Meet Lydia Simon | Director of Marketing & Communications

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lydia Simon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lydia, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
The most important thing I’ve learned over the years is that you can’t pour from an empty cup. In order for me to show up as my best self in all areas of my life, I need to make sure that my cup is full. For me that means reading a book with a cup of tea every week-night, doing yoga, going on a walk, rollerblading, eating good food…anything that gets me out of my head and into my body.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
There’s lots to be proud of, but writing an 80 page MA thesis entirely in Mandarin Chinese might top the list…

I’m currently the Director of Marketing and Communications at the Columbus Museum of Art. Previous roles include Executive Director of local arts non-profit, Wild Goose Creative and a lecturer in the Business, Math & Entrepreneurship Department at Columbus College of Art and Design. I received my BA in Arts Management from The Ohio State University and my and MA in Advanced Chinese Language and Culture through which I researched Chinese contemporary art and cultural policy in Beijing. I currently serve on the board of 934 Gallery and Columbus Arts Marketing Association. When I’m not supporting the arts in Columbus, you can find me roller-skating, trying to keep up with my Chinese, reading or discovering new restaurants and coffee shops!

The journey to my current position at the Columbus Museum of Art is long and winding, but throughout all of my educational and professional experiences, I pushed through discomfort and stayed curious. I also tried lots of things. You have to try lots of things in order to figure out what you like. Over the years I discovered that I love art and I love people. Being Director of Marketing and Communications at an art museum allows me to connect the two. My energy feels very-much aligned this role.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Visit downtown Columbus! Visit Columbus Museum of Art in the morning, grab lunch at Schokko Cafe, maybe hang out in the Franklinton Arts District and dinner at Speck on High Street.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family and friends for supporting me in all my endeavors.

Instagram: @simonsays

Image Credits
Image credit for my bio photo is Shellee Fisher.