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Exploring the Idea of Strategic Discomfort | Kelly Leonard | TEDxUCCS

888 views · Published 17 May 2018 · 13:06 · Indexed 22 September 2026

Channel: TEDx Talks · 2018 · Nonprofits & Activism

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Kelly Leonard talks about losing everything and learning a new way to work. In this he explores the idea of strategic discomfort and how innovation is built by overcoming obstacles. "I believe that improvisational practice can change you and it can change the world."

In his time overseeing Second City’s live theatrical operations, Kelly Leonard has hired Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell, Amy Sedaris, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Seth Meyers, Keegan Michael Key, Rachel Dratch, Adam McKay, Jason Sudeikis, Aidy Bryant, TJ Miller and more.

Kelly co-directs an initiative with the Center for Decision Research at the Booth School of Business at The University of Chicago that looks at Behavioral Science through the lens of Improvisation.

Kelly Leonard has worked at the intersection of creativity and business and education his entire adult life. In his time overseeing The Second City, he has worked with some of the world’s most gifted comedic minds. He has also led forays into collaborations with everything from opera companies to Fortune 100 businesses; modern dance ensembles to the world of caregivers. Currently, his work with the behavioral science community has given him insights that provide a deeper understanding of why improvisational practice has proven to be such a springboard for success across organizations and for individuals both onstage and off. In this talk, Kelly tells of his own personal journey of reinvention which led him to understand how successful transformations only come when we develop resilient habits that allow us to use failure and make discomfort a strategy rather than a liability.

Did you know: Kelly’s first job out of college was as a dishwasher at The Second City. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

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