Leadership Triangle Participants and Alum Mayor Tom Stevens (May 2009)

I’m looking forward to a networking event with Alumni from all the Leadership programs in the Triangle tonight at Bay 7 in Durham, NC. Over the last 5 years I’ve worked hard to establish DSI Comedy Theater in the community and, honestly, to legitimize the work that I do. I have been contracted to offer workshops in improvisation and facilitate programs for both Leadership Triangle and Chapel Hill-Carrboro Leadership.

My philosophy of play and the communication skills I developed while studying the Art of Comedy have made me the effective Leader that I am today. So, in the interest of my own community development and the personal and professional growth of my peers, I try to be an Ambassador for improv whenever I have the opportunity. I preach the Gospel of Improv — active listening, unconditional support, trust and teamwork.

It was hard to break into my network of “business” peers at first. Remember, I’m the funny guy wearing denim and the brightly colored shoes, the guy who works until 3am and performs comedy on the weekend. It was easy for some people to assume that ZW was just “playing” business, but my persistence (#Hustle) and the constant presence of DSI Comedy Theater in the press has been IMPOSSIBLE to ignore.

More recently, the beard helps.

And a News & Observer article doesn’t hurt.