From leading an independent agency to embracing a new office and finding inspiration in unexpected places, Artists&Outlaws President + CEO Shari Day knows creativity is at the heart of good leadership. She shares lessons on empowering teams, navigating change, and staying curious.

What’s your leadership philosophy?

I want to surround myself with the most talented team possible, provide them with the resources they need to do their jobs, and empower them to make decisions — big and small — that ensure clients' goals are achieved. This keeps me engaged at all levels of our business, from long-term business growth strategy to dropping into client meetings and pitches to observe how the day-to-day is going

What’s something you’ve learned recently?

I've recently learned that new surroundings spark curiosity, which is so important in the advertising and marketing industry. Artists&Outlaws recently relocated from our longtime home in the Gulch to new-to-us office space on Kline Avenue. As we settle in, I've learned that communication is essential during a transition, people have an amazing capacity to acclimate, and discovery is fascinating at all levels.

What advice would you give future CEOs?

Learn and understand as much as you can about every aspect of your industry. I've worked in various capacities in the advertising, marketing, and PR industries, and my experience prepared me to lead a business and my Artists&Outlaws team.

What's something you're proud of?

I'm proud that Artists&Outlaws is an independent advertising and marketing agency with the talent and ability to scale large enough to win big accounts. We're proof positive that creativity knows no boundaries.

What’s something everyone should be reading, listening to, or watching right now?

Music that inspires and moves you physically and emotionally. For me, that's classic rock. My husband and I, along with thousands of other fans, endured a thunderstorm to enjoy Metallica at Nissan Stadium in Nashville last year. Their music is evidence that creatives function on so many different levels of expression, and we're all trying to inspire.