Day 13: Recovery

The recent hurricanes have been a reminder of how essential improvisation is in life and business. Whether it’s the linemen, rescue crews, or military forces improvising in the face of disaster, their adaptability saved lives and aided recovery. (A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has contributed to the recovery process. Your efforts are deeply appreciated.)

In business, while planning is key, it has limits. It assumes control, yet uncertainty is inevitable. Companies like Microsoft and large tech firms embed improvisation into their processes through flexible methodologies like Agile, Lean, and Design Thinking. Even the U.S. military, including USSOCOM, incorporates improvisation into their strategies, showing that the unplanned can be critical to success.

One of my earliest memories of facing the need to learn the skills of improvisation was when I was 25, junior in my career, and brimming with fresh ideas. I worked for an organization that was going through significant technology-driven change, not so different than what is happening today.  Our large technology project was running over budget and over time due to a shift toward outsourcing. It was now my turn to present to the CEO and leadership of a $2 billion company and make the daunting ask for an extra half a million dollars. It was one of those moments in my career, you could feel that had a significant impact on your career trajectory. Was I going to rise to the occasion or was I going to succeed to failure?

Life has a funny way to play out. It’s almost as if the absurdity of life presents you with options that you didn’t know existed. Little did I know, right before my presentation, I ran into the CEO in the men’s room (absurdity of life). Suddenly, he started firing questions at me. Nervous but determined not to miss this unexpected opportunity, I leaned in, tapping into every ounce of my knowledge, authenticity, and experience. By the time I left the restroom, I had already closed the deal without even entering the boardroom.

There are moments you can't plan for—moments where improvisation and presence make all the difference. It’s these experiences that test your ability to adapt, think on your feet, and communicate under pressure. Whether it’s leading a project, facing an unexpected challenge, or handling a curveball from a CEO, mastering improvisation in high-stakes situations is crucial. This story serves as a reminder that leadership, creativity, and influence often unfold in the most unexpected places, and learning to navigate uncertainty with confidence can transform your career.

Much like my experience, effective improvisation in business—whether during critical meetings or navigating unanticipated situations—relies on preparation, the ability to adapt quickly, and having the trust in oneself to make the right decisions in the moment. Embrace these moments as opportunities for growth and innovation, because sometimes the best results come from those unplanned interactions. Life is absurd, so embrace it.