Kimmel Center Chief Executive Officer Janice Price loves a full house.
A packed auditorium means more than gift-shop sales and extra programs. Audience interactions provide a "tangible imprint" of the vibrancy of nonprofit organizations, Price said Thursday in Huntsman Hall.
Price's appearance was part of the Wharton MBA Leadership Lecture Series.
In her speech, Price emphasized that nonprofit enterprises are "mission-driven and market-sensitive" and employ the same standard business models used in the private sector.
The Kimmel Center's main lobby, the Commonwealth Plaza, symbolizes the performing-arts center's commitment to educate and showcase the arts for the community, Price said.
Price encouraged the 100-person audience -- many of whom were current Wharton MBA students -- to value the importance of staff motivation.
"Empower them," she said, and their collective hard work will produce superior results.
Price offered advice to students who are not sure where they see themselves in five years.
"Don't be afraid to deviate from your plan," she said.
Price said that nonprofit leaders appreciate "skills and talent," adding that Penn students are able to gain these skills throughout their education.
Characterizing the nonprofit workplace as collaborative and focused on fulfilling a societal need, Price said many members of her staff have a "tolerance for the long-term" results of their daily activities.
"I'm in the connectedness business," Price said, referring to her interactions with both patrons and board members of the Kimmel Center.
Wharton MBA students in attendance appreciated her candor and informative comparison of the nonprofit and private sectors.
Price was a "great speaker and very eloquent," first-year Wharton MBA student Debby Wang said.
College freshman Jing Jin said that Price established a "wonderful" connection with her audience of budding business professionals.
