Chris Esparza - Improvisation and Leadership

Phronesis: Practical Wisdom for Leaders with Scott Allen

Chris Esparza is a full-time consultant, facilitator, and trainer. He serves as Vice President for Leadership & Culture at Koppett & Co. This consultancy uses improvisation and storytelling to enhance creativity, connection, leadership, and learning with organizations and companies of all sizes.
Before joining the Koppett team, Chris spent 20 years in higher ed, rounding out that chapter as the Director of Diversity, Inclusion, and Leadership Development at the University of Oregon’s School of Law.
Throughout his career, Chris has infused an improvisational mindset in his work and approach to leadership development. He started his journey learning and performing improv in college as a 4-year member of the Stanford Improvisors. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the global Applied Improvisation Network.
Chris is originally from Los Angeles, but now resides in New Orleans–a city that itself embraces a bit of an improvisational spirit.

A Quote From this Episode

• "I think improv is a teaching tool...it refreshes our attention...it offers a little bit of practice in that uncertain space."

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

• Television Show - Ted Lasso

About The International Leadership Association (ILA)

• The ILA was created in 1999 to bring together professionals interested in studying, practicing, and teaching leadership. Plan for ILA's 25th Global Conference in Vancouver, British Columbia, October 12-15, 2023.

About The Boler College of Business at John Carroll University

• Boler offers four MBA programs – 1 Year Flexible, Hybrid, Online, and Professional. Each MBA track offers flexible timelines and various class structure options (online, in-person, hybrid, asynchronous). Boler’s tech core and international study tour opportunities set these MBA programs apart. Rankings highlighted in the intro are taken from CEO Magazine.

The International Studying Leadership Conference

• ISLC at Copenhagen Business School from December 10-12, 2023

About Scott J. Allen

• Website

My Approach to Hosting

• The views of my guests do not constitute "truth." Nor do they reflect my personal views in some instances. However, they are views to consider, and I hope they help you clarify your perspective. Nothing can replace your reflection, research, and exploration of the topic.

챕터

1. Improvisational Mindset in Leadership (00:00:00)

2. Importance of Noticing, Responding, Collaboration (00:08:15)

3. The Playfulness and Leadership of Improv (00:21:39)

4. Geocaching and Playful Improv Nature (00:25:01)

5. Improvisation and Play in Leadership (00:28:12)

6. Leadership and Improvisation (00:38:11)