I am a former Director on staff from early days of organization. Left with salary owed to me and walked out during a final confrontation where the owner was screaming and crying. This organization does not operate honestly, lacks integrity in business practices, and is not a trustworthy association for any professional. Venues often ban working with them again. Look at their history of events and check - contact former Board members about their experiences. The founder charms and manipulates his way into getting "something for nothing" - including not paying the small businesses who support their marketing or host smaller publicity events, getting more recognizable names to attest to the organization when they have no real history, and using his previous political campaign manager clout to pressure funding while promising things he cannot deliver. Check GlassDoor and other feedback about working with or supporting the Brilliant Lecture Series.
The Brilliant Lecture series always is an inspiration to me. I have been attending since the first performance and have loved everyone. They bring a different perspective to my life and open up worlds I knew nothing about. The work they do to bring interesting people to Houston is amazing and I hope to see many more exciting events. I donate my time because as a public school teacher, I know kids and their parents need to be inspired to learn. The Brilliant Lecture Series opens doors.