We were lucky to catch up with Kelsey Cooke recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelsey, thanks for joining us today. Risk taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

We are opening a brand new improv and sketch comedy school for adults and kids in Franklin, TN. It is a non-profit business, and we have never built anything from the ground-up before, ever. This is all FEELS very risky (and probably looks like it is too, from the outside). What we discovered when we first had the thought about doing it was – it was filling a HUGE need in the community. People are craving what we can offer, and it will accomplish what we want – to build up the film and television production community in the greater Nashville area, as well, by providing the HUB for all the best talent in this region of the US.

It’s so funny, in talking to our lawyers, accountants, insurance agents (there is SO much set up!), I have asked them the same thing: please explain ALL of this to me as if I’m a four-year-old. Feed it to me in baby bites, hah!

We came out here from LA for change. And with change comes huge risk. We are also risking so much personally because we are putting so much on the line for what we feel we are called to do. And we feel so strongly that we are called to do it that even in risk, we are fully confident that it will succeed. Especially because we have such a strong community of supporters rallying around us, and we are so grateful for that!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

We are a joy-infused community that builds confidence, creativity and teamwork.

Founded by Chris Guerra and Kelsey Cooke, our team brings years of experience and expertise to the art of improv. We are dedicated to sharing our knowledge and passion with our students, fostering a vibrant and supportive community.

In addition to our exceptional classes, we are excited to announce the creation of our Improv Troupe. This platform will allow students and company members to showcase their skills in front of a live audience, further honing their craft and unleashing their comedic brilliance. Whether you aspire to pursue a professional career in improvisation or simply want to have a blast and explore something new, Oddity Improv is the perfect destination for you.

We offer both adult and youth/ teen classes! Currently at InCiite Studios in Cool Springs, we will be at The Factory this coming winter. We will also be partnering with schools in the area, to provide improv programs, after-school opportunities and more. IN addition to classes, we also offer Corporate Training Events – these are the best team building workshops!

We are excited to bring out the oddity in you.

For more information visit our website: OddityImprov.com
Follow us on:
Instagram: @OddityImprov
Facebook: www.facebook.com/oddityimprov

Any advice for managing a team?

We are so grateful to be assembling a team right out of the gate, of highly-qualified, like-minded individuals. We want our missions of being a “joy-infused community” to trickle down from the top – we want to stand out in such a way that people are drawn in because of what we exemplify.

We just had our first staff meeting of teachers who are training for the school, and it was the most fun, joyful group of people, I have never had so much fun at a meeting, and left feeling like I was flying. THAT is what I want “work” to feel like!

When we started Oddity Improv (my husband Chris and I), we promised ourselves that we would be picky about the people we chose to work with, because they would be our brand – the people you hire are a representation of your company. We couldn’t be prouder of the people we are bringing in.

It’s really important to us for our employees to feel valued, a part of the team (not just an “employee” but like family), and that there is a mutual trust – we aren’t going to be hovering over shoulders because we already trust them with our “baby” when they are hired. We know from the start that they will take such care with our community, that we don’t have to worry about them, which in turn helps them not worry about what they’re doing, and frees them to be themselves and do what THEY DO BEST!

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Developing the Leaders Around You (John Maxwell) The Power of Your Potential (John Maxwell)
Ideas on a Deadline (Phil Cooke)
Dare to Lead (Brene Brown)
Start with Why (Simon Sinek)
Lean In (Sheryl Sandberg)

Contact Info:

• Website: OddityImprov.com
• Instagram: @oddityimprov
• Facebook: Facebook.com/oddityimprov

Image Credits
Oddity Improv