Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Joel Zeff, who highlights his book, “Make the Right Choice: Lead with Passion, Elevate Your Team, and Unleash the Fun at Work,” and recaps his recent presentation at the cityCURRENT signature speaker series event that was hosted by Higginbotham in Nashville.
Joel reflects on his recent experience at the signature speaker series event in Nashville, describing it as one of his favorite events of the year. He emphasizes the unique energy of open-to-the-public events, where attendees from diverse backgrounds choose to attend, making it essential to deliver powerful and engaging content. Joel highlights the inspiration and community spirit fostered by such events, which aligns with cityCURRENT’s mission.
Joel shares his journey from working as a newspaper reporter covering crime stories in Dallas to discovering improv as a positive outlet. He describes how improv became his “oasis” during difficult work days and eventually led to a career as a public speaker and presenter after receiving requests from clients for corporate workshops. Joel explains that his career transition began with a simple request from Texas Instruments for an improv performance at their retreat, which sparked his realization that he could offer improv services to other clients.
Jeremy and Joel discuss the power of improv in events, emphasizing how it serves as an equalizer and inclusive tool that engages participants regardless of their background or experience level. Joel explains that the humor and fun created through improv help break down barriers, making audience members more receptive to learning important leadership and communication lessons. He describes how involving audience volunteers in games creates a personal connection that reinforces the key messages about creating opportunities, providing support, and giving team members ownership.
Joel explains his approach to selecting and adapting improv games for presentations, drawing from Viola Spolin’s original teaching methods and tailoring them based on factors like group size, time available, and desired outcomes. He describes how he sometimes adjusts games on the spot based on the participants’ personalities and abilities, sharing a positive experience from cityCURRENT where three volunteers exceeded his expectations. Jeremy acknowledges Joel’s extensive experience and ability to balance creativity with achieving desired outcomes, then shifts the conversation to discuss Joel’s book about connection and humor.
Joel discusses his book which extends his keynote messages on collaboration, leadership, embracing change, and communication, using improv games as a backdrop for each chapter. He explains that while people can’t play improv games at work, the principles of improvisation teach important workplace skills like embracing change, being present in the moment, and helping colleagues find success. Joel emphasizes a key message of “staying in the game” when facing challenges, encouraging readers to persist through difficulties rather than giving up on goals.
As Jeremy and Joel further discuss Joel’s speaking career and book “Make the Right Choice: Lead with Passion, Elevate Your Team, and Unleash the Fun at Work,” Joel explains how improv has transformed his life, providing him with career opportunities he never planned for and helping him develop skills in embracing change, communication, and teamwork. They discuss the book’s availability on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, with Joel offering to send a copy to the first three people who connect with him through LinkedIn or his website and mentions cityCURRENT.
Visit https://www.joelzeff.com to learn more and to connect with Joel Zeff.
