Better Meetings, Happier Teams: The Art of Improv in Business
05/14/25 • 47 min
Andrew Davies is on a mission to transform the corporate world with the magic of improv! In our chat, we dive deep into how he uses his skills as the Better Meetings Director at Artly Working to help teams ditch the snooze-fest meetings and embrace creativity and collaboration instead. Imagine a workplace where brainstorming feels like fun instead of a chore—yeah, that’s what we’re talking about! We also get into the nitty-gritty of how you don’t have to be the funniest person in the room to rock improv; it’s all about being present and supportive. So grab your favorite mug and get ready to learn how to spice up those meetings that should’ve been an email—because trust me, you’ll want to tune in for this one!
Bio
Andrew Davies is the Better Meetings Director of Artly Working, which uses Improv and Theatre to help build stronger teams made up of happier people, and higher performers. Since starting in 2019 Artly Working has led programs with over 100 innovative companies like Netflix, Roblox, Meta, and Google.
With training In Improvisation from The Magnet Theatre, and Facilitation from Georgetown University, Andrew Is passionate about bringing those skills to strengthen company culture, and people experience. His Better Meetings workshop helps teams to gather with purpose and play, designing and facilitating more effective meetings that people actually want to attend!
Andrew has won several awards for his groundbreaking work including the Young Pioneer Award from the Jewish Education Project and the Pomegranate Prize from the Covenant Foundation. Andrew is also the co-founder of Charactours, theatrical walking tours where the past visits you, and The Bible Players, a Jewish comedy team.
When Andrew’s not working, he can be found making up songs with his toddlers Miller and Oren, bike riding around Philadelphia, or leading a free tennis camp In the neighborhood
Links
Takeaways:
- Improv isn't just about being funny; it's all about being real and present in the moment, which can transform your day-to-day interactions.
- Andrew Davies shows us how improv can bridge the gap between artistic expression and corporate culture, making meetings more engaging and effective.
- Creating a supportive environment in the workplace is crucial—everyone should feel they can participate without fear of judgment.
- The 'Yes, and...' principle can be a game changer in brainstorming sessions, helping to nurture creativity and collaboration among team members.
Links referenced in this episode:
Companies mentioned in this episode:
- Artly Working
- Netflix
- Roblox
- Meta
- Caricatures Theatrical Walking Tours
- Bible Players
How do I get such great guests?
PodMatch I use Podmatch to get the best guests on the show. Check out PodMatch if you want to guest on other podcasts or if you have a podcast and need guests for your show. Guests from Podmatch
Make Sharing your podcast easier
Use Podcast Beacon for the best NFS products to share your podcast while out and about or at conferences.
Reach Out To The Podcast
To reach out to me, email [email protected] I would love to hear about your journey and what you are working on. If you would like to be on the show or have me discuss a topic that is giving you trouble write in and let's start that conversation.
- Email: [email protected]
- YouTube Channel:
Andrew Davies is on a mission to transform the corporate world with the magic of improv! In our chat, we dive deep into how he uses his skills as the Better Meetings Director at Artly Working to help teams ditch the snooze-fest meetings and embrace creativity and collaboration instead. Imagine a workplace where brainstorming feels like fun instead of a chore—yeah, that’s what we’re talking about! We also get into the nitty-gritty of how you don’t have to be the funniest person in the room to rock improv; it’s all about being present and supportive. So grab your favorite mug and get ready to learn how to spice up those meetings that should’ve been an email—because trust me, you’ll want to tune in for this one!
Bio
Andrew Davies is the Better Meetings Director of Artly Working, which uses Improv and Theatre to help build stronger teams made up of happier people, and higher performers. Since starting in 2019 Artly Working has led programs with over 100 innovative companies like Netflix, Roblox, Meta, and Google.
With training In Improvisation from The Magnet Theatre, and Facilitation from Georgetown University, Andrew Is passionate about bringing those skills to strengthen company culture, and people experience. His Better Meetings workshop helps teams to gather with purpose and play, designing and facilitating more effective meetings that people actually want to attend!
Andrew has won several awards for his groundbreaking work including the Young Pioneer Award from the Jewish Education Project and the Pomegranate Prize from the Covenant Foundation. Andrew is also the co-founder of Charactours, theatrical walking tours where the past visits you, and The Bible Players, a Jewish comedy team.
