So, every CEO has a past life, and mine is no different. In the 1990s, I was a proud member of Improv Boston. Back then, we were in the old Back Alley Theatre in Inman Sqaure, a fixture of a neighborhood that was going through its typical gentrification. Quite frankly, it was a blast. We goofed, we laughed, we played in front of hundreds and sometimes in front of one, and we savored every minute of it.
I bring this up, because I truly believe that my improv experience positioned me well for the business world. The principles I learned onstage (always trust, always be honest, always be giving and positive) have served me to know what it is to both succeed AND fail. Improv is not about comedy, it is about collaborating with people, always being open, honest, and transparent. Sound familiar? Sort of like social media.
If it weren’t for improv, I would never be able to speak in front of people. Now, I do it all the time. ABH: Always Be Honest. You will go far.
So, with that said, if you are in Cambridge on August 16, I will be returning to the stage. Here is the link for the event: Improv Boston Alumni Show. This will be the one of many shows, since I am really committed to going back into the lion’s den and honing my skills. This CEO needs it. It’s a jungle out there.
A special thanks goes out to Will Luera: Follow Him on Twitter. Will became Artistic Director of Improv Boston, right after I left for marriage and parenthood. He is a Chicago guy (and Chicano cool!) who is incredibly talented and amazingly positive. He and others have done so much to make ImprovBoston a premier Boston destination. Gracias mil, hermano.
June 18, 2009 at 2:28 pm |
I’m not an improv alum, but I am a CEO and I could not agree more that it’s about openness, honesty, and transparency. I learned that the hard way…on the job training. Maybe I should go over to the Improv Olympics and audition.
June 18, 2009 at 2:39 pm |
You, you would be fabulous at it, since you possess the key qualities that makes a great improvisor: trust, honest, openness and passion. That is all you need. The joy (and comedy) comes out of that. Just like business and life.
June 18, 2009 at 3:21 pm |
It’s always interesting to find out where business lessons come from, other than business of course. I’ve heard so many through the years from poker to fly fishing. But Julio, you are the first to alert me to improv.
June 18, 2009 at 4:00 pm |
Del, thanks. I think improv = business world. Think about it, it is unscripted, you have a roomful of strangers you need to please (customers), you have to work with your fellow actors without a true script (just ideas and outlines) and you have to deliver. Sometimes you do, and sometimes you don’t. When you do, it is awesome. When you don’t, it hurts, but you get up and do it all over again. Thanks for the comment!