We recently connected with Ernest Mitchell and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Ernest , so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
My presence has the potential of suppress the room when I speak. It’s not alpha energy it just shifts the energy generously towards me. My attitude tends to disarm folks who don’t look like me and helps me navigate the rooms I’m in. Being culturally aware thanks to my mother exposing me to a wide variety of reading and different venues that didn’t pigeon hole me into being naive of the world around me.
It genuinely helped me be comfortable and confident even if I am the only one who looks like me in the room.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
What’s new is the lineup of 2025 production of shows.
We have some Improv and Wine Nights coming, movie trivia nights, youth development program and our traditional Improv Shows
I will continue to teach improv classes and growing the improv community.
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?
1. The ability to remain humble to learn and continuing to learn
2. The work ethic I have to become a better improviser has continued to fuel me and be impactful in my journey
3. Improv has help me become a better listener and a better leader.
Folks who are early in their journey need to be quiet and take it all in. There will be a time to speak but as you begin just soak in all knowledge.
Get around people who are passionate.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
The biggest area of growth has been learning the business behind improv and events. The growth has been in learning how to scale, adapt and build a better stream of revenue.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://intelligentfoolsdotcom.wordpress.com/
- Instagram: Intelligent Fools
- Facebook: The Intelligent Fools & Improvising Life
Image Credits
Photo Credit: Rachel Rosen IG: Rachelerikaphotography James Harden: IG: Tuffshotmedia
