Bridging the worlds of business and art

Artists and business leaders used to be widely perceived as polar opposites.

In today's world, however, the corporate managers most likely to prosper are those who conduct themselves more like artists, innovating and responding quickly to stimulus.

That's the contention of McGill University professor Nancy Adler who, in addition to teaching at the Desautels Faculty of Management, is an accomplished painter whose first local solo show will open to the public next month at Galerie MX.

The interactive exhibit, titled Reality in Translation, Going Beyond the Dehydrated Language of Management, combines words and paintings.

Adler said one of her objectives as a teacher is "outing the humanity" of her MBA students. Many still arrive ready to adhere to the stereotype of what a professional should be -- hard-nosed, hierarchical, focused on the bottom line and/or stock price.

Read full article: Calgary Herald, August 23, 2010