CEO Stories: CBSO boss on driving change in the face of personal criticism
Emma Stenning, chief executive of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, is the latest guest on season four of CEO Stories, the podcast from Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce.
The episode is available to listen to on all major listening apps such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Emma leads the globally-renowned CBSO - an organisation she says is "shorthand for excellence" in the classical music world.
She comes from a successful theatrical background - leading major theatres in the UK and Canada, being involved in the London 2012 Olympics and working with pop stars such as Damon Albarn and Rufus Wainwright.
However, her vision for the CBSO - designed to reach new audiences in light of declining attendances at classical concerts across the UK - has received criticism in the press and among fans.
Emma talks to Henrietta about the challenge of bringing new ideas to the historic CBSO while protecting its traditions.
She opens up about attempting to drive change while dealing with personal criticism.
CEO Stories is a monthly podcast hosted by Henrietta Brealey, who in 2021 became the youngest chief executive in the Chamber’s history.
A new episode is published on the first Monday of every month.
Throughout the series, Henrietta is joined by a variety of well-known and emerging business leaders, who will reveal what makes them tick, who inspired them and the advice they would give to aspiring CEOs.
Previous guests include former NEC Group chief executive Paul Thandi, ex-Birmingham City Council CEO Deborah Cadman, TV chef Liam Dillon and Chamber presidents past and present, Deb Leary and Nasir Awan.
You can listen and subscribe to CEO Stories now on the following listening platforms:
If you like what you've heard and are interested in learning about opportunities to partner with the CEO Stories podcast, contact head of media and communications Dan Harrison at d.harrison@birmingham-chamber.com
