In a world evolving rapidly, where innovation and creativity are paramount, the influence of Drama skills (or soft skills in developing empathy and creativity to be solutions-driven) in shaping the entrepreneurs of tomorrow cannot be overstated. We find ourselves at the forefront of a movement advocating for the integration of Drama into the core of education and business. This movement challenges traditional norms, envisioning a future where our young women harness the power of Drama, the Arts, Creativity, and Design Thinking to shape their destinies in the global business arena.

Effective Communication

At the heart of Drama lies the art of effective communication. Drama skills instill in individuals the ability to project their voices, master body language, and practice active listening. These are powerful tools that women entrepreneurs need when stepping into the spotlight. Whether delivering a pitch, negotiating, or presenting, clear and persuasive communication is essential to convey a vision, establish connections, and inspire support.

Effective communication is pivotal in entrepreneurship and resonates deeply in coaching for healing and personal growth. As a practitioner, I’ve witnessed how integrating dramatic techniques aids women entrepreneurs in honing their communication prowess. They find their voice, refine the art of persuasion, and captivate audiences, whether addressing investors or engaging in one-on-one coaching sessions. This approach leads them to unveil limiting belief systems, uncover hidden roles and stories that shape their perspectives, and create breakthroughs through conscious allegorical experiences.

Storytelling

The foundation of Drama is storytelling—an art that profoundly resonates with women seeking authenticity and connection. Crafting and delivering compelling stories sets entrepreneurs apart in a world flooded with information. Through storytelling, female entrepreneurs captivate their audience, establish emotional connections, and distinguish themselves. The skills of drama, voice, and authentic movement, as well as magnetic and confidence-exuding, develop the ability to convey a story that encapsulates the essence of a product, service, or brand. This transformative art assists entrepreneurs in shaping narratives that connect, fostering emotional bonds that encourage loyalty, trust, and celebration over competition. This underscores the immeasurable value of effective communication and crafting engaging narratives with connection, from uncovering character work, stories, and tensions in clients’ real lives.

Adaptability and Improvisation

Drama skills emphasize adaptability and improvisation in a dynamic business environment, shining through authenticity. Entrepreneurs must be nimble thinkers, embracing change and innovation. Drama equips individuals to think on their feet, adjust to shifting circumstances, and devise solutions—an invaluable quality for entrepreneurial success. As an experienced Drama educator, I’ve observed firsthand how improvisation nurtures mental agility among female entrepreneurs. This skill equips them to navigate uncertainty, pivot strategies, and welcome innovation—a quintessential attribute in both realms, particularly within the modern business landscape.

Confidence and Presence

What if your whole world were a stage, and you were the star? Entrepreneurs often radiate confidence and command attention. The stage nurtures self-assuredness and presence. Drama instills the ability to enter any room confidently, inspiring teams and gaining trust. Armed with transformative confidence, entrepreneurs exude credibility. This need for a commanding presence extends from the stage to the boardroom. Creativity, empathy, and adaptability nurture confidence and presence, reflecting in the entrepreneurial realm. Healers, coaches, and artists use dramatic practices to cultivate unshakeable self-assurance. Channeling the transformative power of Drama, stepping into chosen roles conveys empathy and understanding as tools for effective leadership, leaving a lasting impression on investors, clients, and teams.

Teamwork, Collaboration, and Emotional Intelligence

The essence of dramatic practices involves collaboration and teamwork—a microcosm of the entrepreneurial world. This work is innately one of courage and bravery to take risks, fail, and try again, stepping into the heroine role to decide and choose a different path of leading. Entrepreneurs must assemble teams, encourage collaboration, and foster a positive work culture. Drama training equips women with tools to work harmoniously with diverse groups, navigate varied personalities, and contribute effectively to collective objectives—a vital asset in entrepreneurship.

Walters expresses in her review of Brene Brown’s Dare to Lead: “When asked who is going to be leading in the next five years, each of those leaders told Brown it would be those who are brave… Brown says there are many barriers to bravery at work – including a fear of tough conversations, ignoring fears and feelings, getting stuck in setbacks, seeking to solve problems through immediate action, not working towards inclusivity, diversity and equity, and a culture of shame and blame.”

Drama’s unique ability to delve into human emotions fosters emotional intelligence—an essential trait for any entrepreneur or business leader. This heightened emotional awareness empowers us to empathize, understand customer needs, and forge authentic connections. Emotional intelligence underpins leadership, negotiation, and conflict resolution—skills indispensable on the entrepreneurial journey. It is the cornerstone for effective leadership, negotiation, and conflict resolution—skills that are pillars in the entrepreneurial journey.

Empathy and emotional intelligence in leadership cannot be overstated in a rapidly changing business environment. A study by the Harvard Business Review revealed that leaders with higher levels of emotional intelligence are more likely to succeed in their roles, positively impacting team morale and overall organizational performance. Empathetic leaders foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity—traits increasingly sought after in the modern entrepreneurial ecosystem. As we envision the leaders of the future, it’s clear that those harnessing the power of emotional intelligence are poised to shape and drive innovation, leaving an indelible mark on the business world.

The Power of Mindfulness

The essence of mindfulness, inherent to drama and dance, finds a counterpart in coaching. Both realms emphasize being present in the moment. Drama’s role in nurturing mindfulness and self-awareness seamlessly translates into coaching practices, employing dance and movement to embody and explore expression and characterization. As a Drama and Dance educator, I’ve experienced how mindfulness through the arts enhances our ability to manage stress, enhance self-awareness, and nurture resilience.

My colleague and co-facilitator, Felicia Lee, co-founder of Awaecnian Academy, and I cultivated a secure space to explore imagination. We discuss topics that may not be easy to address in others’ lives, and we love fostering an environment where a sense of empowerment leads to sharing newfound knowledge with like-minded leaders in the community, other parents, family members, and our youth. The sense of play, risk-taking, and authentic conversations is a grounded pillar of how we support leaders in our global summits in the work we do with youth in our community and how we help our clients in our curriculum and programs for growth and holistic, empowered self-development and mastery.

Let us persist in advocating for the Arts, Creativity, and Drama praxis, challenging conventional norms, and reimagining business as a form of education and lifelong learning, of growth and adapting to change, and as an all-encompassing experience that empowers, transforms, and prepares us as leaders.

In an innovation-driven sphere, arts-based practices spark entrepreneurial success. Drama and healing share an empowerment thread. Integrating Drama, Creativity, and the Arts in coaching lets female entrepreneurs express themselves authentically, fostering safety for empowered self-expression. I’ve witnessed how the arts and drama’s creative processes nurture self-acceptance, tap into innate creativity, and uncover latent potential. This occurs not only in my personal growth but also in how we facilitate and mentor within local and global communities.

In entrepreneurship, where creativity gives birth to innovation and the significance of well-being is paramount, arts-based practices will confidently take center stage – it’s a choice.

This article originally appeared in the Spring 2024 issue of CHOICES Magazine