Every Broadway Show Is a Startup


When people think about Broadway, they usually think about the magic on stage—the performers, the music, the lights, and the unforgettable stories that captivate audiences night after night.

What many people don't see is everything that happens before opening night.

I recently had the opportunity to join Talia Mashiach on the Inspired to Lead podcast, where we discussed the business side of Broadway and the lessons it offers in leadership, teamwork, entrepreneurship, and creativity.

One of the ideas that resonated most during our conversation was a simple statement:

Every Broadway show is its own startup.

Just like a startup, every production begins with an idea. A story is discovered. A creative team is assembled. Funding must be secured. Challenges arise. Plans change. New solutions emerge. Throughout the process, there are countless moments where determination and adaptability become essential.

A Broadway production can take years to develop. During that time, writers refine scripts, directors shape the vision, designers create the world of the show, and performers bring characters to life. It takes a remarkable group of people working together toward a common goal.

The similarities between producing a Broadway show and building a business are striking.

Both require leadership.

Both require resilience.

Both require collaboration.

And both involve a willingness to embrace uncertainty.

Not every project succeeds. In fact, creative industries are filled with ideas that never fully reach their intended destination. Yet every experience teaches something valuable. Every challenge provides an opportunity to learn, improve, and grow.

One of the aspects of theater I value most is the sense of community it creates. Great productions are built by people who trust one another, support one another, and work together to create something larger than themselves. Those same principles apply to leadership in any field.

Another topic we explored during the podcast was the importance of storytelling. Stories connect us. They help us understand different perspectives, inspire empathy, and encourage meaningful conversations. Whether on Broadway or in everyday life, storytelling remains one of the most powerful tools we have.

Perhaps the greatest reward of all is introducing new audiences to theater. Watching someone experience live performance for the first time is a reminder of the impact that art can have. Theater encourages confidence, creativity, communication, and connection—qualities that benefit people far beyond the stage.

I am grateful to Talia Mashiach and the Inspired to Lead team for the opportunity to share my experiences and discuss the business behind Broadway.

If you would like to watch the full interview, you can view it here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmpuRsFHz0E

Thank you for reading, and I hope these lessons from Broadway inspire you in your own leadership journey.

— Sue Gilad

 

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