When it comes to being in any business – whether it be a tech startup, the mining industry or even show business – in order to succeed, you must learn it, live it, breathe it and appreciate it every day.
These words of wisdom come from NORCAT CEO Don Duval in the episode of the YPO podcast titled "10 Minute Tips from the Top", hosted by Kevin Daum. Beginning with a degree in chemistry and a love for music, Don has spent his career continuously blending the worlds of arts, science and education together, spending time building a theatre company, co-founding a software startup, teaching university engineering courses and now, holding the role of CEO at NORCAT.
During the interview, Don shared anecdotes about how his background in the arts helped him succeed in business, and what the business world can learn from the arts. It may appear on the outside that the corporate world is the antithesis of the flexibility, creativity and humanity of the arts, but the two have more in common that one may think. Here’s three skills that are acquired and practiced through the arts that can also be applied to business:
Improvisation: On stage, live and in front of an audience, anything can - and does - happen. Dropped lines, missed entrances and malfunctioning props require the actor to improvise while maintaining his/her cool at all times. Communication and listening are key in the improv theatre world – actors must listen for their cue to step in and take over, or when things go off script, be able to pivot to continue the momentum because "the show must go on." Theatre teaches actors to focus, listen, think quickly and react all while keeping a positive attitude and never "letting them see you sweat." These skills are transferable in the business world where adaptability is key, especially when clients, coworkers or technology can all wreak havoc at the worst possible moment.
Managing Risk: When an artist completes a new work, walks into an audition or stands behind a rising curtain, they are inherently taking a risk. Putting something new out into the world, or doing something differently than previously done, and being open to feedback and potential criticism is the very foundation of a successful business. Taking calculated risks is an increasingly critical element of leadership and essential for a leader’s effectiveness. Leaders are ultimately judged on the results they deliver, and the means which they use to achieve these results.-hose who want to achieve success understand that taking risks is an essential part of achieving such results.
Project Management: In business, much like in theatre, everyone has a role to play. A stage production is much like a business project, where teams of people work together to successfully accomplish a task on-time, on-budget and in such a way that applause (or an occasional standing ovation) is received. Successful leaders understand that there are no small roles, just small actors, and that a show will fail without everyone giving their best. The effectiveness of a leader can be measured by the performance, character and commitment of a team, and effective leaders use communication and listening skills to motivate and inspire teams in order to improve their productivity.
It is commonly accepted that the arts represent the world of the spiritual and creative, while business represents that of the material. But they can be more similar than not. As the world itself gets bigger and the world’s problems subsequently become more complex, employers progressively seek critical thinking, comprehensive and creative leaders. Individuals who have worked in the world of the arts are used to- and appreciate- chaos and uncertainty. At a time of constant change and turmoil in so many industries, the business leader can learn much from the artist.