One of our top discovery questions at Westgate is about confidence building, especially during the first 90 days in the new CEO role. 

We have published a real-live case study on improv... how to improve leadership capabilities with improv from our very own team member; Maddie Shears (Get Hired Up! podcast producer). 

Here is Maddie's recent experience with improv.

From an improver's perspective:

Traditionally speaking, improv is a theatrical technique in which the performer is delivering a scene that is entirely unscripted. Typically, the improver will be given a suggestion from an audience that helps give the initial direction of where the scene will go.

The idea that they have no script and they will be thinking spontaneously of where the scene will go, is a major part of the humor behind improv. It also tends to add an element of realism or authenticity because the performer, without any real direction, is delivering the performance through their own style, brand, and lived experiences.

To help further illustrate the world of improv, let me draw your attention to a famous TV show from the 80’s/90’s. The ever-popular Seinfeld involves much improv. Certainly, some of the lines are scripted in advance, and there is a structure to each episode, but a lot of their performance is improvised.

One of the most reputable institutions for improv is Second City (where I am currently a student), and some of the alumni include Catherine O’Hara, Eugene Levy, Tina Fey, John Candy, Bill Murray, and many others.

Do you struggle to write the best message when emailing executive recruiters and board chairs?

The 90-Day Brand Offer

Grab the attention of the capital markets, other key investors, and your target market. Stand out and build your authority and thought leadership. 

Explore our 90-Day Brand program here.

Today is International Idea Day

In 2010, I (Maureen Farmer, CEO of Westgate) had an idea in my head—to create a practical solution for executives seeking new career and business opportunities—but who could not find such a resource in the marketplace. 

Most recruiting and outplacement firms at the time only served corporations, not individual board-seeking candidates, CEO candidates, or business leaders who wanted to launch a management consulting business of their own. 

This is how the Career Navigator Program was created. Now in its second decade, we serve both corporations and private clients to help them target, search for, and qualify for a paid board seat, create and launch their own consulting business, and help CEOs transition into new roles. 

I will admit I faced resistance from friends, family, colleagues, and even businesses I consulted with my idea. But, I had a vision and a plan and worked tirelessly and enthusiastically to deliver it to the marketplace. I have such deep respect now for product developers and R&D specialists. 

At a dinner party recently, an acquaintance said to me, “Maureen, you must love your job.” I pondered for a moment … and replied, “What I love, Susie is the lifestyle I’ve created for myself to serve others and do meaningful work.” 

I do not consider the work I do a job. Do you? 

What is your big idea? What one step will you take today to move toward it? 

Here is my first headshot one month after launching the business in December of 2011.

Have an optimized week ahead! And, note that we are now on Daylight Savings Time for which I am not a fan!

Maureen Farmer is a CEO advisor and personal branding strategist for next-level executives, investors, and board nominees. 

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Westgate Executive Branding and Career Consulting Inc. would like to acknowledge that we are located in Mi'kma'ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi'kmaq People. We are all Treaty people.