Lessons from the Stage
Stand-up comedy is more than telling jokes—it’s a full-contact sport for the mind and heart, filled with lessons in resilience, adaptability, timing, and authenticity. Here are a few ways that performing on stage has taught me skills I now share in my life coaching practice.
1. Resilience
One night, I was performing at USC, and right before I was about to start, the mic went out. No tech support, no backup plan—I had to project my voice to the whole crowd. Instead of getting flustered, I just worked with what I had and kept going. Life’s the same way: we can’t control every situation, but we can control our reaction. Resilience is about making the best out of unexpected challenges and finding strength in flexibility.
2. Reading the Room
Stand-up is like an ongoing conversation, even if it’s just you talking. You’re not just telling jokes; you’re picking up on the energy of the room, responding to interruptions, and rolling with unexpected moments. One time in Atlanta, I had a group in the front row who were all but heckling me—not maliciously, but they wanted attention. So I made the show about them, weaving their backstories into my act, which ended up being the right move.
In life, reading the room means noticing what’s happening around you and responding to the moment. Whether it’s a job interview, a meeting, or a challenging conversation, being present lets us adapt to what’s real, not just what we planned. I encourage clients to use this skill to deepen connections and make the most of their interactions.
3. The Art of Timing
In comedy, timing is everything. A punchline delivered too quickly or too slowly can easily lose its punch. Life’s the same—timing can make or break an opportunity. When you’re trying to land a job, timing matters in everything from submitting an application to following up at the right moment. If someone needs to speak with their supervisor, finding the right moment to speak up can mean the difference between being heard or causing unnecessary tension.
4. Flexibility: Prepared but Open to Change
In comedy, you can plan a lot, but the magic often happens when you stay open to the unexpected. One night in LA, I had a guy in the audience with an extremely loud, distinct laugh—so much that it started to distract everyone, including my ADHD self. I leaned into it, told him to keep going and to do MORE of that, which created this organic connection with the whole room.
In life, flexibility is just as valuable. We prepare as best we can, but we can’t anticipate every twist. If we stay adaptable, those twists can even end up enhancing our experience. I always remind clients: have a plan, but be ready to pivot.
5. Authenticity: How are you showing up?
Stand-up requires authenticity. Audiences can sense if you’re faking it. Even comedians who have a persona are connecting on some level with who they really are. Being authentically “you” is what builds trust in life. When we bring our true selves into our relationships and workplaces, we build stronger, more meaningful connections. Authenticity doesn’t mean oversharing (be careful with that!) it’s simply owning who we are, which is one of the most empowering tools in life and work.
Each time I step on stage, I’m reminded how these lessons apply offstage as well. Curious to see me share my awkward story of meeting M. Night Shyamalan? Watch it here. Remember, life’s a stage too, and every moment is a chance to learn, adapt, and connect.