NYAIR Episode 46
How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci
In this invigorating NY-AIR episode, Fordham Business School Dean Donna Rapaccioli sits down with internationally acclaimed creativity expert Michael Gelb for a unique, actionable conversation on creative thinking, business leadership, and resilience. Anchored in Da Vinci’s timeless principles, this episode shows alternative investment professionals how creative mindsets can fuel better organizations, higher returns, and more purposeful work.
Featured Guests
Donna Rapaccioli
Dean Emerita, Gabelli School of Business, Fordham University; Director, State Street Mutual Fund Board
Donna Rapaccioli is a visionary business educator, financial leader, and diversity champion recognized internationally for her transformative work at Fordham University and across global boards. As past Dean of the Gabelli School, Donna pioneered innovative business curricula, championed stakeholder value, and advised Fortune 500 boards including State Street and Emmanuel College. Renowned for centering purpose and social impact in business, Donna’s thought leadership drives change in finance, investment, and governance worldwide.
Michael J. Gelb
Creativity Expert, Author of “How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci
Michael Gelb is the world’s leading authority on creative thinking and innovation coaching. His bestselling books, including How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci, are foundational texts for organizations seeking to ignite genius and resilience in leaders and teams. With decades of experience consulting to Fortune 100 companies, presenting at major finance and business conferences, and coaching transformation with proven Da Vinci-inspired frameworks, Michael’s work fuses science, art, and systems thinking to unleash breakthrough potential.
Key Insights From This Episode
Sponsorship as a Catalyst for Genius
Renaissance geniuses like Leonardo thrived only with the support of family offices, patrons, and sponsors—the original evolution of venture and alternative capital.
Higher Purpose Drives Outperformance
Modern businesses that define a “higher purpose,” treat all stakeholders with care and dignity, and integrate social responsibility consistently outperform their peers in share price, employee engagement, and bottom line.
Cultivating Creative Leadership
Leaders can consciously model, emulate, and develop creative qualities—curiosity, systems thinking, and mind mapping—to transform business culture and foster innovation, agility, and resilience.
The Power of Smiling and Emotional Intelligence
Simple shifts (“smile like the Mona Lisa”) and modeling optimism can catalyze open-minded, creative problem-solving in individuals and organizations—even in times of crisis.
Finance’s Renaissance Roots
Leonardo’s era birthed new accounting models, concentrated wealth, and double-entry bookkeeping—reminders that financial innovation and creative thinking are historically intertwined.
Access the Full Conversation
Hear the full episode and download the custom insights deck packed with Da Vinci-inspired techniques for developing creative excellence, adaptability, and higher-purpose culture in your organization—whether you’re advising investment strategies, leading a team, or driving innovation in turbulent markets.
Soundbites Worth Saving
“If you want a renaissance of your own genius—supercharge curiosity, ask new questions, and use your imagination.”
— Michael Gelb
“All the evidence suggests: when businesses lead with higher purpose, they become more abundant and prosperous. Why do anything else?”
— Michael Gelb
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