We had the good fortune of connecting with Adam Rudder and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Adam, how do you think about risk?
This is a really interesting question, as a significant part of what I do is help people and teams step outside of their comfort zones. Growth does not happen when we are comfortable, but rather when we can surrender into the unknown and step outside of our comfort zones. For many people, this can be one of the scariest things to do, as they must step outside of what they already know and into uncharted territory. Even if what they know causes them much suffering and produces undesirable results, people often choose it over trying something that can change their lives for the better simply because it is known.

Over the past two decades, I have worked with tens of thousands of people, including corporate executives, celebrities, artists, and entrepreneurs. During this time, I have found a big difference between people who we may deem “successful” and those who we may deem “not yet successful”. The key difference is their relationship with failure and risk-taking.

Most people do not know how to fail and make mistakes productively, and that there is actually an empowering way and a disempowering way to fail. It is important to learn how to make mistakes and do so productively. This is one of the differences I have found between “successful” and “not yet successful” people and teams.

I have found that most “successful” people have failed more times than most people have even tried. The primary takeaway here is that the “successful” person did not let that failure stop them. They evaluated what they learned, modified, adjusted, refined their approach, took inventory, made changes, and tried again. Whereas, the “not yet successful” person let the mistakes and perceived failures negatively affect their self-worth and confidence and often gave up before seeing their goals to their completion or next step.

Mistakes are actually really important, as they guide us, teach us, and lead us to where we need to go. Without mistakes, it is often impossible to achieve our goals and dreams. However, people are often petrified of making mistakes, being wrong, offending someone, looking foolish, or being incorrect. Instead of risking these potential negative outcomes, they hold themselves back and stay static, even if their current situation causes unsatisfying results, because it still feels known and better than the risk of making a mistake. In essence, they have made themselves slaves to their fears.

If we do not allow ourselves the space to make mistakes, we are actually not allowing ourselves the space to be successful either. There is something extremely empowering about reframing the relationship one has with fear and mistake-making. If we can embrace mistakes as opportunities for growth, it can change our lives.

I help people and teams do this through the tools of play, improvisation, brain science, and games that provide insight and reflection into how their own internal process works. The games and exercises are designed to mirror the way the mind operates and show where default habits, patterns, limiting beliefs reside, so that individuals have an opportunity to strengthen those muscles and create newer, healthier, and more empowering habits.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As the founder of Improv4Companies, Playful & Painless Confidence, and Off the Cuff Games for Confidence, I’m dedicated to helping individuals and teams unlock their full potential through the power of play and improv.

Improv4Companies is a customized improv and play-based training program that helps businesses and organizations improve their communication, creativity, and collaboration. By using improvisation games, brain science and group exercises, we help teams break down barriers, build trust, and have fun while learning new skills that they can apply to their work and personal lives. The benefits of these trainings are incredible, ranging from increased productivity and employee engagement to improved innovation, connection, and bottom line.

Off the Cuff Games for Confidence is a collection of improv and group games that families, friends, and teams can play together from the comfort of their homes. These games are more than just improv – they bring together the games and brain science activities that I have developed to help people improve their skills in confidence, connection, creativity, and communication in a playful and enjoyable environment. Our goal is to make these game nights just as fun and interactive as other game night favorites like Taboo and charades, but with the added benefit of teaching brain science and improving essential life skills.

Playful & Painless Confidence is a series of play-based confidence courses designed for individuals to reach their full potential. We use improv games, brain science, and other playful exercises to help people overcome their fears, build their confidence, and develop strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Through all of these programs, my team and I are committed to helping individuals and teams unlock their full potential and achieve their goals. We believe that learning and personal growth should be enjoyable, engaging, and effective, and we’re passionate about making that a reality for everyone we work with.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
San Diego is a playground of excitement and adventure with an endless array of activities that cater to all types of personalities. While I’m not one to obsess over a specific itinerary, I’m confident I could create an unforgettable week-long adventure for my best friend.

We would start by basking in the natural beauty of the city by taking a scenic hike in Mount Laguna, exploring the majestic Torrey Pines, or taking a leisurely drive to Palomar Mountain. After working up an appetite, we’d head to one of San Diego’s many culinary hotspots, where I would indulge my inner foodie and introduce my friend to some of the most delicious meals the city has to offer.

Of course, we’d have to include some entertainment in the mix! I’m a huge fan of live music and stand-up comedy, so we would check out what shows are playing at venues like The Belly Up, The Observatory, The Music Box, or the Comedy Store. But the real highlight of the trip would be tapping into our own creativity with a fun and immersive activity like a writing or filmmaking workshop, an improv comedy show, or a jam session with local musicians.

And let’s not forget about the company! Spending quality time with loved ones is always a priority, so I would make sure to include some group gatherings with my community, whether it’s a BBQ at the beach or a game night at home. It’s all about finding the perfect balance between adventure, nature, entertainment, and connection to make the most out of our time together in beautiful San Diego.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
As I reflect on my journey, I am filled with gratitude for the individuals who have helped shape and support me along the way. One person who stands out to me is Julia Cameron, author of The Artists Way. Her book had a profound impact on me during my college years, inspiring me to approach creativity in a new and transformative way. Cameron’s teachings on creative blocks, journaling, introspection, and emotional awareness have been instrumental in shaping my work as a businessperson, creative, and leader.

Through her compassionate approach to pushing through limiting beliefs and embracing vulnerability, Cameron has given me the tools to unlock my own potential and empower others to do the same. I am forever grateful for her wisdom and guidance, and I hope to pay it forward by helping others discover their own unique creative paths.

Website: Team Building – www.Improv4Companies.com 

Off The Cuff Games –  https://play.improv4companies.com/

FREE E-Book (The Ultimate-Confidence-Guide/ ) https://improv4companies.com/ultimate-confidence-guide/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/improvplayground/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamrudder/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/760306800837213

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhtjT60jCrYP2QdTuDoneW2zLGxN35eUT

Other: I have a FREE ebook on how to increase confidence. https://improv4companies.com/ultimate-confidence-guide/

Image Credits
me

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