Katie Couric’s Post

Discover how "Yes, And" can elevate your ideas, navigate unexpected situations, and boost confidence in facing challenges. 🌟 Improv isn't just entertainment; it's a key to embracing risks, fostering creativity, and building resilience in the business world. 🌐 Don't miss out on the chance to explore this world of possibilities. Tune in tomorrow as I chat with actress and improv expert Kiva Murphy 🎙️ #ImprovSkills #CreativityInBusiness #UnlockPotential #YesAndMindset #improvisation #NavigateChallenges #businessgrowth

Not every joke worked. That was a constant during my 15 years producing a hit comedy TV show. For every joke that had the studio audience roaring with laughter, there were others where even the crickets were quiet. (And these were all jokes that we—all of us Emmy Award® winning comedy writers—thought would work.) But here's the thing: that's where the magic happened. (In fairness, it didn't feel like that at the time.) In the world of comedy, as in business, it's the misses that pave the way for breakthroughs. Each failed joke was a lesson, a stepping stone towards the next big hit. It taught us resilience, encouraged us to take risks, and most importantly, to embrace the imperfect journey of creativity. This is especially true in innovation. All too often we get hung up in the pursuit of perfection. It's in the flawed attempts, the not-so-funny jokes, where we learn, adapt, and grow. Creating a culture that celebrates these trials, one that sees every miss as a path to something greater, is key to fostering real innovation. So, here's to the jokes that didn't land, the ideas that weren't perfect, and the resilience to keep trying. They're not just part of the process; they ARE the process. Now it’s your turn: What has been your 'not-so-perfect' moment that led to unexpected success? ------------------------ My innovation keynotes and team consulting are backed by 15 years' experience leading a highly-innovative team under ridiculous pressure. DM me about working with your teams or keynoting your events. #innovationmindset #learningfromfailure #creativeleadership #resilience Photo by Heiko Haller on Unsplash

If you’ve ever watched improv, you know that actors follow a golden rule. Two words. “Yes, And.” It involves accepting whatever your partner presents (“Yes”) and then adding to it (“And”) to keep the scene going. In other words, it’s about building upon ideas rather than shutting them down. And beyond theatre, it works wonders in both life and work. Why “Yes, And” Matters: 1. It fosters collaboration: When we embrace “Yes, And,” we create an environment where collaboration thrives. This not only strengthens teamwork but also leads to more innovative solutions. 2. It encourages openness: Saying “Yes, And” is like opening a door to new possibilities. It keeps us open-minded and receptive to different perspectives, inviting creativity and growth into our lives. Now, let’s talk about its evil twin: “But.” Unlike “Yes, And,” which opens doors, “But” tends to slam them shut. It’s a conversation killer that limits possibilities by negating everything that precedes it. Consider this example. “We could implement this new strategy to improve efficiency, but it might require additional training for the staff.” Versus “We could implement this new strategy to improve efficiency, and we can also provide comprehensive training to ensure the staff fully understand it.” “But” is exclusive and isolating. “And” is inclusive and welcoming. If you’re wondering how to apply it, start by cultivating a mindset of openness and acceptance. It helps to remember that life is just like one big improv scene. So, the next time you catch yourself thinking “But”, ask yourself, “How can I say “Yes, And?” You'll be amazed at the results. #YesAndMindset  #CommunicationSkills  #Collaboration  #Innovation  #PersonalDevelopment

