Case Studies
Aging Life Care & Alzheimer’s San Diego
Objective: Help caregivers of dementia patients communicate with more ease, reduce frustration, and stay present in unpredictable situations.
Results: Caregivers walked away with tools to listen beyond words, picking up on emotional cues and responding with patience instead of correction. The ‘Yes, And’ approach helped them validate their patients' feelings while guiding conversations in a way that felt natural and supportive. Many left feeling lighter, more confident, and more connected to their loved ones—finding small, joyful moments even in difficult circumstances.
Hera Hub & Stella (Coworking Communities)
Objective: Build a more collaborative, creative, and connected coworking culture where members feel comfortable networking, problem-solving, and supporting each other.
Results: By practicing active listening and being present, members became more comfortable striking up conversations, pitching ideas on the fly, and improvising solutions in real time. The workshop helped break down the awkwardness that can come with shared workspaces, leading to stronger relationships, more referrals, and a vibe that felt welcoming and dynamic.
Rainbow Girls (Youth Mentorship Program)
Objective: Give mentors conflict resolution tools to help young girls navigate challenges, speak up for themselves, and handle tough situations with confidence.
Results: Mentors learned how to really listen instead of jumping in to fix things—creating space for the girls to feel heard and understood. Through playful conflict resolution techniques, they picked up strategies to de-escalate tension, encourage open dialogue, and teach girls how to advocate for themselves. The biggest takeaway? It’s not about solving everything—sometimes just showing up and staying present is enough.
SASH (Sassy Handbag Line Focused on Innovation)
Objective: Get the team thinking outside the box, coming up with fresh ideas for product design, marketing, and brand storytelling.
Results: The team learned that creativity thrives when you Dare to Suck—meaning, throwing out wild ideas without fear of judgment. This shift in mindset led to unexpected (and brilliant) marketing angles and product concepts. By loosening up and playing with ideas, they ended up with bold, innovative directions that might have never made it past a typical brainstorming session.
AICTP (Tax Education Organization)
Objective: Encourage employees to share ideas freely, break out of rigid thinking, and feel safe contributing out-of-the-box solutions.
Results: This team had a serious case of fear of speaking up—but that changed fast. They practiced Daring to Suck, giving themselves permission to toss out ideas without worrying if they were “right.” They also learned how to actively listen and stay present, making teamwork feel less like a stiff meeting and more like a dynamic exchange. By the end, people were actually volunteering ideas instead of waiting for someone else to take the lead.
NAWBO (National Association of Women Business Owners)
Objective: Inspire 200+ women entrepreneurs to embrace improvisation as a tool for confidence, risk-taking, and business success.
Results: These women walked away knowing that bold moves require a willingness to mess up—and that’s where the magic happens. They practiced thinking on their feet, trusting their instincts, and taking up space in conversations. After the session, many shared that they felt more confident pitching their businesses, making connections, and speaking up in high-stakes situations.
San Diego Bar Association
Objective: Show attorneys how improvisation can improve client interactions, negotiation skills, and teamwork—all while bringing a little levity into their work.
Results: They discovered that listening to understand instead of listening to respond changes everything. The ‘Yes, And’ approach helped them become better at defusing tense situations, collaborating with colleagues, and thinking quickly in court. Many were surprised at how a little playfulness could make them more effective (and less stressed) in high-pressure situations.
UCSD Dementia Care / Geriatric Residences
Objective: Teach healthcare professionals and caregivers how to engage with patients in a more present, responsive, and creative way.
Results: Participants learned that staying present was the most powerful tool they had. By using improvisation techniques, they found new ways to interact with patients, easing frustration and finding moments of connection. Many walked away with a deeper understanding of how humor, play, and simple presence could transform their day-to-day caregiving experience.
BOAR (CEOs & VIP Leadership Teams)
Objective: Strengthen leadership communication, encourage adaptability, and build a more collaborative team culture.
Results: These execs came in used to being in control—and left realizing that listening, being present, and embracing the unknown made them better leaders. The concept of Daring to Suck helped them take risks in problem-solving, leading to fresher ideas and more dynamic conversations. The biggest shift? They became more open to other people's ideas instead of just sticking to their own.
Slammer: Transforming San Diego’s Entrepreneurs, Creatives, and Speakers Through Play
Objective: Across hundreds of workshops, I have helped business owners, creatives, entrepreneurs, and speakers break out of their comfort zones and own their voices.
Results:
Business Owners & Entrepreneurs learned to trust their gut, pitch with confidence, and stop overthinking every decision.
Creatives & Innovators unlocked fresh ideas by letting go of the fear of getting it wrong and just playing.
Public Speakers & Thought Leaders found their stage presence, mastered the art of responding in the moment, and learned how to truly connect with an audience.
Across all industries, applied improvisation is a game-changer—not just for business, but for life. When people stopped worrying about being perfect and started showing up, playing, and taking risks, lots of important things shifted.
