Maria Bertram had a great career as an engineer for Eli Lilly and Co., so why did she chuck it to open a little cafe in a distressed neighborhood? She had two goals: support the forces fighting to revive Englewood Village and provide jobs for women who had hit bottom and were fighting to regain their independence.

The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra offers leadership programs for folks who are up for putting themselves in a vulnerable position: playing music composed on the spot for a conductor. No special training is required--just an ear for how group dynamics change under different leadership styles. Listen closely, and you also can detect the programs' value for the ISO.