By
Matthew Hearfield
October 30, 2025
Updated
October 30, 2025
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What happens when leaders stop managing and start listening? In this episode, Andrew McMasters, actor, facilitator, and founder of Improv Mindset, shares how embracing the whole person at work transforms culture, boosts engagement, and drives bottom-line results.
“Let’s make the whole person be a part of this organisation.” — Andrew McMasters
From walking the four walls to listening without agenda, Andrew reveals how small shifts in leadership presence can unlock massive impact.
Stream the full episode here:
From theatre to tech: an unlikely journey
Andrew McMasters’ career path is anything but conventional. With a master’s degree in drama and 25 years running a nonprofit theater in Seattle, Andrew’s foundation was built on performance, storytelling, and human connection. But alongside his artistic pursuits, he worked with tech giants like Microsoft, Apple, Cisco, and Salesforce—often serving as the bridge between complex technology and the people who needed to understand it. His ability to stand confidently in front of a crowd and explain difficult concepts wasn’t just a skill—it became a calling. Andrew realized that many brilliant minds in tech struggled to communicate their ideas simply because they feared public speaking. This insight led him to create Improv Mindset, a company that helps professionals, from engineers to executives communicate with clarity, confidence, and authenticity.
What is the improv mindset?
The Improv Mindset is more than a catchy phrase, it’s a philosophy rooted in spontaneity, curiosity, and non-judgmental awareness. Andrew adapted the same exercises he used to train actors to help professionals in all industries shift from a fixed mindset to one that embraces growth and uncertainty. It’s about being fully present, letting go of rigid expectations, and building on whatever comes your way. Whether you're pitching a product, leading a team, or navigating change, the improv mindset encourages you to stay open, responsive, and resilient. Andrew’s approach helps people not just react but respond with intention, turning everyday interactions into opportunities for connection and impact.
Listening is a leadership superpower
One of the most powerful takeaways from Andrew’s work is the idea that listening is the most underutilized leadership skill. In his book and workshops, he emphasizes exercises like reflective listening clarity, where leaders repeat back what they’ve heard to confirm understanding. This simple act builds trust, prevents miscommunication, and fosters deeper engagement. Andrew explains that our brains are wired to jump to conclusions, often missing new information in the process. By slowing down and truly listening without agenda we create space for innovation, empathy, and collaboration. It’s not just about hearing words; it’s about understanding meaning and intent.
Company, empathy & emotional impact
Key takeaways
- Improv mindset helps leaders stay agile, curious, and open to change.
- Listening builds trust, clarity, and engagement—especially when done reflectively.
- Culture and empathy aren’t just feel-good values—they drive performance and profitability.
- Confidence and authenticity are contagious and essential for influence.
- Every voice matters, especially those that are quiet or new—leaders must seek them out.
Article and quotes have been edited for brevity and clarity.
