Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Josa Maule. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Josa thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Taking care of customers isn’t just good business – it is often one of the main reasons folks went into business in the first place. So, we’d love to get a conversation going around how to best help clients feel appreciated – maybe you can share something you’ve done or seen someone do that’s been really effective at helping a customer feel valued?

For over three decades we built and foster a sense of community. We encourage people to find their voice within a safe and nurturing space where they can explore and realize their potential.

We aim to inspire our students and audiences resulting in a positive influence on the Montreal’s Acting community.

Josa, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My mother always told me I came out of her womb performing!! As a toddler I was highly creative, the passion started at an early age, Saturdays were at the Negro Community Center participating in various performing workshops. When we had our family functions, I created, produced, and directed my two younger sisters and our cousins to perform in our parent’s basement and I charged admission. Throughout elementary and high school I was always involved in the performing arts one way or the other. Although told consistently that my chances of being successful in this business were impossible. I persevered.

My passion brought me to work with theatre groups and community organizations on and behind the stage, while working a full time 9-5 sales job at the Suburban Newspaper. Jan 1992, I woke up one morning when I was 25 yrs. old, and said if I don’t try, I will never know, that was 31 years ago!

MSOPA is Montreal’s leading acting school and a respected force in Montreal’s growing acting community. Over three decades we built and fostered a sense of community. We encourage people to find their voice within a safe and nurturing space where they can explore and realize their potential. Students who participated in our workshops are members of our organization for life.

What I’m most proud of is that we provide unique services, and networking opportunities to give our students experience and exposure, that prepares them for the industry. 85% of Montreal Acting Industry, working in front or behind the camera, and on or back stage, started as student with MSOPA.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

In 2011- 2012 I was going through everything! our debt was astronomical, mourning a death of a love one, family issues, toxic relationships, theft. and fighting depression. I meditated and prayed, got rid of all toxic people around me, focused on what my truth and passion is. Closed the for profit, re- opened as a non-profit, relocated our workspace in a community center with feasible hourly rates, that helped cut our overhead tremendously. We then restructured, developed new programs working in and with Diverse communities.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

My advice of managing a team is to let them know that they are valued, sincerity goes a long way, every now and then I would cook and invite my teachers over for dinner or lunch, support what they are doing outside of the school, include them in the success of the business and trust that they are doing their job so no need to hover over them.

Contact Info:

• Website: msopa.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2256164106
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josa-maule-68801512/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/TQOD
• Youtube: josa maule

Image Credits
I am the photographer &  Cassandra Leslie/Ciel Photo