430: What Corporate America can learn from a theatre troupe - with Stephen Riordan

What can Corporate America learn from a theatre troupe?

Quite a lot, actually.

Think about it.

A theatre production brings together people who may have never worked together before.

There’s very little onboarding.

The timeline is short.

The deadline is fixed.

And somehow, they have to build trust, communicate clearly, solve problems fast, and become a high-performing team.

Sound familiar?

Today, we’re exploring what leaders can learn from theatre about building strong teams, especially when working with contractors, seasonal employees, new hires, or anyone who needs to hit the ground running.

My special guest today is Artistic Director of Dead Canary Theatre, Stephen Riordan and he’s simplifying what Corporate America could learn from a theatre troupe.

Stephen and I worked together on a social impact event tour through Visit.org, where I saw firsthand how valuable theatre skills are when plans change, timelines are tight, and everyone needs to roll up their sleeves.

We’re talking about building trust fast, why theatre people are incredibly adaptable and disciplined, and what Corporate America might be missing when it overlooks creative talent.

Let’s simplify it.

----

<What’s catching my eye this week>

----

My challenge for you this week:

How are you going to take what you’ve learned in today’s episode and take action on these new ideas? What’s one thing you’ll do differently? Share it with me, privately or publicly. Snap a photo of you doing the thing, and send me a DM over on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/thesimplifiers) for added accountability and support!

Episode sponsored in part by Goodboy Agency, providing employer branding redesigns for busy HR Teams:

This episode is brought to you in part by Goodboy, helping HR teams compete for top talent. Goodboy helps midsize companies strengthen their employer brand, attract better candidates, and fill open roles faster. From redesigning your careers page to running targeted recruitment campaigns, they’ll help your company stand out in a crowded talent market. Visit www.goodboyagency.com/simplifiers to learn more.

Links, books and apps mentioned:

Resource: Find Stephen Riordan on LinkedIn - click here

Book: How Sondheim Can Change Your Life - Richard Schoch

Podcast: Learn about ‘Big Broadway Energy,’ which airs live every Sunday at 5pm ET on Radio St. Pete - Stephen Riordan

Resource: Is your corporation looking to provide a social impact event for your employees where you create care packages or kits for those in need, supported by your local non-profit organizations? Visit.org can plan, produce, and facilitate this for you! - Visit.org

Resource: Learn about Disney Traditions, the onboarding training program for new hires and cast members - Disney

Resource: Catch all the productions slated for this year - Dead Canary Theatre

Resource: Conscience, a PowerUp Staged Reading in Tampa, FL, running August 14-16, 2026, featuring Stephen as Joe McCarthy - Powerstories Theatre

Podcast: How to listen like a (real) leader, featuring Dr. Adam Hickman - The Simplifiers Podcast

Podcast: How to squash the Sunday Scaries (guided visualization) - The Simplifiers Podcast

Mary’s new book is out NOW on Amazon!

My new book, Squash the Sunday Scaries: A Modern Playbook to Rebuild Trust, Transform Culture, and Reignite Your Workforce, is out now — and you can buy it today on Amazon, Barnes & Noble or your favorite independent bookstore. It’s written for HR leaders, people managers, and anyone ready to make work better in a practical, human way. If you’ve been looking for simple tools to improve employee experience, rebuild trust, and create better results for your people and your business, this book is for you. Learn more, visit: https://squashthesundayscaries.com

About Stephen Riordan:

Stephen Riordan - He is an arts professional with over 25 years of experience as an actor, director, producer, writer, and radio personality. He is the co-founder and Artistic Director of Dead Canary Theatre in Tampa Bay, with credits spanning Broadway, off-Broadway, regional theatre, television, casting, and on-air talent development. He also hosts Big Broadway Energy on Radio St. Pete and serves as a Theatre Director Consultant for Florida’s public schools.

Where Stephen hangs out online:

Website: https://www.deadcanary.org

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

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

Stephen’s vote for the perfect guest on The Simplifiers Podcast:

Erica Sutherlin - She is a multi-hyphenate executive, filmmaker, writer, and theatrical director who serves as the Artistic Executive Director of The Studio@620. A native of St. Louis, MO, she holds a Master of Fine Arts in Film and Television Production from the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts and a Bachelor of Arts from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Erica’s leadership and impact have been recognized with the Arts, Culture & Heritage Award from the Gathering of Women, the First Lady in African American History award, the Tampa Bay Arts Passport Beacon Award, Best of the Bay and a Creative Pinellas Individual Artist Recovery Grant. Her academic and artistic excellence is further marked by the Shiram Family Fellowship and the Jean & Ruth Negulesco Endowment Fellowship.

As an award-winning filmmaker and director, Erica made her directorial debut with the Lifetime Network hit Kirk Franklin’s A Gospel Christmas. Her portfolio includes the feature Stratosphere, the short film ATONE, and writing credits for Voodoo Macbeth through Warner Brothers and USC. Over a career spanning more than 20 years, she has directed acclaimed productions such as Cadillac Crew, Ragtime: The Musical in the Park and The Color Purple. Her creative reach extends into the spirits industry as an entrepreneur and the founder of Sinuous Bourbon, an award-winning brand designed to celebrate the historical momentum of women. She also operates a creative development and consulting company, leveraging her vast industry expertise.

Erica holds a Certificate in Leadership from the National Leadership Center and a Nonprofit Board Certification.

‍