Improvisation is more than entertainment—it’s a mindset for navigating change, deepening trust, and sparking creativity. Companies that invest in robust learning programs reap the rewards: organizations with comprehensive training earn 218 % higher income per employee than those without structured development.
Equally important is how we design that learning. A 2022 meta‑analysis found that courses built on Universal Instructional Design (UID) principles boosted learner performance by an effect size of 0.43—roughly a 10 % jump in measured learning outcomes.
Grounded in UID, this lively four‑hour session equips Leadership & Development professionals with a toolkit of creative, communication, and team‑building exercises—rooted in improvisational practice— they can plug straight into their own programs, meetings, and change initiatives. Every activity offers multiple ways to engage, practice, and reflect, making learning more inclusive and more memorable.
Participants will:
- Learn how an improvisational approach can help their teams work more effectively together
- Discover the role of risk taking in creative problem solving and innovation
- Practice creating a team oriented communication process that builds alignment and momentum
- Take risks and step bravely into the unknown—modeling the behaviors they want to inspire in others
- Shift from a “Me” perspective to a “We” mindset in both facilitation and leadership
- Apply values based communication to keep dialogue judgment free and anchored to shared principles
- Understand the importance of trust and the principle of never letting your partner down
- Build confidence in thinking on their feet and adapting in the moment—key skills for facilitators and trainers
- Act on instinct and allow collaboration to unfold naturally, even under pressure
- Explore the core principles and essential skills of creativity through experiential learning
- Use brainstorming and creative thinking techniques in any meeting, workshop, or strategy session
- Learn approaches to managing change with flexibility, presence, and positivity
- Experience first hand how failure affects mindset, behavior, and group dynamics—and how to create a healthy relationship with it
- Develop grit through an exercise that uncovers hidden reactions to frustration and challenge
- Engage in a fun, energizing team building session that leaves everyone buzzing with ideas and ready to apply new skills immediately
Participants will leave with a collection of creative, communication, and team-building strategies that make learning more accessible, teams more connected, and outcomes more impactful.
Presenter Bio:
Forest Guider currently serves as a FUSE Executive Fellow with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) in Long Beach, where he leads workforce pipeline development initiatives. His work includes developing strategies for recruitment, retention, and creating equitable career pathways, particularly for underserved communities.
As a leadership development consultant with over two decades of experience, Forest has helped individuals and organizations lead with clarity, creativity, and purpose. He’s proud to have launched and led training programs and organizational development initiatives for Fortune 500 companies, philanthropic organizations, global media brands, and cultural institutions. He is also a certified mindfulness instructor and an executive coach who is passionate about helping people lead better, more connected lives.
ATD Los Angeles Chapter has been pre-approved by the ATD Certification Institute to offer educational programs that can be used towards initial eligibility and recertification of the Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD) and Associate Professional in Talent Development (APTD) credentials.
This program qualifies for a maximum of 1 point.
Find out more about APTD/CPTD Certifications here.
ATD Capability Model
Each ATD-LA Learning Event will be aligned to at least one Talent Development Capability, as identified by ATD National.
This program aligns with the following capabilities:
Building Personal Capability:
- Communication
- Emotional Intelligence and Decision Making
- Collaboration and Leadership
- Cultural Awareness and Inclusion
Developing Professional Capability:
- Training Delivery and Facilitation
- Learning Sciences
- Career and Leadership Development
Impacting Organizational Capability:
- Organization Development and Culture
- Change Management
- Performance Improvement
IMAGE Release: By registering for this event, I do hereby give ATD Los Angeles and and its associates or assigns, or anyone acting under its authority or permission, the irrevocable and unrestricted right and permission to: capture the image, audio, and content via photograph, videotape, audiotape, transcription, or other means now available, copyright in its own name or otherwise, and use, reuse, publish, and republish any and all material of which I presented, or may have been included in presenting, in whole or in part. I consent to the use of all media now or hereafter known for illustration, promotion, art, editorial, advertising, trade, or any other purpose whatsoever. I hereby waive any right that I may have to inspect or approve the finished product or products and the advertising copy or other matter that may be used in connection therewith or the use to which it may be applied. If I do not provide permission, I understand that I will not activate my web camera during virtual sessions.
REFUND/CANCELLATION: Cancellation deadline is July 3. No shows will be charged in full. Please click here for additional cancellation and refund policies.
All ADA accommodations require a 21-day advanced notice by email to office@atdla.org (use Subject line: ADA Accommodations Request) so that we can reasonably search for and secure accommodations. ATD-LA cannot guarantee that accommodations can be reasonably secured with shorter notice. ATD-LA will cover costs for accommodations as required by law, for the published duration of the event only.
