For Rudy Rodriguez (’22SPS, Technology Management), there is a “unique satisfaction in seeing technology function as a subtle facilitator for artistic expression and human connection.”
Rodriguez is the technical director at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, where he oversees the technology behind live shows and digital signal flows, and supports broader campus projects and initiatives. He has also been a faculty associate in the M.S. in Technology Management program at Columbia University School of Professional Studies (SPS), teaching emerging technology topics including AI, blockchain, and design practices, and this fall he will serve as an instructor for User-Centric Design and Innovation.
Working at the intersection of technology and the arts, Rodriguez is tasked with using human creativity to consider new uses for technology and using new technology to best highlight human creativity. This includes supporting Immersive Initiatives at Lincoln Center, and Rodriguez and his team recently won a Webby Award for their work on augmented- and virtual-reality programs.
“My guiding philosophy is that technology is most powerful when it enhances human experiences,” Rodriguez said, adding that he describes his approach as “viewing technology as art.”
In the following conversation with SPS, Rodriguez shares lessons from learning, teaching, and working to apply art to tech and tech to art.
What led you to pursue a degree in technology management? Why did you choose SPS?
I have a B.A. in Theatre from Columbia University School of General Studies, so I was already very familiar with the Columbia experience and community. Technology management is one of the most relevant fields anyone can study right now, and with AI, it’s a whole new game. The program at SPS teaches aspiring technology managers C-suite skills in finance, legal, and operations, as well as cybersecurity, design theory, and AI implementation. That was a huge draw. I also took some experiential design classes that translated really well into what I am doing now. The people, events, and site visits offered by the program are also excellent for meeting people across different industries and deepening your understanding of what’s happening in the real world.
Can you tell us a bit about working at the intersection of technology and the arts?
Navigating the space where technical systems meet artistic vision has taught me that innovation is most significant when it facilitates human narratives. That is to say, technology is best when it serves the story being told and does it in a way that isn’t distracting to the human partaking in the experience. Whether we are launching an immersive installation, a live broadcast, or a new digital platform, the tech itself should never be the primary focus; rather, the focus should be on the specific experience that the tech makes possible. The arts are special because they offer a vibrant sandbox for experimentation where creativity and new tools naturally converge. I frequently advocate for viewing “technology as art” and treating digital tools not merely as foundational infrastructure, but as a dynamic creative medium.
What knowledge and skills did you gain from the program? How have these helped you in your career?
As I said earlier, the C-suite focus was very strong. I now feel confident in talking about P&Ls with our CFO, throwing down on some legal challenges with our general counsel, or chatting with our COO on the five-year plan for capital improvements. Another key course was Strategic Advocacy—a class that teaches students about “above the board” office politics and how to advocate successfully for initiatives you are bringing to the table with or without formal authority. From that class, I learned “managing by walking around” and the importance of endeavoring to understand the work other people in your organization do and the challenges they face, so that you can either help them with your skill set or connect them to someone else who can.
How does AI impact your work?
At Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, I am part of the AI task force that is launching training initiatives and helping teams identify workflows where AI can be useful. As instructors, AI impacts our work in many ways. The Technology Management program teaches students how to become leaders in AI execution, and we also encourage the use of AI when appropriate. In our Design class, for example, we let students use AI to create mock-ups and marketing assets, which they then present in class. Some of the videos they have had AI create are stunning.
Can you tell us about what you teach in the program?
I tend to support courses focused on emerging technology along with newly developed courses. I have helped with AI and blockchain classes and, most recently, helped launch our new Practices in Design and Innovation class. This class gives students design experience and teaches them to turn ideas into practical designs that can then be turned into real products. It's so much fun because it forces students to think outside of the box and iterate an idea to make it a more appropriate solution for a given problem. Students then present their work over the course of the semester, and can see how their ideas grew and transformed into reality.
What is your advice to incoming students?
New students need to meet people and go to all the events. The most important part of going to Columbia is the education, no doubt. This means the second most important part is building that network. The students, professors, and professionals you meet will become part of a network that is so special, unique, and diverse that its value can’t even be quantified. Your network is where you’ll find the best jobs, get exposed to ideas you haven’t seen before, and, of course, be a sounding board as you seek to do big, bold things yourself.
About the Program
The Master of Science in Technology Management at Columbia University prepares graduates to lead digital transformation, and align technology and business strategy with an ethical lens. Through experiential learning, industry partnerships, and Columbia-supported research, students gain fluency in digital platforms and emerging technologies, and learn to design human-centered solutions that drive innovation and sustainable impact.
The program is available for part-time or full-time enrollment online or on campus in NYC. Learn more about the program here.
