Improv Everywhere: An Interview with Charlie Todd
Recently, I had the privilege of connecting with Charlie Todd, a well-known New York-based improviser and member of the Upright Citizen’s Brigade theater. In 2001, Charlie founded the prank collective Improv Everywhere, a group that “causes scenes of chaos and joy in public places.” Since that time, the group has executed over 100 projects involving …
Want a China-focused Career? Stay in the US.
When I first traveled to China over a decade ago I knew that a career focused on Chinese business was my ideal path. After I graduated college, I was fortunate to receive a Fulbright Fellowship that took me to Taiwan followed by a top Mandarin training program at Tsinghua University in Beijing. Over the years, …
Representing Hollywood: An Interview with Liza Anderson
Recently I had the privilege of speaking with Liza Anderson, a highly regarded celebrity publicist, public relations expert, and the Founder and President of Anderson Group Public Relations. Representing a wide spectrum of diverse clients on hit television shows such as House of Cards, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Scandal, The Walking Dead, True Detective, Game of Thrones …
“Priceless” Leadership: An Interview with Kevin Allen
Recently, I had the chance to connect with Kevin Allen, the pitchman behind MasterCard’s now iconic “Priceless” campaign and author of the Wall Street Journal best-seller, The Hidden Agenda. In Allen’s newest book, The Case of the Missing Cutlery, he discusses his journey to becoming a leader. Specifically, he recalls his time as a young …
Corporate Idealist: An Interview with Christine Bader
Recently, I sat down with Christine Bader, author of the new book, The Evolution of a Corporate Idealist: When Girl Meets Oil. “Corporate Idealists” are an invisible army of people located inside the world’s biggest and most well-known organizations that push for safer and more culpable practices. As a corporate idealist at BP for nearly …
Building an Artistic Career: An Interview with Tim Livingston
I recently sat down with Tim Livingston, an LA native who just produced his first theater production in New York City’s Off-Broadway Kraine Theater. The 100 seat theater enjoyed a successful sold out three night run that grabbed the attention of industry personalities from talent agencies, to casting companies. “The Protaganist” follows the life of …
Own and Plan Your Career for Your Own Sake
Many people expect that their companies plan their careers for them and everything is set and clear. However, in today’s environment, this is not the case anymore. You should watch your back and plan your own career. If not, then, no one else would do it for you.
During job interviews, many people ask if …
Ditch the Pitch: An Interview with Steve Yastrow
Recently, I had the privilege to connect with Steve Yastrow, a former marketing executive and the founder of Yastrow & Company, a consulting organization that helps businesses improve results through breakthrough marketing, customer relationship, and sales ideas. Steve’s new book, Ditch the Pitch: The Art of Improvised Persuasion, makes the case against a standard sales …
Aerodynamics of Yes: An Interview with Christian Capozzoli
Recently, I had the privilege of grabbing coffee with Christian Capozzoli, one of New York City’s top improvisational comedians, the author of the improv manual, Aerodynamics of Yes, and a member of the team “Bucky” at the famous Upright Citizen’s Brigade theater. In addition to his presence at UCB, Christian is a respected teacher for …
Countering the Damage of Sarcasm in Workplace Communication
At a specific time within my seminar on “The 7 Deadliest Communication Sins,” I take on the topic of sarcasm at work. Firstly, I ask two very important questions about audience members’ experience with regard to this specific issue as it impacts interpersonal communication and workplace communication.
These two questions are:
How many of you…