Meet Curtis L. Harnagel

We recently connected with Curtis L. Harnagel and have shared our conversation below.

Curtis, so great to have you on the platform and excited to have you share your wisdom with our community today. Communication skills often play a powerful role in our ability to be effective and so we’d love to hear about how you developed your communication skills.

Communication is a funny thing. It is incumbent on both the giver and the receiver to participate in a dance together. To use a sports metaphor, like tennis, one person “lobs” while the other “volleys”. For me, effective communication comes naturally, but it took time for me to realize that simply being articulate and erudite isn’t enough. There are many facets of communication which include how a message is delivered. Sometimes delivery is more important than the content of what is being said.

Growing up, I encountered 3 main types of communicators; The “Do As I Say”, the “Barker / Commander,” and the “Educator / Explainer.” Each style had its own approach, along with its blind spots. As their names suggest, some lacked explanation, others relied on raised voices or abruptness, while some had a tendency to come across as condescending or a “know-it-all”. Interestingly, it was from these imperfections that I took away some of my most valuable lessons: how to be self-sufficient, how to develop internal strength, and how to appreciate clarity when it’s offered.

Over the years, I’ve found that there are a few key elements that have helped me develop my communication skills further:

1. Active Listening: It’s easy to think that communication is all about what you say, but listening plays an equally important role. I have learned that listening attentively (without interrupting) allows me to better understand the other person’s perspective, which helps me tailor my message accordingly. This is especially important in professional settings, where miscommunication can lead to misunderstandings and setbacks.

2. Adapting to Different Audiences: One style does not fit all. I’ve realized that effective communication often requires adapting to the person or group with whom you are speaking. Whether it’s adjusting my tone for a formal business meeting, simplifying my language for someone unfamiliar with the subject, or being more empathetic and open when talking to a friend, flexibility is key.

3. Non-Verbal Cues: Communication isn’t just about words. Over the years, I have come to appreciate the power of non-verbal signals like eye contact, facial expressions, and posture. These elements often speak louder than words and can either reinforce or contradict the message being conveyed. Awareness of these cues helps me to be more effective in my communication and ensures my message is aligned with my own body language.

4. Confidence and Clarity: Confidence doesn’t mean being overly assertive or domineering, but rather being clear and decisive in how you communicate. Clarity comes from structuring thoughts before speaking, and having ownership of the message. This helps create a sense of trust and authority in the conversation, which in turn makes the message more impactful.

Throughout the years I have worked with a diverse range of people and organizations. These experiences have shown me that effective communication is not just about the message itself, but ‘how’ it’s delivered. As a result, I find that effective communication requires practice, reflection, and a willingness to grow. With every conversation, I find new opportunities to refine my skills and learn more about how to engage meaningfully with others.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

My career began with a deep love for the performing arts and cinema, which evolved into a passion for creative direction, show direction, and consulting. Over the course of my career, I’ve been fortunate to apply my artistic vision across a variety of fields, from live performances and video production to national television and brand development. Collaborating with and consulting for educational and non-profit organizations has allowed me to engage in meaningful outreach and philanthropy, including the opportunity to influence pedagogy, through my professional expertise and help shape enriching educational experiences. This work is reflected in ongoing partnerships with many organizations such as ICON Dance and The Wanderlust Dance Project (where I serve on the boards), as well as more than a decade of consulting with The Alliance for Women in Media and DIFFA Dallas. Additionally, I’ve collaborated with numerous educational institutions, spanning both secondary and collegiate levels.

What excites me most about my work is the ability to merge artistic creativity with real-world implementation. Whether I’m overseeing the creative execution and technical logistics of performances, including those showcased on shows like America’s Got Talent, DCC Making the Team, and The Kelly Clarkson Show– or assisting businesses with refining their brand storytelling, every project presents a new challenge that allows me to stretch my skills. My role as a Creative Director and Producer extends beyond just artistic direction; I bring a strategic mindset that helps bridge the gap between creative vision, business objectives, and logistical constraints. This versatility allows me to deliver innovative solutions that are both creative and practical, ensuring high-quality results within set parameters.

