Rising Stars: Meet Jay Sukow

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jay Sukow. 

Jay, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I have been working with and without a script, for the better part of the past 30 years. I began my journey in Chicago and had an extended stop along the way in Copenhagen, Denmark, where I was head of training and artistic director for an improv theatre, working with folks from all over the globe. 

It all began when my parents gave me a Christmas present of improv classes. From the first day, I was hooked! Two of my first teachers were Stephen Colbert and Steve Carell and I just loved it. I loved the team aspect the most–working with other people to create comedy instantly, in the moment. 

I discovered the skills I learned in improv class were so applicable to my everyday life. More and more students were coming to take class not to perform but rather to improve both their person life and their business acumen. I started learning more tools and exercises to help them along their journey. A lifelong enthusiast for learning, I realized my passion was in the L&D space and have devoted my life to it and I currently work both with individuals, in a one-on-one coaching session, and large organizations, everything from one-off sessions to weeklong and recurring experiences. 

As the founder of Today Improv, I have extensive experience helping businesses drive behavior change through improvisational philosophies and exercises; by helping people think and act differently, they become more powerful and effective communicators. They become better human beings. As one of my mentors, Martin DeMaat said, “If everyone took one improv class, the world would be a better place.” 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No road is smooth and that’s the fun challenge. There are always struggles. Yet somehow, it always works out. The pandemic was a huge struggle! I’ll never forget March 13, 2020: within 48 hours, I turned 50 AND all my work for that year was cancelled. I had nothing on the books. But as an improvisor, this wasn’t a mistake, it was a gift. It was an opportunity. “How can this work?” is one of the improvisor’s motto. So, friends and I hopped into virtual meeting rooms and figured out how to go from live, in-person meetings to virtual meetings. We watched YouTube videos. We made it work. Now I teach virtually almost exclusively and LOVE IT! I have no desire to go back to the travel or in-person sessions (although I do enjoy them when they happen.) I really love what the virtual space offers and want to see where we can go from here. I can connect with people all over the world, including people with mobility issues and anxiety issues. 

Give up the expectation that the road will be straight and accept the fact that the road will be crooked. Expectations, like comparisons, are the thieves of joy. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I LOVE WHAT I DO! I own a company called Today Improv where I use improv to address challenges, both within teams and organizations and also within individuals. My passion is helping people connect better to their work, others, and more importantly, themselves. The moment where people find true connection is so powerful and leads to real change. Connection promotes creativity, collaboration, and relationship building, which leads to a stronger work culture. 

I coach one on one sessions, helping folks achieve personal and professional goals. 

I am a creative consultant, program designer, and facilitator. Some of the topics I’ve led sessions for include effective brainstorming, change management, team building, public speaking, storytelling, team building, personal branding, dynamic presentations, empathy, emotional intelligence. With each session, we debrief all activities effectively with a tie-in to relevant business applications. 

Among the experiences I’m most proud of is creating a five-day immersive off-site seminar emphasizing leadership dynamics. Participants experienced a series of highly interactive exercises and small group situations exploring interpersonal communication, leadership and emotional intelligence, presentational skills, team collaboration, public speaking and creative problem-solving. I have experience across various business sectors including Pharmaceutical, Health Care, Telecommunications, Technology, Global Fast Food, Entertainment, Finance, Accounting, Retail, Aerospace, Hospitality 

Tourism, Education, Transportation
Sports and Leisure. 

I also teach improv for theatrical purposes, to perform shows, and imrpov skills as performers and troups. I’ve taught at many improv festivals around the world, including the Oslo Impro Festival, the Copenhagen International Improv Festival, the Barcelona Improv Festival, and the Chicago Improv Festival. I am the winner of The Golden Pineapple, awarded to the best visiting teacher at Improv Comedy Copenhagen. 

I am known for being positive and supportive and leading people to the “A HA!” moments through their own discovery, rather than hearing it from me. 

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
You can send me an email at [email protected] and we can discuss what you need and how I can help. I also love connecting with people over social media and I am currently active on Facebook, so reach out to me there! 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jaysukow.com
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TodayImprov
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/today-improv-with-jay-sukow-los-angeles

Image Credits
Gillian Bellinger
Phil Schuldt
Michael Morales