How Improv Can Boost Leadership, Creativity, and Resilience: Insights from Mary Lemmer, Founder of Improve

I’m Mary Lemmer, founder of Improve, a creative consultancy that helps leaders and teams enhance creativity, connection, performance, adaptability, resilience, and well-being through improv-inspired, research-backed techniques. I’ve been an entrepreneur since age 14, a recovering venture capitalist and tech startup director, humorist, author, and a global speaker. My TED talk, "How Improv Can Improve Your Leadership and Life," showcases my belief in the power of improvisation to help people navigate uncertainty, change, and situations outside of our control. I’ve trained at The Second City and Upright Citizens Brigade and bring both academic rigor and humor into my work. Learn more at www.chooseimprove.com.

What advice would you give your younger self?

You are enough, just as you are. Be yourself, and the people and opportunities meant for you will show up.

Also, whatever happens, you’ll figure it out. You may not always be able to trust or control situations around you, but trust yourself and focus on what’s within your control. You’ll navigate—or, dare I say, improvise—when things happen unexpectedly.

You inspire women through your leadership and fearlessness. Where did that come from? Who was your inspiration and why?

Leadership and fearlessness come from a mix of experiences. One of my early influences was horseback riding. As a small child on a massive animal, I learned an important lesson: "If you fall off, get back on" (unless you’re terribly injured, of course!). That mindset has fueled my approach to entrepreneurship and creative endeavors—trying things, not giving up, and embracing the inevitable falls. Compared to falling off a horse mid-jump, the risk of pitching a new idea or product feels much smaller!

What advice do you give to someone who says, "I could never do that"?

Well, not with that attitude! If you want to do anything, you first need to believe that you can do it. Your beliefs shape your thoughts, which influence your actions, and ultimately determine your results. If you believe you can’t, you won’t take action, and you’ll prove yourself right. Change your belief, and you change your results.

What are you most proud of achieving with your company?

I’m incredibly proud of the measurable impact we’ve made on leaders, teams, and organizations. Through our improv-inspired, research-backed techniques, we’ve helped teams improve communication skills by 30%, listening skills by 25%, ability to adapt by 49%, with a 95 NPS score and a 5/5 enjoyment and 4.8/5 learning experience rating. Seeing these tangible results—and hearing how our work has transformed the way people lead, communicate, and connect—fuels what we do every day.

Do you have a mantra or words you live by that have helped you through tough times?

As a kid and young athlete, I was a big Nike fan, so “Just Do It!” was a go-to for pushing through doubt.

One phrase I come back to, inspired by practicing improv, is: "Play the scene you’re in. Soon enough, you’ll be in another scene." This reminds me to stay present, even in tough times, because everything changes. We’re never truly stuck, and challenges don’t last forever. It also helps me find gratitude and perspective.

And, thanks to Ted Lasso — BELIEVE!

Inspired & Ready to Level Up? Get A Mentor, Change Your Life.

After immersing yourself in the transformative stories of visionary female founders on WERULE, it’s time to elevate your journey to new heights. Imagine a world where ambition meets unparalleled guidance—our network of advisors is your gateway to that reality. Handpicked for their brilliance and success, these mentors are ready to empower you with strategic insights and bespoke support tailored to your aspirations. Don’t just dream big; take action and connect with the minds that are shaping the future. Your empire awaits—explore our advisors and unleash your potential!

Or click here to learn more about our work as we’re on a mission to make mentorship accessible to everyone around the world.