Navigating Change with Applied Improvisation

Navigating change—whether in our careers, relationships, or personal growth—can be daunting. But what if we approached it like an improv scene? In a recent podcast episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Kat Koppett, an expert in applied improvisation. Kat specializes in helping individuals and organizations use improv techniques to think on their feet, adapt to challenges, and thrive in uncertainty.

In this conversation, we explore key insights and practical tools that can be applied to both business and everyday life. Some of the most valuable takeaways include embracing imperfections, building resilience through failure, and maintaining an open mindset toward change. These lessons are especially relevant today, as many workplaces shift from remote to in-office models and the rapid rise of AI continues to reshape industries.

Embracing Imperfection and Adaptability

When I stopped setting aside time to stretch at a local stretch lab, I decided to incorporate online yoga sessions into my workout routine. This quickly revealed just how inflexible I had become. Each session, I push myself a little further, trying to extend and touch my toes, yet progress feels painfully slow. It’s easy to feel frustrated when we work on our weaknesses—whether physical, personal, or professional. We push forward, but sometimes, it’s hard to see if we’re truly making progress.

However, I remind myself that progress isn’t about perfection. I may never fully touch my toes, but the consistent effort of deep stretching and balance exercises is having a noticeable impact on my everyday life. I feel better, and movements that once felt impossible are becoming just a little bit easier. This principle applies far beyond physical flexibility—it’s essential in both our personal and professional lives. Growth often requires us to step into unfamiliar territory, and that discomfort can feel like a loss of control. This is especially true when learning new skills or adapting to technology. The stretch—whether physical or mental—is difficult. But with each small improvement, fear diminishes, and flexibility, in all forms, increases.

Take a moment to reflect and journal your thoughts. Be honest about your fears, but also recognize and document positive actions and progress, no matter how small. Over time, as we continue to stretch—physically, mentally, or emotionally—fear will begin to fade, and we’ll find ourselves more open to change.

Improvisation in Life and Relationships

I spent years performing main stage shows in theaters across the country. Every detail was carefully planned—I scripted the patter between songs in my solo show and coordinated every cue when performing with a partner. When all the technical elements aligned perfectly, it felt seamless, almost effortless.

But life isn’t scripted. And when there’s no script to follow, it can feel uncomfortable. I became so accustomed to having a script that when I started doing more public speaking, I felt uneasy without one in front of me. The skill I had to develop wasn’t just speaking—it was learning to be flexible, to pause, think, and respond naturally instead of simply reciting prepared words.?

Life doesn’t come with a script handed to us at birth. We figure it out as we go. One of our granddaughters is just learning to stand up from a crawling position. Soon, she’ll be walking, but the journey there will be full of tumbles. She’ll fall, cry, then try again. The real triumph will be in those first independent steps and the joy of accomplishment. We can learn a lot from that process. In life, we’re all constantly pulling ourselves up, taking steps forward, stumbling, and then trying again. Over time, we adapt. And before we know it, we’re standing on solid ground—unscripted, but steady.

Building Resilience Through Risk and Failure

Improvisation is largely about listening and responding in the moment. It also requires taking risks—something that can feel incredibly uncomfortable. But with repetition comes resilience. Just like learning a musical instrument, where practicing scales, chords, arpeggios, and technical exercises builds both stamina and precision, the consistent repetition of these fundamentals strengthens our ability to tackle more complex pieces. Returning to those basics over time ensures consistency and steady improvement.

Life and business often operate in the same way—much of what we do each day is improvised. The more we reinforce the core skills of listening and responding, the easier it becomes to navigate uncertainty and take action in situations that once felt overwhelming.

I’m reminded of actors, particularly the two main characters in Gilmore Girls, (2000-2007), and how effortlessly they deliver their rapid-fire dialogue. Their quick exchanges aren’t just natural talent—they’re the result of rigorous practice and repetition. And even when a line doesn’t come out perfectly, that so-called "mistake" might end up enhancing the final cut. Similarly, in life, the willingness to practice, adapt, and embrace the unexpected can turn what once felt like failure into an opportunity for growth.

Improvisation in Personal and Professional Settings

The COVID-19 pandemic was a powerful example of improvisation on a global scale. It was unexpected, filled with uncertainty and fear, and forced people to navigate countless unknowns. Yet, those who adapted quickly—finding new ways to work, pivot their businesses, or adjust to changing circumstances—often discovered unexpected opportunities for growth.?

