Co-CEO Chronicles: Navigating Growth, Change, and Complexity (EP.84)

Discover the real-world lessons of co-leadership in this two-part conversation with Americans for the Arts’ interim Co-CEOs, Suzy Delvalle and Jamie Bennett.

Recorded at the start and end of their nine-month shared leadership journey, host Tim Cynova explores how they divided responsibilities, built trust, navigated challenges, and embraced the benefits of having two leaders at the helm. From the decision to take the roles together, to the cultural shifts and surprises along the way, this episode offers candid insights for executives, boards, and organizations exploring interim leadership, shared power, and values-driven change.

We explore:

• How the co-leadership arrangement came together and why neither would have said yes without the other
• Structuring responsibilities, building trust, and navigating shared decision-making in a high-profile national nonprofit
• The benefits—and surprises—of having two leaders instead of one, both internally and externally
• How interim roles can create space for experimentation, transparency, and cultural change
• Lessons for boards, staff, and leaders considering co-leadership or shared power models

Part One captures Suzy and Jamie’s hopes, plans, and questions as they begin. Part Two—where Tim is joined by podcasting’s favorite co-host Lauren Ruffin—unpacks what worked, what didn’t, and what they wish they’d had time to do.

Whether you’re curious about co-leadership, fascinated by interim executive roles, or wondering how to lead in turbulent times, this episode offers an honest, behind-the-scenes look at shared leadership in practice.

Listen in and discover: How two leaders, one job, and a finite timeline reshaped an organization’s transition—and their own perspectives on leadership.

Highlights:

• 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Episode Origins
• 00:56 Meet the Interim Co-CEOs
• 02:09 The Co-Leadership Journey Begins
• 04:41 Structuring the Co-Leadership
• 06:17 Intentional Interim Ministry
• 08:06 Challenges and Opportunities
• 10:23 Shared Leadership Dynamics
• 14:51 Project Management and Organizational Goals
• 17:39 Reflecting on Interim Leadership
• 25:41 Future Vision and Organizational Evolution
• 33:34 Part Two: Reflecting on the Journey
• 35:42 Entering the Interim Role
• 36:35 Navigating Co-CEO Dynamics
• 37:36 Building Trust with Staff
• 39:13 Reflections on Co-Leadership
• 41:26 Challenges and Benefits of Shared Leadership
• 43:18 Interim Leadership Insights
• 45:23 Future of Leadership Models
• 48:13 Final Thoughts and Reflections

BIOS

ABOUT SUZY DELVALLE

Suzy is a seasoned advisor who has leveraged her expertise to drive strategic growth and stability in arts organizations, most recently through interim leadership roles at A Blade of Grass, Artadia, Socrates Sculpture Park, and United States Artists. With a proven track record of success, she previously led Creative Capital and was one of the architects of Artists Relief, a $25 million initiative that provided emergency support to artists during the COVID-19 pandemic. She was the founding executive director of The Sugar Hill Children’s Museum of Art and Storytelling following tenures at El Museo del Barrio and American Composers Orchestra.

ABOUT JAMIE...