Ceri speaks with Dhikshana Turakhia Pering, who has over 18 years of experience in museums, galleries and the wider cultural and creative world. As Head of Creative Programmes at London Museum, Dhikshana talks to Ceri about her journey from Science Museum explainer to cultural leader and reveals how her neurodiversity shaped her approach to leadership. She discusses the importance of joy and hope in creative programming, authentic leadership and making culture accessible to all. Throughout the episode, it is clear that Dhikshana’s mission is closely aligned with her own experiences and upbringing, giving her authentic passion in everything she does.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
Dhikshana manages her neurodiversity through good preparation, practising presentations three times, detailed scripting, and developing organisational systems that help her lead effectively while maintaining high standards
Throughout her career, Dhikshana has developed programming based on starting from a place of empathy and respect, actively listening to communities, and ensuring representation becomes embedded in institutional structures
Her leadership style evolved from recognising that being authentic means maintaining consistency across all interactions while learning to set boundaries between her professional and personal life
She created the "triangle model" framework at London Museum, focusing on intellectual depth, lived experience, and universal themes to build strong creative programmes that resonate with diverse audiences
Her involvement with Museum Detox has shown her the vital importance of professional networks in providing support, solidarity, and advocacy for diversity in cultural institutions
Dhikshana's career transitions were guided by listening to her gut instinct while building support systems that allowed her to make bold moves when necessary
At London Museum, she combines programming that sparks joy and hope while addressing serious social issues and civic action, drawing from her personal experiences growing up in Camden
Her approach to team leadership focuses on creating psychological safety while maintaining clear structures, drawing from both positive and challenging experiences throughout her career journey

BEST MOMENTS

"If you can hold the attention of 14 year old boys while you're on stage delivering a show about digestion, where you're talking about poo, like you can pretty much hold the attention of anyone."

"I'm glad we're in a world now where 12 year old me right now somewhere would find out they were dyslexic and be like, cool. Like, what do I need? How do I do it?"

"I was told I would never be a leader because I smile too much...The smile is a big thing. It makes people feel welcome and comfortable with me. And then they tell me lots of stuff that's really helpful."

"Being your authentic self means being genuine to everyone around you...They know, they meet you, they hear you, they hear what you're interested in and how you're going to do this."

"The way I am, my empathy, the way I love chatting to people, the way that I can listen to someone and then retain loads of information is really important."



EPISODE RESOURCES

Guest Resources:

https://www.londonmuseum.org.uk/

https://uk.linkedin.com/in/dtpering

PODCAST HOST BIO

With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals.

****

Ceri Hand Coaching Membership: Group coaching, live art surgeries, exclusive masterclasses, portfolio reviews, weekly challenges. Access our library of content and resource hub anytime and enjoy special discounts within a vibrant community of peers and professionals. Ready to transform your art career? Join today! 

https://cerihand.com/membership/

****

Build Relationships The Easy Way
Our self-study video course, "Unlock Your Artworld Network,"  offers a straightforward 5-step framework to help you build valuable relationships effortlessly. Gain the tools and confidence you need to create new opportunities and thrive in the art world today.

https://cerihand.com/courses/unlock_your_artworld_network/

****

Book a Discovery Call Today
To schedule a personalised 1-2-1 coaching session with Ceri or explore our group coaching options, simply email us at hello@cerihand.com

****

Discover Your Extraordinary Creativity 
Visit www.cerihand.com to learn how we can help you become an extraordinary creative.

