036: "Are You Creating Space for Others to Shine?" (lessons from Sam Bennet)

This reaction episode offers a reflective deep dive into the most resonant themes from Erik’s conversation with Sam Bennett—improviser, coach, and author of Start Right Where You Are. Erik explores the real-world value of improv training, redefines creativity through a leadership lens, and shares how Sam’s abundance mindset reminded him that leadership isn’t about having all the ideas—it's about creating space for others to bring theirs.

🎯 Top Insights from the Interview

• Improv is leadership in action: Practicing real-time response to others builds flexibility, confidence, and presence.
• Creativity ≠ artistry: You don’t have to be artistic to be creative. Creativity is problem-solving with your unique lens.
• Encouragement through wisdom: Sam’s insights didn’t just hype you up—they grounded you in what's possible with others.
• Let go of control, amplify contribution: Hire well, set direction, then let people run in the right direction.
• Leadership is cultural translation: LinkedIn Learning gave Sam access to global audiences—proof that wisdom can cross borders with the right medium.

🧩 The Personal Layer

Erik reflects on how Sam’s definitions challenged his own. Once convinced he wasn't creative, Erik shares how a friend helped him break that belief—and how Sam’s distinctions helped deepen that reframe. As a father, he’s also rethinking the power of the arts in his daughters’ lives—not for performance, but for building confidence, emotional intelligence, and collaborative muscles that last a lifetime.

🧰 From Insight to Action

• Enroll in or try an improv class—yes, even (especially) if you're a leader.
• Rethink how you define “creative”—in yourself and your team.
• Watch how others respond to your energy in meetings; are you collaborative or controlling?
• Practice the art of "one idea is enough"—start somewhere and build together.
• Challenge someone you lead to find their zone of genius—and give them room to run.

🗣️ Notable Quotes

“You don’t need a great idea to start—you just need one idea. The good part comes from building it with others.” — Erik (on Sam’s insight)

“Leadership isn’t about control—it’s about direction and trust.” — Erik

“Encouragement isn’t hype. It’s the quiet clarity of seeing what’s possible in other people.” — Erik

“My kids don’t need to become artists. But if they can learn to improvise with others? They’ll be unstoppable.” — Erik