From Improv to AI
At some point during my improv life, being "good at improv" meant creating an entire murder mystery from a single audience suggestion of "spatula". As a product manager, I say random quotes during internal fireside chats.
Things like, "As a product manager, if I am not using the tools that are disrupting tech, then I am going to become obsolete real quick."
The distance between these two versions of myself seems vast, but the bridge between them is surprisingly sturdy.
The Doors Marked "Fear"
One of the things I used to teach improv students was facing fear. Most people find public speaking terrifying. Now imagine public speaking with no script, no preparation, and the expectation that you'll be entertaining. That's improv.
When students stepped onto that stage with nothing prepared, something magical happened on the other side of that fear. A new confidence emerged. It wasn’t just confident to perform, but also for facing uncertainty in all aspects of their lives.
Today, Gen AI presents us with another door marked "fear." Many choose to ignore it or go about their day pretending disruption isn't happening. Others are finding ways to begin experimenting, playing, saying yes, and seeing what happens.
Sound familiar? It should. It's improv all over again.
The Invisible Scaffolding of Technological Adaptation
In improv theater, we practiced endlessly to make the spontaneous look effortless. The audience never sees the hours of drills, the trust-building exercises, or the countless failed scenes that build the foundation for what appears to be "making it up on the spot."
The same applies to technological adaptation. Those who embrace AI tools aren't necessarily tech geniuses or computational wizards. I’m neither of those! We're just improvisers who've learned that invisible scaffolding creates the foundation for apparent spontaneity.
When I build AI co-pilots for my product work, I'm not doing anything that would impress a machine learning engineer. I am, however, setting up my "rehearsal space". I’m creating systems that allow me to experiment safely while building the muscle memory needed for the real performance.
Yes, And... Your Technical Evolution
In improv, "Yes, and" keeps scenes alive and creativity flowing. With new technology, it's the same principle:
"Yes, large language models can hallucinate data..." And that's why I'm developing frameworks to verify critical information.
"Yes, AI tools have learning curves and limitations..." And that's why I'm creating personalized systems tailored to my needs.
"Yes, the landscape of AI tools changes constantly..." And that's why I'm focusing on principles rather than specific platforms.
This isn't blind optimism. It's pragmatic adaptation.
Just as in improv, where saying "yes" doesn't mean agreeing with everything but acknowledging the reality presented to you, technological adaptation isn't about embracing every shiny new tool. It's acknowledging the changing landscape and finding your place within it.
Finding Your Voice in the Ensemble
At AdLib Theatre, I created a space to celebrate unique voices. Some performers excelled at character work, narrative, and physical comedy. Finding your place in tech's AI revolution works the same way.
I've built my AI approach around the strengths I already have:
My library science background means I instinctively organize information and create taxonomies
My improv experience helps me think of edge cases and alternative scenarios when building AI workflows
My experience coaching performers translates directly to "coaching" AI models to produce better results
Your approach might look completely different, and that's the point. We’re all out here just making it up.
The Callback: Connecting Past and Future
Improvisers love callbacks. These are references to something from earlier in a show to create a moment of connection with the audience. I've come to see my entire career as one extended callback.
When I use AI to analyze my product flows, I use the same observational skills I used to analyze improv scenes. Using it to role-play difficult conversations before they happen, I'm applying the same technique we used in rehearsals.
When I build personalized impact tracking systems, I'm addressing the same imposter syndrome I helped performers overcome.
These callbacks remind me that adaptation isn't about becoming someone new—it's about bringing your whole self to new contexts.
My Daily Practice: From Improv to AI
As improvisers, we maintained daily practices to stay sharp. I used to watch sitcoms, attend shows, write satirical pieces, and study stand-up. Now, I've adapted this practice for technological growth:
Study daily: I read 1-3 articles about AI developments each morning while having coffee
Watch the masters: I follow practical demonstrations from those already deep in the space
Practice regularly: I dedicate 30-60 minutes a few days a week to experiment with a specific AI tool
Create something new: Each week, I build one new prompt or workflow for a recurring task
Share with community: Just as we shared techniques in improv, I regularly exchange prompts and approaches with other PMs
This isn't about becoming an AI expert. It's about developing the muscle memory needed to adapt to the unexpected. Let’s be honest, improv and tech, this is constant.
The Future Isn't Scripted (Thank Goodness)
The most liberating thing about improv is that there's no script. The most terrifying thing about the future of product management is that there's no script.
See the connection?
I don't know how AI will transform product management in five years. No one does. But I know that the people who will thrive aren't those who can perfectly predict the future, they are, however, those who have built the adaptability muscles to respond to whatever comes.