Like or didn’t like what you heard? Share your sip with me! What can theater teach us about leadership? A lot more than you might think. In this episode of LeaderSips, I sit down with actor, director, playwright, producer, experience designer and Live In Theater founder Carlo D’Amore for a fascinating conversation about storytelling, human connection, creativity—and the power of play. This conversation was an especially fun one for me. As a former theater kid who started my Disney career in Entertainment, I’ve always believed there’s something special about the connection between the stage, production, and leadership. Carlo and I found plenty of common ground in the lessons theater teaches us about listening, trust, collaboration, presence, storytelling and giving other people their moment in the spotlight. Carlo has spent decades creating experiences that invite people to step out of spectator mode and become part of the story. We explore how those same principles translate to leadership: truly listening, creating environments where people feel safe enough to participate, embracing curiosity, building connection and recognizing that the people around us aren’t simply an audience—they’re part of the experience. We also talk about Carlo’s unconventional journey, the power of our personal stories, resilience, and why adults may need permission to play more than we realize. Because great leadership isn’t just about directing people. It’s about setting the stage, creating trust and giving others the space to step into the spotlight. Grab your favorite sip and join us for a conversation about leadership, storytelling, play and the courage to participate. Connect with Carlo D’Amore: LinkedIn Live In Theater: https://www.liveintheater.com Carlo’s website: https://www.carlodamore.com Support the show For more sips and tips, connect with me on social and follow @LeaderSips @Leadspirations and @LifeisGrit on Instagram, Threads, X, Facebook, YouTube, and Pinterest. Learn more about me at karlynnholbrook.com
