Auburn Rutledge

Personal Pronouns

she/they

Describe what you do for work and how your experience with it has been.

i'm currently working in EA's customer experience organization, with a focus in operations and partnerships. in this role, i work cross-functionally to support the development of customer experience journeys that align with our partner goals and strategic plans, driving enhanced collaboration and performance. i also work cross-functionally to build and execute prioritized roadmaps.

How did you get your job?

i was seeking a change at the start of the pandemic, and discovered a role at EA that aligned with my experience in customer success. it gave me the opportunity to work for a media & entertainment company and expand my knowledge in lifecycle management and design thinking.

Where did you earn your undergraduate degree, and what was it in?

new york university; BFA in film-television

How did you hear about MCAD?

web search + good fortune

Why did you choose to earn an MA at MCAD?

i knew that I wanted to be in an academic environment again to support my continued growth as a leader, but i also did not feel drawn to more traditional MBAs and organizational design/leadership. i'm a creative at heart, and MCAD offered a beautiful way to synthesize both my desire to strengthen my knowledge as a leader and do so through a creative, artistic, and human-centered perspective.

What was your biggest takeaway from the program?

there are so many more alternatives to how we can show up as leaders than we are taught.

Where were you located when you completed the program?

Austin, TX

What was the online education like?

the flexibility and freedom of an asynchronous program allowed me to continue both my full-time job and other pursuits (like joining the board of a nonprofit) while maintaining control over my schedule, and that was one of my primary reasons for deciding on an online program. the cohort format and the in-community weekly meetings created immense additional value, as it gave me the opportunity to connect with (and be supported by) my classmates throughout the year. the cohort aspect truly weaves the program together.

How has the MA impacted your career/your life?

MACL was a life-changing experience for me! i was in search of a new direction and purpose in my life, and i was deeply fortunate to come across such a unique and inspiring program. it has challenged and changed my beliefs about leadership, organizations, and our society, and given me a wealth of knowledge and direction for forging a new and more meaningful path where i can contribute to society in a way that aligns with my values and beliefs. i continue to deepen my learning after graduation, and for that i am immensely grateful.

How do you incorporate creative leadership into your everyday life? What advice do you have for others to do the same?

i bring the lessons i've learned on creative leadership to my interaction with everyone in my life, from my coworkers to fellow volunteers and advocates, to friends and family. i seek to be a more curious and compassionate person; a coach, a confidante, a leader, and a truth-teller. i work to inspire people to believe in themselves and in a better future.

What would you tell students considering pursuing an MA degree in Creative Leadership?

If you've found yourself seeking something different; found yourself questioning norms or beliefs about how the world works; found yourself wanting to drive more meaningful change—this could be the program for you.