Welcome to this episode of “Live with Sondra,” where we explore the ideas and people shaping leadership, culture, and guest experience in the attractions industry and beyond. In this powerful episode titled “The Power of Improv in Leadership: Boosting Culture & Resiliency,” Sondra sits down with Heather Barnes, Founder & CEO of Improv at Work LLC, to discuss how improvisational strategies are transforming leadership, communication, and workplace culture.

With a background spanning 18 years in museums, zoos, and attractions—including leadership roles at the Museum of Science and Industry and Shedd Aquarium—Heather Barnes brings a unique blend of executive expertise, improv artistry, and organizational insight to this conversation.

In this episode, Sondra and Heather dive into:

• Using Improv to Navigate Difficult Conversations: How leaders can apply “Yes, And” to foster collaboration, even in moments of conflict or disagreement.
• Building Trust Through Vulnerability: Why showing up authentically is a leadership superpower—and how improv helps leaders connect with teams on a human level.
• Creating Inclusive, Safe Work Cultures: Strategies for empowering teams, boosting psychological safety, and cultivating a culture where employees can thrive.
• Applying Improv in Guest Experience & Hiring: How improvisational methods can enhance guest interactions and transform hiring practices to prioritize empathy and adaptability.

Tune in for an insightful session on harnessing improv to elevate leadership, strengthen teams, and create spaces where both employees and guests feel valued.

Connect with Heather Barnes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-barnes-5532b34/

Connect with Sondra Shannon to learn more about Gatemaster’s role in fostering resilient, people-first leadership across attractions: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sondrashannon/

🎤 Want to be a guest on our show? Apply here: https://forms.office.com/r/Y4kGTcaWw4