The Human Risk Podcast3 Mar 2024

Heather Urquhart on Improvisation Part One

What can business learn from improvisation? On the face of it, a form of entertainment that involves making things up as you go along, seems to be filled with human risk and not at all helpful in the business world.

But actually, the skills that improvisers use to entertain us, are incredibky useful in businesses to drive better decision-making, The techniques that allow them to respond to unexpecte situations or come up with creative ideas, are incredibly helpful in a business context.

Having previously explored some of the dynamics of improv with Comedy Store director, author and perfomer Neil Mullarkey, I wanted to dive a little deeper into the subject.

Meet Heather Urqhuhart
My guest on this episode Heather Urquhart is a professional improviser who not only performs improv but also works to help busineses to manage uncertainty and drive creativity via her firm 'And Also Improv'.

In our discussion, we look how the dynamics inherent in improv can help to improce the quality of decision-making and ideas within businesses.

Amongst other things, we look at how active listening, a non-judgmental approach to creative ideas can transform all aspects of an organization, not just the traditionally 'creative' ones.

True to the theme, Heather and I set out on our conversation with an open agenda. Not only did that take us to some intesting and unexpected places, but it also meant that we just kept going. So much so, that there’s too much for just one episode.

So, this is Part one of a two part discussion. Part Two is coming soon.

Links
My previous discussion with Neil Mullarkey: https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/neil-mullarkey-on-being-in-the-moment/

Heather’s website: https://www.heatherurquhart.co.uk/

Her company ‘And Also’ Improv: https://andalsoimprov.com/

The MayDays, the Improv troop that heather is part of: https://www.themaydays.co.uk/speaker/heather-urquhart/

'Showstoppers The Musical': https://showstopperthemusical.com/

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