In this engaging conversation, Kassy LaBorie interviews Russ Powell, a multifaceted artist and leadership trainer. They explore the connections between juggling, music, and effective leadership, discussing how artistic expression can enhance facilitation and training. Russ shares his journey from street performing in New Orleans to becoming an executive coach, emphasizing the importance of practice, improvisation, and managing nerves in both performance and leadership roles. The discussion also touches on networking strategies and the value of allowing participants to take charge in learning environments.

Here are a few links and articles related to and supportive of our conversation: 

• How to Play Thirty-Five — A terrific game for helping teams brainstorm and prioritize ideas.

• Leadership and the Middle Path — My foundational leadership program used by 150+ startups and Fortune 100 teams. 

• Good Performer vs. Bad System — Blog post on why systems matter more than training alone. 

• Six Rules of Training Every Manager Should Know — Blog post on practical ways to reinforce training efforts. 

• A Juggler’s Guide to ISD — A fun talk I gave a few years back on the intersection of juggling and instructional design. Includes more on Thiagi’s “let the inmates run the asylum” principle, and a little juggling. 

Russ’s Links:

• Website: https://www.russpowell.com/

• Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russpowell/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/russpowellconsulting

• BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/fruvous2.bsky.social

Kassy’s Links:

• Website: https://kassylaborie.com/ 

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kassylaborie/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kassylaborie/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Russ Powell

05:39 ISD vs. ID

10:14 Exploring the World of Juggling

15:26 Juggling as a Learning Tool

18:20 Applying Music & Juggling to Facilitation

19:32 Practice & Rehearsal

24:48 Managing Nerves

28:31 Russ Teaches Us A New Skill

33:50 How Improv Helps Facilitation

36:17 Drop Lines

Takeaways

• Juggling serves as a metaphor for managing multiple responsibilities.

• Artistic backgrounds can enhance leadership training.

• Street performing teaches valuable lessons in audience engagement.

• Music can create a welcoming atmosphere in workshops.

• Nervousness is a natural part of performing and can be channeled positively.

• Improv skills are beneficial for facilitators and leaders.

• Participants should be empowered to contribute in workshops.

• Drop lines can help recover from mistakes in performances.

• Practice and rehearsal are crucial for success in any performance.

juggling, leadership, street performing, instructional design, music, improv, training, coaching, executive leadership