Art and life are deeply connected, often mirroring each other in profound ways (The Art of War offers great parallels). We've already touched on how unsettling it can feel to operate without a script. I experienced this firsthand when I took a few improv classes. The fear of being put on the spot was real, and my mind would race to come up with a response to whatever was unfolding around me. It never felt completely natural, but over time, I learned to embrace that discomfort.

Now, when I find myself in uncertain situations, I remind myself that growth often lies just beyond that initial unease. The right words, the next step, or even a breakthrough moment could be just one improv line away.

Embracing Change and Mindfulness in AI

Sometimes, it’s not enough to simply “think outside the box”—we need to remove the box entirely. The rapid growth of AI feels almost boundless, evolving at a pace that makes it hard to define its limits. Yet, it’s important to remember that AI isn’t entirely new. It has existed in various forms for years, but the acceleration of technology—especially in speed and accessibility—has pushed its development and integration into our daily lives more than ever before.?

If we remain stuck in our comfort zones—never reading, never asking questions, and never exploring how AI can be used—we risk being caught off guard, like stepping into a sudden downpour without an umbrella or raincoat. But with the right mindset and tools, we can learn to embrace the rain, appreciating the growth and new possibilities it brings to the world around us.

Storytelling, Improvisation and Personal Growth

Everyone has a story, and sharing that story is a powerful tool in building a business. We naturally gravitate toward stories that resonate with our values, experiences, or mission. That’s why we’re more inclined to support a brand with a compelling narrative—like an energy bar made with organically grown, natural ingredients by a company passionate about sustainability.

I often think about How I Built This with Guy Raz, one of my favorite podcasts. A common piece of advice given to entrepreneurs on their call-in segment is to maximize the power of their business story. A well-crafted story creates connection, builds trust, and makes a brand more memorable.

Yet, it’s easy to undervalue our own stories. I certainly did. Having spent many years working in the arts, I assumed that those with corporate or traditional business backgrounds wouldn’t take me seriously. I convinced myself that my experience wasn’t as relevant or credible in the business world. But that was just a myth I was telling myself. Once I started embracing and sharing more of my story, I discovered that people were intrigued. Many even confided that they secretly wished they had pursued their creative passions?

Your story—whatever it may be—has the power to inspire and connect with others in ways you might not expect. The key is learning to own it and share it with confidence.

?Application

·????? Own your story—it matters.

·????? Step out of your comfort zone by asking questions and taking action.

·????? Stay present—listen, then respond.

·????? Journal regularly—capture your thoughts, fears, and victories, and reflect on them often.?

Some of the most valuable takeaways include embracing imperfections, building resilience through failure, and maintaining an open mindset toward change. Deborah Johnson

Additional Sources

The Facilitation Advantage: How to Drive Impact, Build Relationships, and Lead with Influence by Koppett & Miclot

Training to Imagine: Practical Improvisational Theatre Techniques for Trainers and Managers to Enhance Creativity, Teamwork, Leadership, and Learning by Kat Koppett?

Yes, And: How Improvisation Reverses "No, But" Thinking and Improves Creativity and Collaboration--Lessons from The Second City by Leonard & Yorton

How to be the Greatest Improviser on Earth by Euler-Hogan & Jaramillo

Our Guest

Kat Koppett, CEO of Koppett and co-director of the Mopco Improv Theatre, uses improv and storytelling to enhance communication, teamwork, leadership and innovation. She has written three books, all available on Amazon. Kat holds a B.F.A. in Drama from New York University and an M.A. in Organizational Psychology from Columbia University.

The Host

DEBORAH JOHNSON, M.A. has 25+ years working as an entertainer, composer, producer, author and speaker. Her keynote, "The Hero Inside" stirs audiences to not settle for merely playing as an accompanist to their dreams. Rather, it is to call upon everything they have inside to be soloist & center stage in pursuing & accomplishing their dreams and potential. This can include pursuing a new avenue or expanding on a current area of business, especially at mid-career or the halftime of life. Get more free downloads & links at: DJWorks. Websites: DeborahJohnsonSpeaker.com; GoalsForYourLife.com; DJWorksMusic.com