The vitality of the edges

I’ve recently had an opportunity to do some pieces of one-on-one training, mentorship and coaching (in improv, entrepreneurship and public speaking, respectively). It’s been great, and I think I can safely say I’ve been able to provide a ton of value. For the person I’ve been working with, and also for myself.

I’ve had a lot of energy for these sessions, and I’ve been able to get that energy back, and been able to see, in real-time, some change and transformation in the people I’ve been working with. In confidence, in skill, in comfort. I’ve seen them come alive as we’ve worked together.

I’ve been trying to pinpoint what the throughline has been, and I think I have it: it’s vitality. It’s meeting people on the edges of our abilities and working together. It’s steering toward the thing that scares us, the thing we struggle with, but care about deeply. For me it’s fighting the feeling that I’m not an expert, that I don’t have value to offer and who the hell do I think I am to be a mentor, anyway?

It provides that little shiver of excitement that races up the back of our spine. I’ve been grateful for the opportunities, proud that I’ve been able to facilitate some breakthroughs, and overjoyed that I’ve left each of these sessions with joy and adrenaline pumping through my body.

On a related note, I’ve also found this vitality in the workplace, where I create content. I recently advocated for a podcast as a solution for an internal communications hurdle we were having. I also said that I could make it, despite having not made one in the past. They agreed, and now I’m making it. Talk about throwing your hat over the wall!

Anyway, delivery is forthcoming and production is ongoing. But three episodes in, and let me tell you: I’m doing it! And while it’s just a part of my workday, I have a ton of energy for this new activity, for building my skillset, learning some new technical skills and setting up and using the podcasting equipment I’ve been slowly acquiring but unsure of how to put it into use. This too has that vitality.

The key is finding out what excites me, where I can add value, and steering myself in that direction. And I’m fortunate enough to find the time, energy and support to build myself out into these areas.

I’m really enjoying pushing myself into new areas and growing my skillset; there’s lots of energy to be gained from working at the limits of our abilities. Long may it continue.

By Ryan Millar|2020-09-29T14:55:10+00:00September 29 2020|

“Ryan is an incredible teacher. He took a straggling group of beginners and turned us into a viable company of improvisational actors who regularly perform together – in front of actual, paying, repeat customers.”

Carrie, Brussels

“Ryan really made the most out of the workshop. No time-wasting. He gets to the point quickly, in a clear and effective way.”

Pedro, Lisbon

“I loved loved loved your workshop. I liked the way it was structured and meaningful. Time flew unnoticed. I liked the shortness of the exercises, the surprise and fun, and the fact that you gave me so much to explore. I now can be in an empty prison cell or in a desert island and never feel alone or bored anymore. Now I can expand my world.”

Elsa, Lisbon

“As a coach Ryan’s ability to zone in and identify the main agenda for each sessions was amazing. His coaching helped me reflect, make decisions and make positive changes in my business.”

Tracy, Dublin

“I really admire your energy, creativity and knowledge and I’ve learned a lot from your training sessions.”

Natasha, Amsterdam,

“Ryan’s improv workshop is incredibly fun but also ruthlessly effective. Participants are taught to drop their inhibitions, let their imagination flow and and embrace the positive attitude at the heart of improv. They are also treated to Ryan’s personal blend of enthusiasm, wit and generosity.”

Jeremy, Brussels

“I’ve benefitted immensely from this journey which I would recommend to anyone looking to learn more about themselves in a fun, immersive way.”

Simon, Amsterdam

“Ryan is an extremely qualified, talented, and professional teacher and coach. I’d recommend Ryan’s services to anyone!”

Derek, Amsterdam,

“Your Taking It Easy session helped me relax more into the truth of a scene and let it grow more organically instead of pushing too hard to make it funny or dramatic. I loved that you were really clear about what you wanted us to get and how the exercises played into the scene work we did later. I really got a lot from one short session.”

Andrew, Brighton

“Absolutely brilliant! Exceptional work!”

Anonymous, Impro Hotel

“Ryan’s coaching sessions really improved my public speaking skills and made my presentations much more interesting for my audience.”

Furio S., Berlin

“Ryan is a great teacher, very serious (and very funny!) gives great coaching during scenes! I had a great time studying with him!!”

Alon, Tel Aviv

“I LOVED the fucking GREAT and positive energies in the workshop. They so got me going. Perhaps the highest moment during this festival was laughing in the workshop (to the dances… :)).”

Ben, Tel Aviv

“Working with you was an absolute blast! I’ll take your writing advice with me wherever I go.”

Marton, Budapest

“I especially enjoyed the clarity in all of what you were doing – I always understood what it was that you were teaching. I never felt lost. That was really awesome.”

Martin, Tampere

“Because of you my fear of speaking or presenting in front of an audience has lessened a great deal.”

Samora, Amsterdam

“Thank you so much for passing your writing knowledge onto me. I learned a lot and had a lot of fun too.”

Larissa, Amsterdam,

“The skills I learned from those two weekends, which were two of the most enjoyable weekends I’ve ever had, have been an invaluable tool I use to this day in my daily life, both at work and in personal interactions.”

Andy, Brussels

“Ryan seemed to know just what to do to get the best from everyone. I would jump at the opportunity to do another workshop led by him.”

Calum, Brighton

“Very inspiring and useful workshop. Picked me up from where I’m at and helped me develop strategies to improve developing scenes and my performance skills.”

Anonymous, Switzerland

“Plenty of energy, enthusiasm, good clear guidance on how to make the scene ‘deliver results’ without killing the improviser… Ryan’s enthusiasm for improv is infectious.”

James, Brighton

“Ryan is a natural at teaching and you get the feeling he puts his heart and soul into helping others. I look forward to doing more workshops with Ryan.”

Shauna, Tunbridge Wells

“Thank you for your positive spirit, energy and creativity. Your public speaking sessions really helped me feel more comfortable standing in front of a group of people.”

Serena, Amsterdam

“I thoroughly enjoyed the workshop. I learned how beautiful authenticity is, with such little moments as sharing your breakfast. Being in the moment is so amazing to see and to feel.”

Laura, Amsterdam

“Ryan is the most enthusiastic, positive workshop leader I have ever had the pleasure of working with. I’ve been to several of his workshops and after each session I came away with a sense of achievement and feeling that I had learnt something new.”

Chris, London

“I’ve learned so much from you and thank you for giving me that nudge to get out of my comfort zone.”

Imaan, Amsterdam

The vitality of the edges

How was working with Ryan?

Contact Ryan Millar

The vitality of the edges

Related Posts

The Mullet Rides Again!

Put yourself into your work

I Was a Guest on The Creative Secret Podcast

The Making of a Digital Communications Certificate Course

How was working with Ryan?

Contact Ryan Millar