When Andrew’s not working, he can be found making up songs with his toddlers Miller and Oren, bike riding around Philadelphia, or leading a free tennis camp In the neighborhood
Links
Takeaways:
- Improv isn't just about being funny; it's all about being real and present in the moment, which can transform your day-to-day interactions.
- Andrew Davies shows us how improv can bridge the gap between artistic expression and corporate culture, making meetings more engaging and effective.
- Creating a supportive environment in the workplace is crucial—everyone should feel they can participate without fear of judgment.
- The 'Yes, and...' principle can be a game changer in brainstorming sessions, helping to nurture creativity and collaboration among team members.
Links referenced in this episode:
Companies mentioned in this episode:
- Artly Working
- Netflix
- Roblox
- Meta
- Caricatures Theatrical Walking Tours
- Bible Players
How do I get such great guests?
PodMatch I use Podmatch to get the best guests on the show. Check out PodMatch if you want to guest on other podcasts or if you have a podcast and need guests for your show. Guests from Podmatch
Make Sharing your podcast easier
Use Podcast Beacon for the best NFS products to share your podcast while out and about or at conferences.
Reach Out To The Podcast
To reach out to me, email [email protected] I would love to hear about your journey and what you are working on. If you would like to be on the show or have me discuss a topic that is giving you trouble write in and let's start that conversation.
- Email: [email protected]
- YouTube Channel:
Previous Episode
From Stage to Screen: Unpacking Creativity with Paul Cram
Get ready to dive into a chat with the ever-charismatic Paul Cram! This episode kicks off with some juicy insights straight from Paul, who’s not just your average actor but also a voracious reader and the mastermind behind the Men Who Read book club. We dig into the ups and downs of creativity, tackling everything from that pesky inner critic to the importance of just getting in there and doing the work—because hey, even a four-year-old on a sugar rush can create something beautiful! We also explore how art can be a powerful tool for healing, especially after personal hardships. So, whether you’re an actor, a painter, or just someone trying to unleash your creative spirit, this convo is packed with nuggets of wisdom and a sprinkle of humor to keep it light. Tune in and let’s get artsy!
Bio
Based in the Twin Cities, Paul has graced both local and national screens, sharing scenes with talents like Woody Harrelson, Cillian Murphy, and Susan Sarandon. Beyond the camera, he's a voracious reader and founder of the "Men-Who-Read" book club, boasting over 85 members since its inception in 2019. When not acting or reading, Paul indulges in gardening, Queer sports, and enjoying pop-culture movies and shows.
Links
Takeaways:
- In this episode, Paul Cram shares how creativity can be a transformative tool for healing, especially during tough times in life.
- We dive into the importance of pushing through creative blocks, comparing artists' struggles to a plumber's work ethic, reminding us that creativity is a practice, not a luxury.
- Timothy and Paul chat about how collaboration in the arts is like a dance, where each partner brings their flair while respecting the other's moves.
- Paul reflects on his diverse artistic pursuits, emphasizing the joy of being a creative spirit in multiple disciplines without needing to choose just one.
- The duo jokes about the pressure of perfectionism, suggesting that embracing our inner child and creating art, even if it looks like a four-year-old's work, is what truly matters.
- They discuss the role of directors in the creative process and how good communication can lead to amazing artistic outcomes, making it a team effort rather than a battle.
How do I get such great guests?
PodMatch I use Podmatch to get the best guests on the show. Check out PodMatch if you want to guest on other podcasts or if you have a podcast and need guests for your show. Guests from Podmatch
Make Sharing your podcast easier
Use Podcast Beacon for the best NFS products to share your podcast while out and about or at conferences.
Reach Out To The Podcast
To reach out to me, email [email protected] I would love to hear about your journey and what you are working on. If you would like to be on the show or have me discuss a topic that is giving you trouble write in and let's start that conversation.
- Email: [email protected]
- YouTube Channel: Create Art Podcast YT Channel
- IG: @createartpodcast
- Twitter: @createartpod
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Create Art Podcast - Better Meetings, Happier Teams: The Art of Improv in Business
Transcript
Create Art Podcast Interview Andrew Davies
hello friend. This is Timothy Keem O'Brien, your head instigator for Create Art Podcast, where I bring my over 30 years of experience in the arts and educational world to help you tame your inner critic and create more than you consume. So I'm continuing on with my slew of interviews. I had a lot of interviews this year so far here in 2025. And the person you're about to hear, his name is Andre
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