Unmuted Podcast | Episode #58
Topic: From Stage to Strategy: How a Background in Performing Arts Enhances HR Leadership
Guest: Kate Ryan, 1Password
Host: Jeff Waldman, ScaleHR
In this episode of Unmuted, we explore a surprising yet incredibly relevant connection: the powerful overlap between the performing arts and HR leadership. Our guest, Kate Ryan of 1Password, shares how her background in theatre has shaped her approach to people and culture, from mastering executive presence to staying agile in fast-changing environments.
With empathy, storytelling, and adaptability now central to the role of HR, Kate unpacks how the tools she developed on stage have become invaluable assets in the workplace. She shares practical insights into how performance techniques like improv, voice control, and storytelling can strengthen leadership, coaching, and employee engagement.
Whether you're an HR leader looking for a new edge or just curious how the arts can influence business, this conversation will leave you inspired to think outside the traditional HR playbook.
Topics we cover:
* How theatrical training influences people leadership
* The role of presence, voice, and improvisation in HR
* Storytelling as a tool for trust, culture, and change
* Tips for incorporating arts-based techniques into your own leadership
About Kate Ryan
Kate Ryan is a communicator with a passion for storytelling and a proven track record of building and scaling employer brand and communications functions. At 1Password, she has built and scaled the employer brand, DEIB (diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging), and HR communications functions, ensuring that the people behind the products have opportunities to tell their stories and consistently feel supported in their roles.
Connect with Kate on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kateblairryan/.
About ScaleHR:
The Unmuted Podcast is powered by ScaleHR (https://goscalehr.com/), a rapidly growing company supporting emerging HR, Recruitment, and Work Tech startups and SMBs with brand awareness and lead generation.
Our proprietary solution, Catalyst, blends content strategy, influencer marketing, and omnichannel distribution to help brands cut through the noise.
📩 Connect with ScaleHR: https://www.goscalehr.com/
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