The Drama Behind Business: Lessons from Acting School That Made Me a Better Leader

Title: "The Drama Behind Business: Lessons from Acting School That Made Me a Better Leader"

Sixteen years ago, I moved to NYC. I arrived at the most romantic time, mid-December, just before Christmas, and I found a job at Cafe Gitane in Nolita. I was captivated by the beautiful people who walked into the cafe every day. They were elegant, cool-looking, sipping their morning coffee and eating avocado toast while reading a book. It was all new to me, coming from Israel, not long after I finished my military service. 

I was also single for the first time in my life, so freedom was the theme of that time. It felt new, refreshing, and exciting. I literally felt as if my life was happening in a romantic comedy movie. One bartender and I became friends, and one day I shared with him that I really wanted to stay in NY and make the best of it. 'Go to Strasberg,' he said. 'What is Strasberg?' I asked. 'It’s a great acting school. I just graduated from there, and I think you should try it. It’s a lot of fun. 

At that time, I was in an ongoing conflict about what I should do in life, what I should study, and which school I should apply to – none of the ideas involved creative studies. But something felt interesting and, though scary, it made sense because I was in NY and I could do whatever I wanted.

The next day, I walked there, and two weeks later, I started. One semester led to another, which led to taking the full conservatory program. It was one of the most beautiful times of my life, if not the best time. I met friends from around the world, had a few romantic crushes, I learned how to sing, dance, and act. I went to deep places within, cried, laughed, crawled like a baby, and did other silly but liberating things.

Through acting classes, I discovered the beauty in theater, cinema, and music – the arts became my world, and I had a hunger to learn as much as I could. Fast forward a few years, I did not become an actor. It wasn’t my thing, and I wasn’t very gifted. However, little did I know that perhaps the biggest skill I gained from it was the life tool that will forever stay with me and really support my role as a founder, which I later became.

In 2012 I Co-founded my first Startup, Veed.me, a video production marketplace which six years later was acquired by Fiverr.com. When I reflect on my own evolution as a leader, I realize that some of the most valuable lessons didn't come from a management book or workshop.. Instead, they were imparted to me in the most unexpected of places – Lee Strasberg acting and theater institute. 

In the world of theater, the spotlight shines on vulnerability, authenticity, and the power of human connection. Little did I know that these very principles would become the cornerstone of my growth as a leader and founder. Here, I want to share my humble and deeply personal journey of how my time in acting school ignited a transformation that reshaped not only my approach to business but also my understanding of leadership.

1. Focusing on Your Partner: Building Trust and Empowerment

In acting school, I learned the value of focusing 99% on your partner and only 1% on yourself. This intense focus cultivated an unwavering presence and an insatiable curiosity that have become my greatest assets in business. I discovered that by being fully present and putting the spotlight on the person I was talking to, whether it was a client, Investor, co-founder or employee, I could build trust, and create a sense of unity and it helped building strong relationships. 

2. Being Present: Self-Awareness as a Leadership Superpower

Acting school also taught me to consistently ask myself questions like, "What is happening right now?" and "what are the given circumstances" This self-awareness has proven to be a remarkable superpower for my leadership. It enables me to assess and adapt swiftly, make better decisions, and navigate challenges with a clarity that would have been unimaginable without my dramatic training.

3. Improvisation: Handling the Unexpected

In acting school, improv classes used to scare me so much. But in business, they're a lifesaver. Improvisation helps me handle tough investor questions, solve problems quickly, and break the ice with clients. It's about being ready for anything and staying flexible, which is super useful in the ever-changing world of leadership and entrepreneurship.

4. Preparation: The Power of Readiness and Focus

Every actor knows the importance of thorough preparation before a performance. The stretches, voice training, and mental focus have been invaluable assets when meeting with investors, delivering a speech or talking to clients. This level of preparedness sets the stage for success in business. 

5. Public Speaking: The Art of Communication

The world of acting has refined my public speaking skills. It taught me the nuances of voice warm-ups, body language, the power of pausing, and the significance of eye contact. With these tools, I've been able to deliver messages more effectively, ensuring my words resonate with impact.

6. Embracing Playfulness: Connecting with Your Team

Acting school encouraged me to embrace playfulness and a childlike sense of wonder. This quality has allowed me to connect with my team in a way that's disarming and endearing. By not taking myself too seriously, I've become an approachable dude who draws people closer.

7. Active Listening: Understanding and Valuing Others

In the world of acting, active listening is non-negotiable. It's a skill that I've honed on stage and brought into my leadership roles. Listening intently not only provides insights but also makes others feel valued and significant in our interactions.

8. Continuous Improvement: Trying New Approaches

Actors are perpetually improving by reflecting on their performance and trying new things. This "music of trying" has taught me to ask questions after significant meetings and adopt new strategies when necessary. This was something my Co-founder and I did after every meeting with investors. We learned what went well and what didn’t and we always tried new things - both verbal and non verbal. 

9. Reading Between the Lines: Understanding Subtext

Acting is all about reading between the lines, understanding the unspoken. This skill has been invaluable in leadership, helping me grasp hidden messages and concerns beneath the surface of conversations. This skill is almost like being a mentalist, you can read people much better by “hearing” what they are not saying, which is usually what they are truly thinking.

10. Authenticity: The Power of Being Real

Perhaps the most significant lesson of all has been authenticity. Acting school allowed me to explore my authentic self, unearthing experiences and emotions that I could share openly. It's a principle I've carried into leadership, recognizing that authenticity fosters trust, deepens connections, and empowers my team to do the same.

Conclusion:

In the end, my journey from the stage to the startup world has been an exploration of self-discovery and growth. The humility I've gained from my experiences in acting school has helped me become a better leader, founder, and, most importantly, a better human being.

The drama behind business may be an unconventional one, but it's a story of lessons learned, experiences cherished, and a path illuminated with newfound wisdom. It's a testament to the idea that our personal journeys, no matter how unconventional, can profoundly impact and enrich our professional lives.

I invite you to reflect on your own journey. What unexpected lessons have you learned along the way? Perhaps you'll discover that the drama behind your own path has made you a better leader too.