The Art of Customization

I wanted to highlight a memorable experience from January: an improv-based leadership workshop for the incredible team at Nokia. What makes improv workshops particularly thrilling is their ability to be tailored to the specific needs of each partner. There’s no such thing as "one size fits all." Customization is not just an added bonus; it’s essential for fostering connection, creating impact, and achieving results.

Here’s where the irony comes in: every time I step into a corporate setting as a trainer, there’s usually someone in the room (you know who you are) who thinks, “Wait, isn’t this guy a comedian? What is he going to teach us? How to find humor in crises?” (Which, by the way, is a valuable lesson to learn.)

While I understand the skepticism, it’s amusing how the very skills that make me a comedian; Like reading the room, adapting in real time, and crafting messages that resonate with the audience. The difference is that instead of delivering punchlines, I co-design strategies that are just as memorable as the jokes. Rather than aiming for laughter, my goal is to trigger those ‘Eureka’ moments (just learned this term!).

Customizing a workshop is much like tailoring a joke. If you don’t grasp your audience, you risk losing them. If you can’t adapt to their needs, your message won’t land. And if you lack engagement? Well, let’s just say you’re missing a crucial element.

So, here’s to challenging stereotypes, embracing the unexpected, and demonstrating that regardless of your background, be it comedy or corporate, the ability to connect and customize can truly make a difference.

A big thanks to my team at Everythink for perfectly translating this vision.