, InPowered Women, Episode #16
• “Coming in from outside, you want to absorb all the information that a community has, to develop what that vision is for going forward. It’s not about me, it’s not about what I like or don’t like, it’s what the community would like.” – Pamela Williams-Lime, InPowered Women, Episode #16
• “You tend to gravitate with people tha