Adam Kane

In his classic book Good to Great , Jim Collins describes the "Flywheel Effect." He asks readers to imagine a massive metal disc mounted on an axle. To get it moving, you push with all your might. At first, it barely inches forward. You keep pushing, and after an hour of effort, you get one full rotation. You keep pushing. Eventually, the wheel’s own weight works for you. Momentum takes over, and the wheel spins almost on its own. For museum leaders, this metaphor is critical. We often look...

For many museums there's an unrealistic dream of self-sufficiency through earned revenue. The goal is often to sell enough tickets, merchandise, or services to fund 100% of operations. This concept is often promoted by well-meaning board members with business background, and a limited understanding of non-profit business models and the power of philanthropy. While earned revenue self-sufficiency ambition is laudable, the data suggests it is rarely realistic. Even established museums...

Capital projects, whether renovations, additions, or new construction, are among the most complex undertakings a museum can face. Success depends not only on good design, but on a clear vision, strong planning and fundraising, and thoughtful team coordination from the very beginning. Start with Clarity: Vision, Scope, and Reality Before engaging architects or launching fundraising efforts, museums benefit from defining a clear project vision. This includes understanding the scope of work,...