After earning his undergraduate degree from LMU in music, Ayzoukian took a post with the Los Angeles Philharmonic as an artist liaison and later he was a concert manager.
"After six years at the LA Phil, I wanted to move into an executive position, which is one of the reasons I started looking at EMBA programs," said Ayzoukian. "I was attracted to LMU's EMBA because I had already experienced the supportive atmosphere of the LMU community as an undergraduate, where a student can get a good deal of one-on-one attention. Even though I knew that the EMBA program would be rigorous and present the usual challenges of a leading graduate business program, I found that same support structure in the EMBA as I had discovered as an undergrad.
"The group work in the program models the business world in many ways. However, in some ways it's more challenging than actual business groups -- which can be hierarchical. In the class groups, we're all on the same level and so decision-making, ideally, needs to be democratic. You have to find thoughtful ways to engage your group mates that's relevant for them and their educational experience in order to gain buy-in -- there's no 'pulling rank'. "
"I knew right away that Chris would be a great addition to our program," said Bill Lindsey, director of the Center for Executive Learning. "He was a quick learner and was eager to apply what he learned in the program to day-to-day business situations."
Shortly after earning his MBA, Ayzoukian left the orchestra to be a director of professional services at a startup software company. Soon after the switch, Los Angeles Philharmonic management created a position to help plan and oversee the initiatives involving the transition from Music Director Esa-Pekka Salonen, who led the orchestra for 17 years, and Dudamel. Ayzoukian was offered the job. It didn't take long for him to put what he had learned into practice. "The MBA gave me confidence in strategic discussions and it changed the lens of how I viewed business challenges. I was able to approach business problems methodically, with the larger picture in mind. Because of what we'd learned in the program, I remember thinking 'I've heard this before,' or 'I've seen a similar case like this before.' "
As director of special projects, Ayzoukian facilitates and manages strategic plans for all cross-departmental projects related to the transition between Salonen and Dudamel. Ayzoukian spearheaded a transition committee of senior staff tasked with planning a fitting farewell to Salonen and the inauguration of Dudamel. He added, "The group work in the MBA, working with highly-experienced classmates at the senior manager level, gave me a strong framework to begin the planning process with our transition committee."
When asked about the business side of arts institutions, Ayzoukian observed, "Business metrics in the arts and [not-for-profits] may seem like a subjective thing. The trick is for cultural institutions and nonprofits to find ways, in addition to financial metrics, to quantify and measure progress, even if the core service is an artistic one. This is one of several areas where business degrees and training are becoming more valued in the arts."
For those considering an Executive MBA from LMU, Ayzoukian said, "You won't get lost in the shuffle. It's a very intimate program where you'll get to know your classmates and instructors personally. Make sure you're fully committed to it; you'll get more out of it. It will be a part of your life for the next two years; but it's worth it."
Contact: Taylor Nicole Moyé | Manager of Communications and Special Projects| College of Business Administration
310.258.8883 | tmoye@lmu.edu
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