EP-186 Re-Issue: Mastering Leadership Skills with Improvisation Techniques - Kat Koppett

Welcome to another episode of The Unconventional Path, where hosts Bela Musits and Mike Wasserman explore the unique journeys of entrepreneurs and innovators. In this episode, we sit down with Kat Koppett, the founder of Koppett and the Mopco Improv Theatre. Kat has successfully merged her background in theatre with organizational development, creating a unique business model that helps leaders and teams expand their performance range.The Intersection of Improv and LeadershipKat Koppett’s journey is the definition of an unconventional path. Starting as a theatre major with dreams of Broadway, Kat discovered a powerful connection between the skills used in improvisational theatre and those required for effective leadership and management. Today, she operates two distinct but deeply connected businesses:Mopco Improv Theatre: A professional improvisational theatre company dedicated to the art of performance.Koppett: An applied improvisation and organizational development company that takes improv techniques off the stage and into the boardroom.Our podcast is now available on YouTube. Simply search for "The Unconventional Path" to subscribe and never miss an episode.We're always on the lookout for interesting guests to feature on our show. If you know someone who has an inspiring story, unique perspective, or valuable expertise to share, please let us know. We're eager to connect with potential guests who can bring fresh insights and engaging conversations to our audience.We also love hearing from our listeners! Your questions, comments, and suggestions are incredibly valuable to us. Send us an email at [email protected] with your thoughts, and we'll do our best to address them in a future episode. Whether you have a question about a specific topic, feedback on a recent episode, or ideas for future content, we want to hear from you. Your engagement helps us shape the show and deliver content that resonates with our listeners.Thanks for listening,Bela and MikeBy using "applied improvisation," Kat helps professionals improve their awareness and communication skills on "any stage that isn't a literal stage". Her work demonstrates how taking a core passion and applying it to different business models can lead to a fulfilling and sustainable career.From New York to California and BackKat’s personal history is as varied as her professional one. Born in New York City, she moved to Palo Alto, California, at age eight before eventually returning to New York for college and graduate school. She shares how living in major metropolitan hubs like the San Francisco Bay Area and New York City shaped her worldview, but it was moving to Upstate New York that truly opened her eyes to the diversity of the world. This perspective has fueled her curiosity and broadened her approach to business and life.A Legacy of Creativity and PassionThe daughter of a legendary sports writer for the New York Times, Kat grew up surrounded by theater, museums, and culture. Her father, who holds the rare distinction of being in both the baseball and basketball halls of fame, taught her the importance of doing what you love. This philosophy is at the heart of Kat’s success, as she continues to help organizations worldwide find their own "creative spark" through the principles of improv.Connect With Us