Ceri speaks with Dhikshana Turakhia Pering, who has over 18 years of experience in museums, galleries and the wider cultural and creative world. As Head of Creative Programmes at London Museum, Dhikshana talks to Ceri about her journey from Science Museum explainer to cultural leader and reveals how her neurodiversity shaped her approach to leadership. She discusses the importance of joy and hope in creative programming, authentic leadership and making culture accessible to all. Throughout the episode, it is clear that Dhikshana’s mission is closely aligned with her own experiences and upbringing, giving her authentic passion in everything she does.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
<ul>
<li>Dhikshana manages her neurodiversity through good preparation, practising presentations three times, detailed scripting, and developing organisational systems that help her lead effectively while maintaining high standards</li>
<li>Throughout her career, Dhikshana has developed programming based on starting from a place of empathy and respect, actively listening to communities, and ensuring representation becomes embedded in institutional structures</li>
<li>Her leadership style evolved from recognising that being authentic means maintaining consistency across all interactions while learning to set boundaries between her professional and personal life</li>
<li>She created the "triangle model" framework at London Museum, focusing on intellectual depth, lived experience, and universal themes to build strong creative programmes that resonate with diverse audiences</li>
<li>Her involvement with Museum Detox has shown her the vital importance of professional networks in providing support, solidarity, and advocacy for diversity in cultural institutions</li>
<li>Dhikshana's career transitions were guided by listening to her gut instinct while building support systems that allowed her to make bold moves when necessary</li>
<li>At London Museum, she combines programming that sparks joy and hope while addressing serious social issues and civic action, drawing from her personal experiences growing up in Camden</li>
<li>Her approach to team leadership focuses on creating psychological safety while maintaining clear structures, drawing from both positive and challenging experiences throughout her career journey</li>
</ul>
BEST MOMENTS
"If you can hold the attention of 14 year old boys while you're on stage delivering a show about digestion, where you're talking about poo, like you can pretty much hold the attention of anyone."
"I'm glad we're in a world now where 12 year old me right now somewhere would find out they were dyslexic and be like, cool. Like, what do I need? How do I do it?"
"I was told I would never be a leader because I smile too much...The smile is a big thing. It makes people feel welcome and comfortable with me. And then they tell me lots of stuff that's really helpful."
"Being your authentic self means being genuine to everyone around you...They know, they meet you, they hear you, they hear what you're interested in and how you're going to do this."
"The way I am, my empathy, the way I love chatting to people, the way that I can listen to someone and then retain loads of information is really important."
 
EPISODE RESOURCES
Guest Resources:
<a href="https://www.londonmuseum.org.uk/">https://www.londonmuseum.org.uk/</a>
https://uk.linkedin.com/in/dtpering
PODCAST HOST BIO
With over 30 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals.
****
Ceri Hand Coaching Membership: Group coaching, live art surgeries, exclusive masterclasses, portfolio reviews, weekly challenges. Access our library of content and resource hub anytime and enjoy special discounts within a vibrant community of peers and professionals. Ready to transform your art career? Join today! 
<a href="https://cerihand.com/membership/">https://cerihand.com/membership/</a> 
****
Build Relationships The Easy Way Our self-study video course, "Unlock Your Artworld Network,"  offers a straightforward 5-step framework to help you build valuable relationships effortlessly. Gain the tools and confidence you need to create new opportunities and thrive in the art world today.
<a href="https://cerihand.com/courses/unlock_your_artworld_network/">https://cerihand.com/courses/unlock_your_artworld_network/</a> ****
Book a Discovery Call Today  To schedule a personalised 1-2-1 coaching session with Ceri or explore our group coaching options, simply email us at <a href="mailto:hello@cerihand.com">hello@cerihand.com</a>
****
Discover Your Extraordinary Creativity  Visit<a href="http://www.cerihand.com/"> www.cerihand.com</a> to learn how we can help you become an extraordinary creative.

Extraordinary Creatives: The Premier Art Podcast

Welcome to the Extraordinary Creatives podcast, your gateway to the world of exceptional artists and creative leaders who have defied the odds to make a significant impact in the arts and beyond.

Hosted by Ceri Hand, creative coach, curator, and seasoned arts and business insider, this podcast offers a wealth of insights into art and creativity through in-depth interviews. Ceri’s extensive experience and genuine passion for the arts make every episode a treasure trove of inspiration and practical advice.

At the heart of Extraordinary Creatives is the belief that creativity is essential for success. However, it is the courage, confidence, and resilience to dare to be different that truly transforms the world. With her warm, playful, and straight-talking style, Ceri delves into the ideas, processes, mindsets, victories, and challenges of trailblazers who have paved the way in the arts.

Ceri’s mission is to support 100,000 artists and arts leaders by 2025 by providing exclusive access to information, inspiration, and expertise. Discover the transformative power of art with Extraordinary Creatives. Tune in and follow so you don’t miss an episode!

Extraordinary Creatives: The Premier Art Podcast
Welcome to the Extraordinary Creatives podcast, your gateway to the world of exceptional artists and creative leaders who have defied the odds to make a significant impact in the arts and beyond.
Hosted by Ceri Hand, creative coach, curator, and seasoned arts and business insider, this podcast offers a wealth of insights into art and creativity through in-depth interviews. Ceri’s extensive experience and genuine passion for the arts make every episode a treasure trove of inspiration and practical advice.
At the heart of Extraordinary Creatives is the belief that creativity is essential for success. However, it is the courage, confidence, and resilience to dare to be different that truly transforms the world. With her warm, playful, and straight-talking style, Ceri delves into the ideas, processes, mindsets, victories, and challenges of trailblazers who have paved the way in the arts.
Ceri’s mission is to support 100,000 artists and arts leaders by 2025 by providing exclusive access to information, inspiration, and expertise. Discover the transformative power of art with Extraordinary Creatives. Tune in and follow so you don’t miss an episode!

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