Why Leadership in 2026 Requires Practice, Not Just Planning
In a world where business strategies can be generated by AI in seconds, the real leadership advantage may lie in something technology cannot easily replicate: human connection, trust, and the ability to adapt when nothing goes according to plan.
For coaches and entrepreneurs navigating business growth in 2026, these skills are becoming essential. Humans of Fuzia (HOF), a global thought-leadership platform at the intersection of leadership, entrepreneurship, coaching, women empowerment, and social impact, explores how real-world experiences can help business leaders grow with purpose.
In an interview with HOF, Kat Koppett, an organizational development expert, storyteller, and author, shared how improvisational theater can transform leadership, strengthen teams, and help businesses navigate uncertainty.
From Struggling Actor to Leadership Development Expert
Koppett’s career took an unconventional turn when she was teaching improvisational theater and her students began noticing its workplace applications. They wished their colleagues could collaborate like improvisers and their managers could make them feel heard.
Curious about whether these experiences translated into measurable organizational value, Koppett earned a master’s degree in organizational psychology from Columbia University. She went on to help develop applied improvisation as a practical approach to leadership and team development.
Her central insight challenges the traditional distinction between technical expertise and so-called soft skills.
“These were things that 25 years ago were a little on the edge. They weren’t thought of as core organizational needs. Sometimes they were called soft skills. They’re the real business skills,” she explained.
Her book, Training to Imagine, now in its third edition, explores how improvisation develops six capabilities: trust, spontaneity, collaborative thinking, listening, storytelling, and presence.
Leadership Coaching for an Uncertain Business Environment
As businesses face rapid change, complex team dynamics, and growing pressure to demonstrate results, Koppett argues that leaders cannot rely on a fixed script.
They must recognize what each situation requires, communicate a clear vision, understand their audience, and create an environment where people feel safe enough to contribute and experiment.
For entrepreneurs scaling coaching businesses, these lessons have practical implications. Clear ideal client profiles, consistent messaging, structured sales funnels, and scalable business systems support growth. However, sustainable execution also depends on delegation, team accountability, and leaders who can build trust and respond to feedback.
Koppett’s own client acquisition journey reinforces the importance of relationships. From pitching her book in person to offering virtual workshops, she has continued to create opportunities for people to experience her work firsthand.
Her lesson for entrepreneurs competing in crowded digital markets is simple: differentiation is not just a list of credentials. It is the distinctive experience people have when they work with you.
Execution Tip
Focus on the next one thing. When a business challenge feels overwhelming, identify one useful action you can take today. Make the offer, start the conversation, or test the idea. Observe the response and adapt your next step.
As Koppett explains, “What is the next one thing in improv parlance? What is the one offer that I can make?”
Connect with Kat Koppett
- Website: https://www.koppett.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/koppett/