Embracing Discomfort: Insights from My First Standup Comedy Experience Stepping onto the stage for my very first stand-up comedy performance was a dive into the deep end of vulnerability and discomfort. Struggling with emotional overcontrol and social anxiety, the spotlight was the last place I imagined finding myself. Yet, it was precisely this leap that underscored the profound potential for growth in moments of unease. Exposure therapy works. The audience's warm reception, even amidst my fumbled punchlines, was a revelation. Sharing personal narratives, including my mental health journey and navigating job loss, underscored the power of authenticity. It reinforced a crucial lesson for our AI-driven future: As technical skills become increasingly automated, the uniquely human capabilities of creativity, emotional authenticity, vulnerability, and self-awareness are becoming indispensable for innovation and genuine collaboration. Drawing parallels between my stand-up debut and my career journey, I discovered that embracing discomfort is not just about personal resilience but is also pivotal for professional development. Just as facing an audience with humor challenged me to confront my fears, transitioning careers taught me the value of a beginner's mindset, openness to learning, and the courage to venture into the unknown. This experience has left me contemplating the untapped potential of integrating creative expression, like comedy, into our professional lives. How can we leverage humor and storytelling to enhance our emotional intelligence and foster a culture of innovation? I invite my network to share their experiences of growth through vulnerability, whether in comedy, arts, or other professional endeavors. Let's explore how we can collectively shift our workplace cultures to embrace uncertainty as a catalyst for creativity and personal fulfillment. For those intrigued by the intersection of creativity, technology, and personal growth, I'm keen to connect. Whether it's over coffee or a virtual brainstorming session, let's discuss how we can harness our unique talents to make a meaningful impact in our careers and beyond. My first attempt at stand-up taught that rather than something to avoid, anxiety and uncertainty can signal opportunities for self-expansion. Reframing discomfort as a doorway to enrichment ultimately helps both personal happiness and professional impact. What if more workplaces saw uncertainty as a wellspring for creativity? I’m committed to championing this mindset shift however I can in my future career. #PublicSpeaking #EmotionalIntelligence #Creativity #SoftSkills #PersonalGrowth #CareerDevelopment

Today I had a good day - how was yours? My latest blog post on how #improv helps more than making entertainment, and a lesson on mindset that I have to keep reminding myself about... https://lnkd.in/gGGhawSV

Elevate Team Dynamics with Expert-Led and Gamified Comedy Challenges! In today's fast-paced corporate environment, traditional team-building exercises often fall short of addressing the complex layers of team dynamics and communication barriers. The Other Comedy Company introduces a dynamic approach, blending expert-led comedy with tailored, gamified challenges to transform your team's interaction, resilience, and adaptability. Why Choose Us? Bridging Communication Gaps: Our unique methodology uses humour as a tool to break down walls, encouraging open dialogue and fostering a culture of transparency and trust. Enhancing Adaptability: In an era where change is the only constant, our experiences equip teams to embrace uncertainty with confidence, turning potential stressors into opportunities for growth. Cultivating Emotional Intelligence: Through the medium of comedy, participants are guided to understand and manage emotions, both their own and those of their teammates, enhancing empathy and social skills. Promoting Creative Problem-Solving: Our challenges are designed to push teams beyond conventional thinking patterns, encouraging innovative solutions and a can-do attitude towards complex problems. Expert Facilitation: Led by professional comedians with extensive training in learning and development, our sessions guarantee not just entertainment, but impactful, lasting learning outcomes. Tailored to Your Team's Needs: Recognizing that each team has its unique strengths and challenges, we offer completely customized experiences. We delve deep into your team's specific needs and blockers, ensuring that our approach directly addresses your pain points and objectives. Beyond Traditional Team Building: Forget the mundane and embrace a team-building experience that stands out. With us, you're not just participating in activities; you're embarking on a journey of growth, laughter, and transformation. Our expertise in combining comedy with professional development sets us apart, making us the go-to choice for teams looking to achieve more than just temporary cohesion. Invest in Your Team's Future: Choose The Other Comedy Company for a team-building experience that goes beyond the surface, offering deep, impactful learning wrapped in the universal language of laughter. Let's chonk up your team building today and set the stage for unparalleled success. Contact us today: hello@theothercomedy.co or 289-683-9071 #TeamBuilding #LeadershipDevelopment #EmotionalIntelligence #Innovation #TheOtherComedyCompany

Hey there, Improv Enthusiasts and Corporate Mavericks! At Improvolution Corporate, we're not just about the laughs (although there are plenty of those!). We're constantly diving into research to ensure we're not just teaching a super fun skill, but something that genuinely enhances your life. Because let's face it, you can't spell "improve" without "improv"! 😉 Check out this fascinating article from Psychology Today shedding light on how improv comedy works wonders in reducing social anxiety: https://lnkd.in/gai9itJx Yep, you heard that right – by embracing the spontaneity and camaraderie of improv, you're not just becoming a quick-witted comedy master, you're also conquering those pesky social butterflies! 🦋✨ So, if you're ready to laugh, learn, and liberate yourself from social anxiety, join us at Improvolution Corporate where every session is a step toward a more confident, vibrant you! 🌟 #ImprovMagic#CorporateEvents #YesAnd #ImprovforBusiness

