If you wanna change something today - start with imperfection! Just start! Have fun. Don't follow rules. Take down your fences.

Last week on Friday and Sunday evening I participated at the performance of Taylor Mac, “A 24-Decade History of Popular Music” over four evenings, telling an alternative story of the USA with 256 pop songs through 240 years of American history. And i really really do not had a clue what to expect. I will not even talk about american history now. Here we go:

Taylor Mac, or better, Judi, simply disrupted the theater with a renewed purpose and experience. Whatever you have in mind about going to the theater is not going to happen. And i mean really ... you do not have any clue! And me neither before i entered the auditorium.

It is provocative, inspiring, insightful, uncomfortable, radical, informative, irreverent, free, beautiful, breathtaking, wild, fun, surprising, creative, … An experience that touches you and literally changes your perspective. It is not about whether you bought expensive or cheaper ticket; you are going to change your seat anyway, because people have to change perspective (otherwise it's boring to be a part 24h with the same perspective and the same seat). It is not about which gender you are, or choosing the right sign; no one cares about your sexuality. Give it a name, it’s okay. It is not about safety; Taylor Mac first takes a lot of risks to bring an incredible live performance. You, as a guest are going to leave your comfort zone as well discovering the new. You will feel and be a part of history made. Words, songs, lyrics will turn into action, feelings, ... with a view to the past, but an even more stronger feeling about the future.

Let me wonder out loud about purpose in business. Wonder how risk is still perceived as a rare “performance” without seeing the beauty of it and the power of opening new perspectives, chances, ability to reach out to new shores.

It is not about job roles. It is not about the expensive seat reserved on business class. It is not about a suit and tie. It is really not about being perfect. Risk means going for what you don’t know and bearing it with others by really showing up. Feeling uncomfortable. Change perspective.

As Judi says, “I don't think that you have to give the audience what they want. If you give them what they want, what they're asking for, then they will just ask for the same thing over and over and over again, and that's not actually going to dream the culture forward at all. That just keeps you where you are. People bring fences with them to the theater. They might say that they're open, but they're actually not.”

To me, this translates to: If you want to move your company culture, if you really want to change something, if you really want to build up a new way how to make business, if you really really want it, take risks to bare and dare for the experience of what you haven't tried before. Period!

Thank you, Taylor Mac and the whole Berlin Audience, for opening up to this amazing experience (maybe of a lifetime). And if you ever have the chance to see it live, be a part in that crazy ride - JUST DO IT! As you just have to take the ride in your company. Fearless! Uncomfortable! Challenging! Open minded! .... you will love it!