Tracy Shea-Porter

@tracysheaporter.bsky.social

Author | Speaker | Facilitator | Applied Improviser | Human Being | Based in Toronto, Canada | www.yesunlimited.ca

September. Everyone’s back. I think I’ll go the other way. I’m going on my bike to visit some trees. Taking a breath to dream a little dream. I’m going to stay present a little longer. And invite that space into my day, so maybe some of it seeps into tomorrow too.

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Nice review from my improv colleague Ian Keeling: “What is ‘Yes And’? In simple terms, the ‘Yes’ part means 'I am listening' while the ‘And’ part means 'I am speaking up'.” Read Tracy’s book. It backs what it’s saying with practical experience and proven research. It’s also saturated with hope.

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The Other AI: Applied Improvisation and Nervous System Regulation Choose five objects near you. Now rename them playfully. Your coffee mug is “The Motivation Chalice.” A pad is “The Idea Collector.” You shift out of autopilot. Your nervous system gets a small signal that says, I can play!

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Applied Improvisation gives teams a practical way to practice how they show up together especially when things feel uncertain or tense. It is not about performance. It is about presence. If you’re curious what this could look like for your team, get in touch here: tracy@yesunlimited.ca

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A leadership practice for uncertain times 🌿 🧠 Think of one situation at work that feels tense or unclear. ✍️ Write one sentence that begins with "Yes" what is true right now is (your thought). ➡️ Then write a second sentence that begins with "And" one small constructive next step is (your thought).

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Remembrance and Connection Today, we pause, and honour our shared longing for peace. Improv Practice for Today: Take one mindful breath before responding to anyone, in person or online. Listen fully. Acknowledge what you hear with a quiet inner “Yes, And,” as a gesture of respect and humanity.

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Exercise: “Pause Between” Take one minute to sit quietly. Notice the space between your in-breath and out-breath. Then, look around your surroundings. Let your eyes rest on what is between objects, the air, the light, the subtle movement. Notice how connection exists even in stillness.

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Improv Calms Your Nervous System Here’s an improv-inspired practice you can do on your own: Name What You Notice – For one minute, look around wherever you are and quietly name everything you notice: “I see a red mug… I hear a car passing." Simply observe. Lying on grass, boat view.

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“Yes, And” in improv shifts fear into curiosity. Quick Exercise: 1️⃣ Pick a small idea, e.g., “Our team hosts a weekly ‘what-if’ session.” 2️⃣ Say it aloud and add “Yes, And…” — e.g., “Yes, And we could invite someone from another department.” 3️⃣ Repeat 5 rounds. Let ideas get playful and unexpected.

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Celebrating Improv-Inspired Leadership at Indigo Grateful to share "The 'Yes, And' Business Evolution: Improv Skills for Leadership and Life" at Indigo Eaton Centre. Big thanks to everyone who came by to support Canadian authors and explore how improv can shape trust-building leadership.

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The "Yes, And" principle is like the secret sauce for great conversations. It’s not about nodding along to everything - it’s about really hearing someone, saying, “I see you,” and then adding your sparkle. It turns talk into teamwork, turning ideas into adventures. Listening never felt so alive!

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At my book launch in 2024, the evening felt like magic. Surrounded by friends, family, and colleagues, we celebrated the journey of bringing the book to life. Laughter filled the air, stories were shared, and there was an undeniable joy in the room—one I’ll always treasure.

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Hello—great to see you here! I’m Tracy Shea-Porter, passionate about Applied Improvisation. I help teams spark creativity, unlock leadership, and build connections through improv. I’ve written a book, speak internationally, and lead dynamic sessions. Want to laugh while you learn? Let’s connect!

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