In this episode of Coaching Through Stories, Dr. Eric Bean sits down with Travis Thomas, improv performer turned elite performance coach and founder of LiveYesAnd, to unpack why confidence might be overrated and why courage is essential for true leadership.
Travis blends decades of experience in improvisational comedy and elite sports coaching to reframe leadership through presence, purpose, and courage. He shares a transformative personal story, sparked by a trampoline accident, that led him to redefine his purpose and approach to life and leadership.
Listeners will learn how to cultivate purpose-driven behavior, the mindset shift from confidence to courage, and how embracing uncertainty can fuel growth, connection, and performance. Listen and enjoy the show!
Key Takeaways:
Why confidence is overrated and behavior matters more
How courage builds resilient leaders and cultures
The power of presence and the "Yes, And" mindset
Improv as a tool for unlocking authenticity and collaboration
How courage builds resilient leaders and cultures
Highlights:
[01:02] Meet Travis Thomas: Improv performer, leadership coach, and author
[02:48] Building LiveYesAnd and bridging improv with elite sports
[05:05] From Flint to Boston: How improv redefined Travis' life path
[10:59] Improvisation helps people listen, connect, and train
[13:06] Courage instead of confidence
[15:10] A life-changing accident that sparked transformation
[19:52] Who are you if you strip away your title, accomplishments, and stuff?
[22:13] Travis' word for 2025: Evolve
[26:40] Authenticity vs. people-pleasing in high-stakes environments
[28:48] Choosing courage over comfort in leadership
[34:53] Improv training creates a safe space to celebrate celebrations and failure
[39:08] Why collaboration beats competition for peak performance
[42:40] Collaborative mindset vs competitive mindset
[46:53] The scarcity and abundance mindsets
[52:52] How to bring an improv mindset into your teams and culture
[01:02:16] Creating environments that reward curiosity, not control
[01:06:08] The importance of the "Yes, And" mindset
[01:13:26] Just stop, stay, and listen
[01:17:04] Consequences of consciously controlling the outcome
[01:20:13] The power of psychological safety in elite teams
[01:24:30] How can people step out of their comfort zone even if they are scared or anxious?
[01:27:36] Fear without courage is comfort.
Learn more about Travis' book, Confidence is Overrated, and other resources:
Website: https://www.liveyesand.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liveyesand/
Are you interested in developing your storytelling and leadership skills? Contact us at HigherEchelon.com
