We recently worked with a team that looked cohesive on paper: a mix of remote new hires and in-office veterans across three different headquarters. But behind the scenes, it was clear this group hadn’t had the time—or the opportunity—to truly connect.

Improv leadership in real time:

• “Authenticity connects faster than expertise.”

• “Perfectionism suffocates the best ideas.”

• “Presence unlocks chemistry you can’t manufacture.”

Holly discovers clarity through fearlessness.

In a recent workshop with a team of all women, we had the chance to share our expertise about the paralyzing effects of perfectionism. And while most people would say they struggle with wanting to get everything 'right', women have a deeper emotional and historic relationship with it.

The idea for this piece came while overhearing a woman on the phone, near tears about her manager. It wasn’t the work itself that broke her down — it was how the feedback landed. We all know mistakes happen, goals shift, and challenges pile up. What makes the difference is whether someone feels supported in the process. Positivity isn’t about ignoring hard truths; it’s about how we deliver them, and whether our teams feel like we’ve got their back.

10 successful entrepreneurs were asked to explain their own journey with EMPATHY.

If the idea of networking makes you want to disappear into the hedges like Homer Simpson, you are not alone!

Holly thought to share some networking tips that have not only worked for her, they are what we use for our corporate training programs for teams that need to find ways to become more natural, engaging, and connectable.

If your team’s been feeling a little off lately—you’re not alone. Disconnection is everywhere right now.

The good news? We’ve found a way to bring them back together that’s fast, effective, and (bonus) actually fun!

“Every time! I'm consistently impressed how quickly the perspectives shift in a session, even the biggest skeptic, devil's advocate, contrarian and critic shifts into a version of themself that is curious, open-minded, optimistic and solution-focused. It happened yesterday in a session with our friends at Deloitte which inspired this blog”

Giving your team an event that's "fun" is not the same as one that builds MORALE. It's important not to confuse them -- your employees certainly won't.

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Holly Mandel — first female-founder of both an improv school in NYC and Corporate Training Company using improv.

Silos — great for corn. Not so great for companies. Especially when they’re preventing healthy collaboration and a sense of unity. When it’s time to bust up silos, it’s important to have improv in the mix so that real change occurs and sticks. By Holly Mandel

Holly Mandel Relaunches Her NYC Women-Owned Business, Imergence Corporate Improv.

Knowing innovation matters is one thing—learning how to actually cultivate it? That’s where improv changes the game. By Holly Mandel.

Most people think they’re good listeners—until they realize how often their attention drifts, assumptions take over, or they're just waiting for their turn to talk. By Holly Mandel.

Holly Mandel shares how she began her company, iMERGENCE, and what inspired her to do it.

Success in business isn’t just about competition—it’s about striking the right balance with collaboration. By Holly Mandel.