In addition to my work with media and live performances, I have extensive experience working with businesses across various industries, including sales, where I’ve helped refine brand identities and customer experiences through creative consulting, sales training, and production. This aspect of my work allows me to apply my creative expertise in a way that drives business growth, enhances brand storytelling, and improves customer engagement.

My focus remains on collaborating with forward-thinking partners who value creativity, efficiency, and impactful outcomes, while continuing to push the boundaries of both the creative arts and business.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, the qualities that have shaped my journey most consistently are Vision, Adaptability, and Resilience. These aren’t buzzwords or resume fillers; they’re traits that have evolved through experience, shaped by unexpected turns, and sharpened through trial and error.

Vision has always been the constant. It is something that comes naturally, the thing that allows me to see not only what’s in front of me, but what could be. Whether I’m designing a production, guiding a brand, or supporting an emerging artist, having a clear sense of purpose and potential has helped me navigate uncertainty and stay aligned with my values.

Adaptability came from necessity. The creative world doesn’t always follow a straight path, and neither did I. Shifting between roles, industries, and even disciplines requires the ability to recalibrate quickly, learn fast, and stay curious. Some of the most pivotal moments in my career came from opportunities I wasn’t actively seeking, but because I was open and prepared, I could embrace them.

Then there’s resilience, the thread that ties it all together. Creative work, like life, comes with its fair share of rejection, reinvention, and reinvigoration. Resilience isn’t about bouncing back in the same shape where you started, it’s about taking the hit, absorbing what you need to learn, and coming back stronger, even if the direction has shifted.

To anyone early in their career: start with a sense of direction, but don’t be afraid to redraw the map. Everything should be on the table. Be curious. Build relationships. Trust your instincts, but also give yourself room to grow and allow yourself to pivot. The journey rarely looks like what you imagined, and that’s part of what makes it worthwhile.

We’ve all got limited resources, time, energy, focus etc – so if you had to choose between going all in on your strengths or working on areas where you aren’t as strong, what would you choose?

This is an interesting question. On the one hand, focusing on developing one’s strengths is essential to progress, particularly in areas that require expertise. On the other hand, being well-rounded opens up opportunities to diversify your skill set while still working on the strengths that set you apart.

I’ve always been of the opinion to “Play to your strengths, work on your weaknesses, and hide your faults.” This approach has guided me throughout my career and life. It recognizes that, while it’s vital to focus on what you do well, it’s also important to continuously improve areas that might not come as naturally. Now, let’s be honest, no one is perfect. Hiding your faults doesn’t mean pretending they don’t exist, but rather focusing on your strengths while acknowledging areas that need growth.

This philosophy really hit home during a conversation I had with an engineering student I once trained to run lighting for a theatrical production. As we talked about career paths, I shared the winding road I had taken from school to work, how many opportunities seemed to align through a mix of drive, preparedness, and timing. Without missing a beat, he turned to me and said, “So, you’re basically a polymath of The Arts.” That comment stuck with me. It reframed how I view my path: not as a series of individual skills or jobs held, but as an integration of diverse abilities that complement and strengthen each other into a cohesive career.

So, do I think it’s better to focus solely on your strengths or be well-rounded? It depends on what you’re trying to achieve. My preference is to be well-rounded, continuously growing and expanding multiple skill sets rather than narrowing my focus to just one or two. This approach has allowed me to adapt to different environments and situations; something that has been particularly valuable throughout my career.

That said, there are moments in my career when focusing narrowly on a specific path has been necessary. These periods provide stability and allow for in-depth skill-building in a particular area. However, stability can sometimes feel like a trap if it leads to monotony. As much as I value stability, I’ve found that having the versatility to pivot when needed is just as important, if not more so, when it comes to staying engaged and excited about my work.

Ultimately, being adaptable and open to new experiences serves me well. Whether I am developing new skills or diving deeper into a specialized area, I find that this flexibility allows me to shape my career and life in ways that feel dynamic and fulfilling.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Jerry Noel Photography
Curtis L. Harnagel
OurGreatCity
Karen E. Beasley
Melissa Dawn Keith
Star Action Shots
Alex Larson

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