Molly Lenore on Crafting Immersive Experiences - Chief Influencer - Episode # 040
Molly Lenore is the Co-founder and President of Moey Inc., a pioneering company dedicated to crafting technology-infused experiences, installations, products, and exhibits at the convergence of art, science, technology, design, and education. With a focus on conceptualization, design, and realization, Molly specializes in curating technology-driven installations within interactive public spaces. Molly has graced prestigious institutions as a guest lecturer, including NYU, Harvard Graduate School of Design, Columbia University, Parsons School of Design, and the Academy of Art College in San Francisco. Beyond her professional endeavors, Molly channels her passion into LGBTQ+ sports, viewing them as a catalyst for community and inclusivity. Her involvement extends to serving on multiple boards, such as the National Gay Flag Football League, the New York Gay Football League, and the Big Apple Softball League.
In today's episode, Molly discusses the company's approach to creating exhibits that effectively communicate distinct messages. They walk the client through the ideation, design, and creation stages, focusing on building a narrative and understanding the audience. Molly also discusses how they have adapted to societal changes, specifically the pervasive use of smartphones. Furthermore, she discusses the importance of cross-generational and audience-centric design, developing trust with clients through honesty and openness.
Takeaways:
- Understanding the audience and tailoring the experiences to their needs, whether a museum exhibit or a leadership presentation, is crucial to understanding your audience's perspective, expectations, and interests.
- A compelling message isn't just about influencing the audience but also about being open to the audience's influence. Leaders must balance imparting their vision while accommodating audience insights and feedback. This two-way interaction ensures messages resonate more deeply.
- Creating experiences that cater to and bridge different generations is crucial, thus fostering cross-generational communication and enhancing shared understanding.
- Leaders must pilot initiatives or seek feedback before implementing ideas by creating prototypes and conducting user tests to adjust and perfect their projects.
- The impact of technology on audience behaviors, like the self-portrait culture sparked by smartphones, requires leaders to adapt their communication and engagement strategies accordingly.
- Incorporating joy into any experience, be it an exhibition or a workplace meeting, can enhance engagement and success.
Quote of the Show:
- "When you put a design out into the world, it's no longer yours" - Molly Lenore
Links:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/molly-lenore-b20a771
- Moey Inc. (Website): https://www.moeyinc.com
Shout Outs:
- Joey Stein on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-stein-5a71487a
- American Museum of Natural History: https://www.amnh.org
- NYU: https://www.nyu.edu
- Harvard Graduate School of Design: https://www.gsd.harvard.edu
- Columbia University: https://www.columbia.edu
- Parsons School of Design: https://www.newschool.edu/parsons
- The Academy of Art University: https://www.academyart.edu
- The National Gay Flag Football League: https://ngffl.org
- The New York Gay Football League: https://nygayfootball.org
- The Big Apple Softball League: https://www.bigapplesoftball.com
- Science Museum of Virginia: https://smv.org
- The Intrepid Museum: https://intrepidmuseum.org
Creators and Guests
Host
Anthony Shop
Anthony Shop believes in the power of people-centered branding and marketing to create a bright future. He chairs the National Digital Roundtable, the premier convener of digital innovators, leaders and policy shapers. Anthony also is the Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Social Driver, a digital services firm that helps companies and non-profits establish winning strategies with social media, websites, creative, and advertising. An enthusiastic presenter and teacher, he has led executive-level training for Amazon, PepsiCo, NASA, The British Embassy and the Bipartisan Policy Center. He has been recognized as an “OUTstanding LGBT Role Model” by The Financial Times, “40 Under 40” by The Washington Business Journal, and Business Leader of the Year by the DC Chamber of Commerce. A former newspaper reporter, Anthony was the first new media professional elected to the National Press Club’s Board of Governors. He currently serves on the boards of Leadership Greater Washington and LearnServe International. He earned his MBA from The George Washington University School of Business, where he teaches as an adjunct lecturer.
Producer
Robert Krueger
Robert is an Executive Director for The Communications Board, an organization with the mission of providing high-quality professional development for every communicator in every location. He is also the Global Lead for Partnership Communications at Gensler, the world’s largest architecture and design firm. Prior to his current role, he performed executive and CEO communications for Gensler, and was the senior director of public relations and social media at the Urban Land Institute. He obtained an MA in Communications and an MA in History from George Mason University. He did his undergraduate studies at the University of Missouri-Columbia. In addition, Robert has taught communications at universities including George Mason University, West Virginia University, and the University of Florida. Robert currently serves as Immediate-Past President for the Public Relations Society of America’s National Capital Chapter (PRSA-NCC) -- the nonprofit’s largest chapter.