🚀 Breaking the Stand-Up Comedy: It’s not your typical Status Meeting! Ever been in a stand-up meeting and felt like you’re trapped in a sitcom about project updates? 🎬 Let’s clear the air and bust the myth — Stand-Ups and Status Meetings are like apples and oranges. 🍎🍊 𝘋𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘭𝘢𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘳: 𝘈 𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘺 𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘬𝘪𝘤𝘬, 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘎𝘗𝘛 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘣𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘥𝘺 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦. 𝘉𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘭𝘦𝘵’𝘴 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘵, 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘢 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘥𝘪𝘨𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘭 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴! 😄✨ 🎤 Stand-Up Meetings: The Agile Comedy Show 🌟 Setting: A quick huddle where the Agile Avengers assemble to share their progress, discuss roadblocks, and generally avoid turning it into a full-blown Broadway performance. 💡 Key Takeaway: Keep it snappy, keep it focused, and save the drama for your code. 🕵️ Status Meetings: The High-Stakes Drama Series 🌟 𝘚𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨: A more formal affair where stakeholders, managers, and occasional VIP guests gather for the grand reveal of project status. Cue the suspenseful music. 🎭  𝑷𝒍𝒐𝒕 𝑻𝒘𝒊𝒔𝒕: Details reign supreme, and everyone’s on the edge of their seats for the gripping tale of project milestones and challenges. 💼 So, Why the Confusion? Well, sometimes people mix up their sitcoms and soap operas. 📺 But fear not, brave Agile enthusiasts! Educate, illuminate, and let the comedy of errors unfold. Share your best “Stand-Up vs. Status” stories below! Let’s turn this confusion into a blockbuster comedy. #agile

"Distraction, Traction, Action: Unraveling the Path to Progress?" Hey folks, today we're diving into the comedy chaos of progress. From distraction to traction to action, it's a rollercoaster ride! First, let's talk credibility. We're Sherlock Holmes, sniffing out distractions like they're hidden clues. Because progress won't knock if we're busy binge-watching reality TV. Next, emotional traction! It's the scream-your-lungs-out part of the rollercoaster. Find that emotional oomph and ride it to victory! It's like finding your favorite song in a sea of elevator music. Finally, logical action. Picture Indiana Jones navigating to-do lists instead of jungles. It's strategic, noodle-by-noodle precision, not throwing spaghetti at the wall. As you ponder your journey, remember: will you be the hero? Channel your inner Sherlock, crank up the emotional volume, and play chess with your goals. The path to progress awaits, so buckle up! #DistractionFreeProgress #PassionateTraction #ActionableResults #EliminateDistractions #NetflixVsGoals #HeartAndMindAlignment #ThinkPlanExecute #ClearPathToSuccess #ConquerDistractions #EmotionalDriveToAction #StrategicProgress #EnjoyTheJourney #FocusPrioritizeThrive #FromConfusionToClarity #SeizeTheMoment

Comedy-thinking can make you a brilliant, RELATABLE speaker, storyteller and innovator... Here are 5 things that make a BIG difference in being RELATABLE 😍 POV. Comedy teaches us to have a strong, bold point of view Who are we, what do we value? There is no sideline or meh. 😍 Brevity. Comedy is about an economy of words. We get rid of the extra words we don't need. The more words b/t our setup and punchline, the more audiences lose the flow of what we are saying. 😍 Truth. Comedy is all about the truth. What is the real truth at play? Comedy get us to the core of who we are, what makes us tick and what the real emotional truth is. I am a nerd and I don't hide those quirks! It's what makes me relatable! Visibly awkward and nerdy from space. I embrace it! 😍 Metaphors and Analogies. Even puns (lightly;-)). How do we describe something in ways people know....? Self-driving car company Waymo is aptly named...making Waymo accidents in SF. Seriously, have you read the news?! 😍 Characters. The human condition is everything. What do people want? Their wants drive behavior and makes us relatable. Tell a bigger story, connect with a laugh. Be a little vulnerable. Show that quirky, fun side. Drop the 'gravitas.' Connect first. Relatability first. #storytelling #communication #relatability #comedy #influence #innovation