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Improv Improves Leaders - Jess Klemm & David Raftery
In Part 2 of our conversation with The Bridge Improv Theater, host Rupesh Parbhoo and cohost Rachel Perez dig into how improv skills translate directly to stronger leadership. Guests David Raftery and Jess Klemm share how "going with the flow" helps leaders navigate constant change, why leadership is a shared activity (not a single role), and how "Yes, And" creates momentum and trust on teams. They also explore the power of third spaces for community, and why authenticity will matter even more as AI and automation accelerate. Perfect for leaders and communicators who want to build trust, presence, and authentic connection.
Key takeaways
- Leaders improve outcomes when they can adapt in real time and keep moving forward.
- "Yes, And" is a practical framework for shared leadership and stronger collaboration.
- Listening and empathy create connection, especially when people drop the "masks" they wear.
- Third spaces help people build community outside of work and home.
- Authenticity becomes more valuable as AI makes communication easier and less human.
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
01:16 - The Bridge Improv returns
02:19 - Recap Part 1
03:11 - Leadership as improvising
04:22 - "No one person is the leader"
08:24 - The "third space" and why community matters
14:30 - Why people are craving authentic connection
16:52 - Improv celebrates being human
33:25 - Where to find The Bridge
Guests and cohost
Jess Klemm is the education director at Bridge Improv Theater and began her improv journey in 2018.
Connect
- https://www.bridgeimprovtheater.com/
- https://www.instagram.com/bridgeimprovtheater/
- https://www.linkedin.com/company/bridge-improv-theater/
David Raftery is a co-owner of Bridge Improv Theater and has been performing and teaching improv in Arizona since 2012.
Connect
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-raftery-7ab689212/
- https://www.bridgeimprovtheater.com/
- https://www.facebook.com/bridgeimprov/
Rachel Perez is a brand identity designer and runs Composion, a one-person design studio.
Connect
- https://www.composion.design/
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-perez-composion/
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By District 3 Toastmasters
5
11 ratings
In Part 2 of our conversation with The Bridge Improv Theater, host Rupesh Parbhoo and cohost Rachel Perez dig into how improv skills translate directly to stronger leadership. Guests David Raftery and Jess Klemm share how "going with the flow" helps leaders navigate constant change, why leadership is a shared activity (not a single role), and how "Yes, And" creates momentum and trust on teams. They also explore the power of third spaces for community, and why authenticity will matter even more as AI and automation accelerate. Perfect for leaders and communicators who want to build trust, presence, and authentic connection.
Key takeaways
- Leaders improve outcomes when they can adapt in real time and keep moving forward.
- "Yes, And" is a practical framework for shared leadership and stronger collaboration.
- Listening and empathy create connection, especially when people drop the "masks" they wear.
- Third spaces help people build community outside of work and home.
- Authenticity becomes more valuable as AI makes communication easier and less human.
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
01:16 - The Bridge Improv returns
02:19 - Recap Part 1
03:11 - Leadership as improvising
04:22 - "No one person is the leader"
08:24 - The "third space" and why community matters
14:30 - Why people are craving authentic connection
16:52 - Improv celebrates being human
33:25 - Where to find The Bridge
Guests and cohost
Jess Klemm is the education director at Bridge Improv Theater and began her improv journey in 2018.
Connect
- https://www.bridgeimprovtheater.com/
- https://www.instagram.com/bridgeimprovtheater/
- https://www.linkedin.com/company/bridge-improv-theater/
David Raftery is a co-owner of Bridge Improv Theater and has been performing and teaching improv in Arizona since 2012.
Connect
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-raftery-7ab689212/
- https://www.bridgeimprovtheater.com/
- https://www.facebook.com/bridgeimprov/
Rachel Perez is a brand identity designer and runs Composion, a one-person design studio.
Connect
- https://www.composion.design/
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-perez-composion/