Blue Ocean Global Technology Interviews Ralph Opacic I Executive Director, Opacic Consulting Group

Ralph S. Opacic is a consultant in arts education and is a founder of Opacic Consulting Group. He is also the founder of the esteemed Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) in 1987 and established the California School of the Arts in San Gabriel Valley (CSArts-SGV) in 2017. Dr. Ralph Opacic is celebrated for leaving an indelible mark on arts education, pioneering the path of creativity and excellence in Southern California.

Blue Ocean: Please tell us about yourself.

Ralph Opacic: My name is Ralph Opacic. I founded the Orange County School of the Arts in 1987 to create a cultural space for students to flourish as artists and scholars in a nurturing and creative environment. To further advance inclusive and accessible quality cultural education for all, I established the California School of the Arts-San Gabriel Valley in 2017. Now, we are serving more than 4,000 talented students including both the schools.

Beyond my professional endeavors, I find immense joy in my personal life, being happily married for 31 years to my wife, Dr. Sherry Opacic. Together, we are blessed with four children and eight wonderful grandchildren.

Blue Ocean: Tell us about your professional life and what inspired you to start Opacic Consulting Group.

Ralph Opacic: I was born on the east coast but my dad retired as a marine and started working for the Pentagon, so I grew up in Northern Virginia. I came to California seeking fame and fortune. I wanted to be the next Billy Joel. So I went to California State University, Long Beach, and got a degree in Music.

I discovered that my passion was in music and music education. I started as a high school choral vocal music teacher and this grew and developed into the opportunity to create. It fueled the development of Orange County School of Arts, one of the nation’s premier art schools. Over 35 years, this path continued with the California School of the Arts – San Gabriel Valley.

This over three decades of experience involved collaborating with professional artists, fundraising, and building exceptional arts facilities. Now, after retirement, I’m driven to share these lessons. Opacic Consulting Group allows me to do that – by helping art schools across the country provide transformative experiences for students who are passionate about arts.

Blue Ocean: What does your typical day look like?

Ralph Opacic: My mornings are a bit of a work in progress since retiring. During my working years, I had a set routine – early wake-up calls, gym time, and busy days followed by evening activities like fundraising events. Now, with more flexibility, my days vary. Some mornings involve early video conferences for consulting work, while others are spent relaxing by the pool. 

The first few years of retirement presented a challenge. I took on so many consulting projects that it felt like I hadn’t retired at all. Recently, I’ve been focusing on finding a better balance between consulting work and spending time with family. It’s an ongoing process, but I’m determined to discover the right rhythm for this new chapter in my life.

Blue Ocean: What is that one trend from your industry that excites you?

Ralph Opacic: While education faces many challenges, one trend excites me the most: the return to in-person learning coupled with the effective use of technology. The pandemic highlighted the importance of in-person interaction and student engagement. However, it also showed us the power of technology as a teaching tool.

By combining online pre-instruction with interactive classroom sessions, educators can maximize their time with students. Technology can become a tool for deeper engagement, not a replacement for face-to-face learning. I find this blend of old and new quite promising for the future of education.

Blue Ocean: How have you differentiated yourself and what underpins your success?

Ralph Opacic: I differentiate myself through my leadership approach – servant leadership. Success hinges on two key elements: creating a shared vision and empowering talented individuals.

The first involves fostering a sense of purpose that unites the team. The second underscores the importance of surrounding yourself with people who excel in areas where you might have weaknesses. This allows you to leverage their expertise and create a stronger whole.

My greatest strength lies in facilitating this dynamic. By establishing a clear vision and empowering my team, I enable them to take ownership of ideas and develop them to their full potential. This collaborative approach consistently leads to outcomes that surpass what any individual could achieve alone.

Blue Ocean: What is something unique that you offer to your clients?

Ralph Opacic: My 40 years in arts education have equipped me with a unique advantage–I’ve made mistakes and encountered a lot of challenges. This translates into tangible benefits for my clients. By sharing my experiences, I can help them avoid pitfalls I have navigated in areas like fundraising, public relations, and marketing. 

For instance, I transformed a small high school music program with just 30 kids into a nationally acclaimed arts school. This experience allows me to provide a clear roadmap for an institution, whether it is an art school, charter school, private school, or community school.

Blue Ocean: What achievement in your personal or professional life are you proudest of?

Ralph Opacic: My greatest personal achievement is undoubtedly my 31-year marriage to Sherry. The statistics speak for themselves, but the true accomplishment lies in the love and respect we share. We celebrate each other’s successes, big and small, and have always been there for each other, through thick and thin.

