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How Improv Skills Can Transform Business Relationships with Second City’s Leader Kelly Leonard

Dec 3, 2024

In this conversation, Kelly Leonard, a creative force behind Second City and co-author of "Yes, And," shares how improvisation can revolutionize business relationships. He discusses the transformative "Yes, And" philosophy to enhance creativity and collaboration. Kelly reveals surprising training methods used by the FBI for agility under pressure and explains how deep listening fosters strong connections. From navigating disagreements to building resilience, his insights on improv unveil unexpected benefits for both individuals and organizations.

50:58

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Episode guests

Kelly Leonard

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Quick takeaways

The 'Yes, And' philosophy promotes an abundance mindset, encouraging collaboration and creativity by building on others' ideas in professional settings.

Improvisational training enhances critical skills like listening and adaptability, equipping individuals to navigate high-pressure situations effectively.

Deep listening and vulnerability are essential for effective communication, fostering trust and rapport in both personal and professional relationships.

Deep dives

The Significance of Relationships in Business

Building strong relationships is a central theme in the discussion, emphasizing their role in personal and professional success. The podcast explores how nurturing connections can lead to significant opportunities in business, highlighting the author's new book 'Give to Grow.' It illustrates that prioritizing relationships enhances collaboration, creativity, and innovation within teams and organizations. By investing time and effort into cultivating connections, individuals can create a more supportive and productive work environment.

Intro

3min

The Impact of Improv: Skills for Success

12min

Harnessing Humor and Improv to Enhance Business Relationships

4min

Improvisation in Life and Business

13min

The Power of Genuine Connection

12min

The Power of Authentic Connections

8min

What if improvisation wasn’t just for comedy, but a game-changer for business, relationships, and even personal growth?

In this episode, I sit down with Kelly Leonard, the creative force behind Second City's groundbreaking use of improv training in the corporate world. From recruiting comedy legends like Tina Fey and Steve Carell to co-authoring the acclaimed book Yes, And, Kelly shares stories, insights, and research-backed techniques that redefine how we approach collaboration, listening, and adaptability. You'll learn how to build trust, navigate ambiguity, and create powerful ensembles in business and life.

Kelly also delves into the science behind improv. Whether you're prepping for a high-stakes pitch, navigating personal challenges, or just looking to sharpen your creative edge, this episode will leave you inspired and equipped.

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

The “Yes, And” philosophy and how it fosters creativity and collaboration
A surprising FBI training exercise to build agility under pressure
How to turn disagreement into a productive conversation with one simple phrase
Stories of famous improvisers and the magic of ensemble thinking
Why listening deeply is the ultimate superpower in high-stakes situations
How improv can help heal anxiety and build resilience
The unexpected ways improv transforms both individuals and organizations

If you enjoyed this conversation with Kelly Leonard, dive deeper into his world! Check out my interview on Kelly’s podcast, Getting to Yes, And. Don’t miss his acclaimed book, Yes, And, a must-read for anyone looking to elevate their collaboration and creativity.

Learn more about The Second City here, and tune into Kelly’s podcast here. You can also connect with Kelly directly on LinkedIn or follow his updates on X.

Resources Mentioned:

Listen to the Give to Grow episode on Kelly’s Podcast: https://www.secondcity.com/network/mo-bunnell-give-to-grow

Check out Kelly’s book, Yes, And: https://a.co/d/6f6lDYT

The Seconde City: https://www.secondcity.com

Subscribe to Kelly’s podcast: https://www.secondcity.com/network/category/getting-to-yes,-and-podcast

Connect with Kelly on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-leonard-b8495047/

Connect with Kelly on X: https://www.twitter.com/KLsecondcity

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