This episode explores the impact and art of improv and play in the workplace. David Westerlund brings his zone of genius to The School of Unlearning podcast and provides insights on the tenets of applied improv and invites listeners into 5 improv games. This episode is great for leaders of teams who wish to create more play and connection in their teams and helps debunk the myths surrounding productivity and play. 

Watch on Youtube!

Books referenced: 

"Improvisation: The Drama of Christian Ethics" by Sam Wells 

"Play Date Deck" by Sara McMahon

Improv Games Played: 

1. Bumper sticker

2. Don't get me started: ranting or raving

3. I couldn't have done it without you

4. Remember when: act as if we have a shared memory, ”remember when…"

5. 7 things

David delights in supporting leaders who want to intentionally learn, grow, and develop and want the same for their teams. Who are we being invited to be and become in order to collectively face the complex challenges in front of us? is the question that enlivens his own growth and his work with clients. He finds joy in designing and facilitating highly-interactive retreats that weave together connection, play, and transformative learning for leaders and teams who want to thrive. David’s work as an executive coach, learning designer, and facilitator has led him to work with teams in health care, business, nonprofits, government, and schools locally, nationally, and globally. He’s called Bellingham, Washington his home for 20 years and finds delight in walking in the Arboretum, Saturday breakfasts at Old Town Cafe, and visiting his daughter in NYC where they delight in improvising their way through the day. His website is: https://davidwesterlund.com/

Elisa Haggarty is a Conscious Leadership Coach who works with executives and teams to shift the way people relate and collaborate through radical responsibility, curiosity and emotional intelligence. You can follow her work HERE and follow her on Instagram.