I fondly remember our wedding day. When Sherry didn’t quite meet me halfway down the aisle, I jokingly remarked, “You were supposed to meet me halfway.” Her playful response, “Get used to it,” perfectly captured the essence of our partnership. Relationships aren’t always 50/50. There will be times when one person needs to give more, and that’s the beauty of true commitment. 

My second accomplishment is our four daughters. We have four amazing, resilient, passionate, and beautiful daughters. Being their father is one of life’s greatest blessings.

Blue Ocean: What advice would you give your younger self and other young people aspiring to pursue a career in the Arts?

Ralph Opacic: Looking back, a key piece of advice I’d give my younger self and anyone pursuing a career in arts is to slow down and appreciate the journey. In my 20s, I was laser-focused on finishing my degree and launching my career. While ambition is important, I missed out on savoring the experiences along the way.

I sped through my bachelor’s in three years and my doctorate in two. Now, I tell young people to take a breath, enjoy the learning process, and truly experience life.

One memorable experience was a fundraising gala where we raised a million dollars. The next morning, I was already planning how to surpass it. My colleagues joked about my relentless drive. They encouraged me to celebrate the accomplishment and take a moment of pride before pushing forward. 

This is a crucial lesson for anyone in the exciting but demanding world of arts. We must learn to celebrate victories, big and small. Savor the journey and the successes will feel even sweeter.

Blue Ocean: What are your sources of inspiration?

Ralph Opacic: As I’ve grown older, I find myself increasingly inspired by people who defy limitations. These are individuals who face significant challenges, be it hardship, disability, or circumstances deemed insurmountable by others. Yet, they possess an unwavering determination to succeed.

They refuse to be defined by their obstacles and instead, demonstrate incredible resilience in their pursuit of goals. These “mountain climbers,” as I metaphorically call them, inspire me every day. Their stories, both grand and small, showcase the power of the human spirit and the potential for achievement that exists within us all.

Blue Ocean: What passions or interests do you pursue outside of work?

Ralph Opacic: Sherry and I share a passion for cooking together. It’s one of our greatest joys. We love finding new recipes, collaborating in the kitchen, and seeing our creations come to life. We take turns being sous chef and head chef, making it a fun and cooperative experience. 

Travel is another love of ours. We’ve recently shifted gears, trading five-star resorts for charming, vintage experiences. We seek out hidden-gem restaurants and unique adventures off the beaten path, immersing ourselves in cultures that most tourists miss. Retirement has afforded us the time to indulge in these passions.

Beyond cooking and travel, spending time with family is paramount. We cherish moments with our children and grandchildren, especially as our eldest grandson graduates high school this year – time truly flies. We make a conscious effort to capture these precious moments with them.

Blue Ocean: What is the most memorable moment of your career or your time at OSCA?

Ralph Opacic: There are so many, but I will share a few that stand out as the highlight of my career. One remarkable experience was when Sherry and I attended a Broadway show in New York. As the curtain rose, there was Susan Egan, playing Belle in ‘Beauty and the Beast.’ I had taught her since she was 11, and witnessing her shine on Broadway was incredibly moving. Meeting her backstage afterwards, and standing alone on that iconic stage, seeing where she had been, was truly unforgettable.

Another powerful moment was when our orchestra performed at Carnegie Hall. Standing on stage, I watched our students, just 15 to 17 years old, filled with awe as they gazed out at the legendary venue. Their excitement and sense of accomplishment were palpable, making it a truly transformative experience.

And then, there’s the summer of 2000, just before our move to the new campus. Francis Ford Coppola reached out to me about his musical adaptation of ‘Gidget.’ John Farrar, known for his work with Olivia Newton-John, wanted to direct a preview with our students. One student, David Sidoni, auditioned and afterward, with tears in his eyes, declared how auditioning for Coppola had transformed his confidence. David went on to pursue a career in dance, film, and TV, embodying the impact of such life-changing experiences.

Blue Ocean: What is your favorite quotation?

Ralph Opacic: One of my favorite quotes is by Arthur Schopenhauer. It’s an adaptation of the original, but it resonates deeply with me:

“Talent is hitting a target no one else can hit. Vision is hitting a target no one else can see.”

This quote is a sentiment I’ve strived for, both personally and for OSCA. What resonates deeply with me is how it encapsulates the essence of our journey at OSCA. Through our arts programs, students not only hone their talents—be it in dance, singing, art, or writing—but they also undergo a transformative experience. They learn to envision possibilities that others may overlook, crafting a future that is innovative and inspiring. For me, that’s what the OSCA experience is all about: nurturing talent and fostering visionary leaders who shape the future for us all.