That Empty Stage
Aug 05, 2026
A message from Dan...
As we’ve shared recently in our blogs and through social media posts, we have a wall of images in our office that represent our teammates’ “Coins”. This display has become a great reminder for all of us of the depth of our full-time staff and our team of Expert Facilitators, and what we all value.
In this week’s blog, our colleague and dear friend, Dan O’Connor, gives us a glimpse into his values, and shares some of the currency beneath one of the images he chose.
Dan is an accomplished film, television and stage actor, and has performed, directed and taught improvisation around the world for over 30 years. He has worked as a consultant and trainer for numerous Fortune 100 companies, as well as 5 different Cirque du Soleil productions.
Considered a pioneer in the use of improvisation as a tool for learning and development, Dan has co-authored two books with Jeff Katzman about using improvisation to lead a happier and more engaged life.
We’re honored to have Dan as part of our Game On Expert Facilitator team, and appreciate the expertise, wisdom, experience and comedic genius he brings into every room he enters.
-Steve Shenbaum
The picture hanging on the wall at the Game On Nation headquarters represents one of my most treasured Coins. It’s a beautiful theater set on a grand stage, in a wonderful space, waiting for a play that will hopefully be hilarious, moving, and completely improvised.
That empty stage, ready to be filled with possibility, is the perfect image of my ideal state of mind: prepared for whatever happens next and genuinely excited to meet it in the moment.
The improv techniques I treasure most are listening, curiosity, adaptability, and relationships. These are not qualities that came naturally to me; they are skills I have spent a lifetime developing. Together they form the foundation of how I move through the world, both professionally and personally.
They shape the way I teach, create, collaborate, and connect. They deepen my relationships with students, colleagues, friends, and family. Most importantly, they remind me to stay present and to give my full attention to the person in front of me, to listen before reacting, and to approach every interaction with openness, engagement, and a willingness to discover what happens next.
Like that empty stage, I try to meet each day ready for whatever story unfolds.
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