Leadership Lessons: What Show Calling Taught Me About Managing Teams

Leadership isn't learned in a classroom—it's forged under pressure, in the chaos of live events, where every second counts.

As a seasoned show caller and producer in corporate events, I've learned that the skills needed to run a flawless show are surprisingly similar to those required to lead a high-performing team.

Here's what the hot seat taught me about cool-headed leadership:

1. Clear Communication is Your Lifeline

Ever tried explaining a complex opening sequence while your headset's crackling and the client's breathing down your neck? Welcome to show calling 101.

Key takeaways:

• Use simple, direct language—no room for misinterpretation.
• Master unspoken communication—that split-second eye contact and head nod of confirmation between you and the A1 as you nail a live VOG cue speaks volumes.
• Tone of voice matters—your calm, steady delivery sets the tone for the team, even when chaos reigns behind the scenes.

2. Empower Your Team (or Watch the Show Fall Apart)

I’ll never forget the moment our video engineer saved the day. As I was reading ahead in the script for our next cue, he spotted the graphics machine failing and immediately switched to the backup preset—before I even called it. His quick thinking kept the show flawless, and the audience never knew a thing.

Leadership lesson: Trust your team with information and authority. When you empower them to act, they’ll often catch problems faster than you can—and solve them before they become disasters.

3. Listen Like Your Show Depends on It (Because It Does)

Active listening in show calling isn't just about hearing words—it's about tuning into the entire environment.

Pro tips:

• Practice the "two-ear, one-mouth" rule. Use them proportionally.
• Listen beyond words. Tone, tempo, and even silence can convey crucial information.
• Create an environment where your team feels comfortable speaking up. The quietest voice might have the most important message.

Remember, in the world of live events, information is currency. The more attuned you are to every sound, comment, and cue around you, the richer your show-calling account becomes— and the more resources you have to draw from when split-second decisions are needed.

4. Adaptability: Your Secret Weapon

In live events, expect the unexpected. I'll never forget when a CEO went rogue, abandoning their scripted speech for an impromptu 20-minute storytelling session. Our carefully timed show schedule imploded in seconds. But that is where adaptability shines.

Mantra for leaders: "No plan survives first contact with reality. Your job is to keep the team calm when chaos hits."

Adaptability isn't just about handling surprises—it's about thriving in uncertainty. It's the skill that turns potential disasters into opportunities for excellence.

5. Own Your Mistakes (Before They Own You)

Picture this: A presenter is wrapping up their talk. They pause for dramatic effect after their thank you, the audience erupts in applause, and I confidently call the outro cue. Music swells, video outro rolls, lights fade, and... the presenter is still on stage, blinking in confusion as darkness envelops them.

For a heart-stopping moment, our speaker stood in pitch black, clearly not finished with their grand finale. In that instant, I had a choice: pretend it didn't happen or own the mistake.

I opted for the latter, immediately jumping on comms: "Stage wash up and mic hot, go! That was all me, gang. Let's send it home, re-rack outro sequence." Within seconds, we had lights and mics live again, allowing the presenter to finish her thank you's and exit stage.

Leadership gold: Admitting mistakes builds trust and fosters quick problem-solving. It shows you're human, accountable, and committed to getting things right. Plus, it gives your team permission to be honest about their own missteps, creating a culture of transparency and continuous improvement.

Remember, in live events as in leadership, it's not about never making mistakes—it's about how quickly and gracefully you recover from them.

6. Motivation: The Invisible Cue That Changes Everything

Energy is contagious. A simple acknowledgment can transform a tired crew into a powerhouse. I once praised Audio for a great award ceremony as they felt the energy swelling the music: "Beautiful! You're killing it!" The team's fatigue started to vanish, replaced by pride and renewed energy. They nailed the final cues flawlessly.

Motivation magic:

• Recognize specific contributions.
• Be genuine and timely.
• Celebrate successes to inspire others.

Motivation is the invisible cue that elevates a good show to a great one.

The Curtain Call

Leadership, like a great show, is about creating moments that inspire, engage, and leave a lasting impact.

Whether you're calling cues or leading a boardroom, remember that your team is your greatest asset. Communicate clearly, listen actively, adapt swiftly, take responsibility, and motivate consistently.

Now, I'm curious—what's the biggest leadership lesson you've learned under pressure?

Share your story in the comments!

Let's learn from each other's experiences in the trenches of leadership.