Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Andrea Nero PhD. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Andrea, thanks for joining us today. What do you think it takes to be successful?

In my capacity as the CEO of Nero Strategies Group, I frequently collaborate with arts and cultural organizations, providing strategic guidance to both institutions and individual artists. A common thread I’ve observed among early career artists striving to make their mark is the belief that financial resources, such as a trust fund, are the primary key to unlocking opportunities within the industry. While financial support can certainly facilitate one’s journey, it is not a prerequisite for success.

The most crucial piece of advice I can offer, which is often overlooked for its simplicity, is the importance of adhering to application instructions. Many artists, in their eagerness to stand out, might assume that their unique talent exempts them from following standard procedures. However, this is a misconception. Adherence to guidelines is not just about bureaucratic compliance; it’s a reflection of your professionalism and your ability to work within established frameworks. This is particularly important when applying for gallery exhibitions, residencies, or grants. Organizations and selection panels are not just looking for artistic talent; they are seeking individuals who are reliable and easy to collaborate with. Therefore, my mantra for aspiring artists is straightforward: diligently complete the application process. This fundamental step is often what distinguishes successful candidates from the rest.

Andrea, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

At the heart of my narrative is a profound passion for history, a field where stories from the past illuminate the pathways of our future. Holding a PhD in history, my academic pursuits have not only honed my analytical skills but have also deeply ingrained in me the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). This foundation has been instrumental in shaping my multifaceted career.

In my role as the head of Development and Engagement at Arts Services Inc. of Western New York, I am deeply committed to nurturing and expanding the vibrant arts community in our region. My work here is centered on forging meaningful connections, fostering growth, and facilitating engagement within the arts sector, ensuring that it remains accessible, inclusive, and thriving.

Parallel to this, Nero Strategies Group, which I founded, is a beacon for transformative change within the nonprofit and executive spheres. Our services are meticulously designed to address the unique challenges faced by these entities, ranging from strategic planning and DEI initiatives to organizational scaling and community outreach. What sets us apart is not just the breadth of our offerings but our approach: we view every challenge through a lens of opportunity, leveraging our collective expertise to unlock potential and inspire success.

A significant aspect of our work involves guiding emerging arts organizations through the critical decisions of structure, be it nonprofit or for-profit, and navigating the intricate landscape of grants and fellowships. This, coupled with my academic contributions, including teaching and research on contemporary issues like counterfeit art, showcases our commitment to not only addressing current challenges but also preparing for future ones.

What I am most proud of, beyond the tangible achievements, is the impact we’ve been able to make – the organizations we’ve transformed, the leaders we’ve empowered, and the communities we’ve uplifted. For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that at the core of my work, whether it be through ASIWNY, Nero Strategies Group, or my personal endeavors, is a relentless pursuit of excellence, a deep-seated commitment to inclusion, and an unwavering dedication to unlocking the potential within each individual and organization we touch.

In essence, my journey is one of passion, purpose, and impact. Whether through the arts, academia, or advisory roles, the goal remains the same: to create a more inclusive, equitable, and vibrant world for all.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Embarking on a career pivot is often a tale of discovery, and my journey from a PhD in history to a seasoned fundraising professional within the arts and cultural nonprofit sector is no exception. When I initiated my doctoral studies, the academic landscape was already brimming with cautionary tales about the scarcity of positions available to history PhDs. The market was saturated, with an imbalance between graduates and available academic roles. Despite this, my passion for history and an untold narrative about early American scientific societies—essentially some of the first nonprofits in the U.S.—fueled my determination to pursue my doctorate. These societies, leveraging the knowledge of marginalized groups, crafted esteemed reputations for the societal elite, a dynamic I was eager to explore.

However, aware of the challenges within academia, I proactively sought alternative career paths alongside my doctoral research. My journey saw me exploring diverse roles, from training as a cicerone—a beer expert akin to a wine sommelier—to teaching ESL to children in China, where I briefly became one of the most favored instructors. Despite these forays, my true calling lay elsewhere. My engagement with a large family trust, utilizing my skills in archival research to untangle and execute its directives, was a turning point. It was in this moment that my affinity for business, coupled with my proficiency in managing complex information and paperwork, became apparent.

The transition to fundraising and strategic planning within the nonprofit sector was a natural progression, melding my historical expertise with my newfound business acumen. Historians excel in synthesizing vast amounts of data into coherent, compelling narratives, a skill directly transferable to grant writing and fundraising pitches. This realization came into full focus during my postdoctoral work in the Business of Museums at Harvard, where the confluence of history, nonprofit structures, and business insight coalesced.

Nero Strategies Group was conceived from a desire to support local nonprofits lacking the resources for dedicated strategic planning or fundraising roles. My role as a fundraising professional in an arts service nonprofit complements this endeavor, allowing me to apply my unique blend of skills to foster growth and sustainability within the arts and cultural sector. This journey, from historian to fundraising expert, underscores the versatility of a doctoral education and the potential for PhDs to thrive beyond the confines of academia, leveraging their skills to make meaningful impacts in new and diverse fields.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

My approach to building my reputation in the fundraising field and beyond is anchored in a philosophy of thinking expansively. This mindset, which sets me apart, is rooted in my journey from modest beginnings to achieving academic and professional heights at Harvard. Such an ascent necessitates vision and audacity, traits that have been pivotal in my career.

Handling transactions of over a million dollars early in my career, particularly during my work with a substantial family trust, demystified the scale of financial figures for me. This experience was transformative, shifting my perspective on what constitutes a significant financial goal. In an industry where small-scale victories are often celebrated, my ethos is to aspire for greater magnitudes of success. The iconic Linda Evangelista, with her famed statement “I won’t get out of bed for less than $10,000,” embodies the standard I set for myself and the projects I undertake. This quote isn’t just a whimsical mantra but a tangible representation of my commitment to elevating the ambitions of the organizations I collaborate with.

This ‘think bigger’ philosophy is more than just a strategy; it’s a fundamental principle that guides my every decision. Before embarking on any project, I challenge myself with the question, “How can this be scaled up?” This approach not only amplifies the impact of my work but also inspires those around me to broaden their own visions. It’s this relentless pursuit of grandeur, grounded in a belief in the possible, that has been instrumental in forging my reputation as a trailblazer in the fundraising space.

Contact Info:

• Website: nerostrategies.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/andreanerophd
• Facebook: Facebook.com/nerostrategies
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/andreanero
• Other: harvard.academia.edu/andreanero

Image Credits
All images by me.