Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa David Olson
Hi Lisa David, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was in a make-believe world in childhood. I pretended to be raised by my television comedic idol, Carol Burnett. Like her, I was in a home with alcoholism. My mother was self-medicating her mental issues, and dad was a kind but nonexistent type parent. Humor became my escape. It was a handy deflection, and companion, and a connection to ease the pain my siblings and I were going through, both physically and mentally. I write about all of the ups and downs in my first book, ‘Laughs on Wry’.
As an adult, I was challenged by a friend to audition for a comedy improvisation troupe she was part of. I’ve always been drawn to doing things that make me sweat in the weird places – so off I went to the audition, not being sure what improv even was. Not only did I get in the troupe, a few years later, I became the owner when it was time to change leadership. For two decades and counting, improv is my life. I also teach the skill of quick thinking, choosing Yes, and going forward, and stepping in without a plan – just trusting the process and yourself.
As the opportunity presented to begin speaking from stages, I incorporated improvisation into my keynotes. I continue to do so with TEDx Talks, speeches, workshops, performances, and coaching / mentoring others.
I created a card deck of fun prompts called Dare Zone, and my latest book is ‘From the Spotlight to Real Life; tips from the stage to reignite teams, spark communication skills, and encourage speakers.’ In these pages I share tips and tools for utilizing improv thinking for work teams and events. It’s about story-sharing, utilizing humor, connecting on a level that is more coherent than asking what someone does for a living.
Speaking to groups and sharing in laughter is a connection unlike any other! Humor is healing, it releases endorphins, lowers blood pressure, and boosts our natural serotonin. Check out my Serious Selfies with strangers on social media and in my first book. I dare you to try one! I’ve made genuine friends from doing these, and that was not the plan. I was simply daring myself to engage with a stranger. Who knew taking your face out of your phone to actually talk with a human could be so wonderful?
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Struggles along the way for me was in the way I grew up without parental support for the importance of school. I missed a lot of school due to the issues at home. I never felt smart, and humor (by the way) is an excellent cover up for that issue.
I have also been married three times.
I remain friends with my exes and appreciate the chapters in my life with them. But I don’t recommend divorce as an easy path to change. When asked, I let others know to really try to patch the relationship before giving up.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am the world’s only Business Humorist (I made that up) and I specialize in utilizing the art of funny to connect teams and even strangers. Wouldn’t you love to know more about those around you than what they do for a living for 40 hours a week?
I’m also a painter, using flowers I press from my gardens, I create scenes on canvas and sell them on Etsy in my shop called The Anxious Artist (Lisa David Olson). Expressing myself through art is so very healing and provides a different release for me.
I use my curiosity talents for my podcast called Stranger Connections. I’m a nosy beast who loves to hear quirky life stories and weird careers. Each episode ends with a prank or dare story from my guest.
I am known for my Serious Selfies with Strangers photos on my Facebook page. I dare myself to walk up to a stranger and ask for a photo together, and then add “But don’t smile!”. I have genuine friendships (by accident) from this dare to myself. In fact I was out to dinner with one of my Stranger pals last night!
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
When I was starting out as a performer and speaker, I wish someone had told me to trust that the audience wants me to do well. Because they do.
Picture this: you bought tickets to a concert and the band is on stage, the singer walks out and says, “I don’t know. I’m not really that good.” Wouldn’t you be horrified? You want the singer to come out and wow you and for the band to be jammin’ hard.
Be brave on the stage, or even in the crucial one on one conversation. If you have to pretend you are an actor playing the role of you, do that. Each moment you step forward matters. Make each step count and pretend to be confident until you feel it.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.lisadavidolson.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/lisadavidolson
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisa.olson.improv.buddy (lisa david olson)
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lisadavidolson Lisa David Olson
- Other: https://music.apple.com/us/album/phun-on-the-phone/1547231243
Image Credits
Todd D. Olson of Cine1 Productions
