Creating Ripples: Embracing the Improv Mindset with the AIN ConferenceWritten by Julie Trell – This article is from AIM Issue 2 (released November 2023). It's funny how life is a series of ripples:Each one leading to the next, shaping our experiences and connections. That’s the theme I’ve been toying with as a result of an incredible first-time experience at the Applied Improvisation Network (AIN) conference in Vancouver in July. Absorbing the sunlight during a break between sessions, seated on steps where bunnies danced, the harmonious “Ripple” by Grateful Dead playing in my ears, I grasped how ripples perfectly represent my Applied Improvisation experience, particularly my engagement with the Applied Improvisation Network. At the conference, I reflected on ripples’ origins, sparked by Rebecca Stockley, the dynamic “Improv Lady” from my Camp Apple days. A former Apple Distinguished Educator, I imbibed her insights on the Story Spine and embracing mistakes, echoing through my tech roles at Salesforce, Workday Foundations. Her vision of a vibrant teacher’s lounge mirrors the essence of the improv mindset. That initial ripple led me to the AIN conference. Rebecca’s encouragement and her suggestion to join the AIN Facebook group, along with invigorating online Open Space sessions, drove my immersion into the AIN world. As a result, I reconnected with old circles from my past at the conference—my US West Coast and East Coast circles, those who understood my camp experiences, and my Jewish circle. The comforting sense of belonging aside, the striking unity prevailed—the shared “Yes, and…” understanding, making others shine. Undoubtedly, that sentiment was the space attendees collectively created. Adding a touch of magic to the conference, I decided to introduce sparkles into the mix. I adorned myself with glittering stickers and it didn’t take long for someone to notice. As compliments flowed in, so did the sparkles. It was exhilarating to witness this ripple of joy as more and more people embraced the idea, donning their own sparkles and radiating a newfound sense of confidence. This simple act of spreading sparkle was like watching a wave of positivity sweep through the crowd—a ripple of fun and self-expression that effortlessly transcended individual boundaries. The ripples extended to the joy of sharing my adopted Australian culture through Tim Tams, sweet treats I introduced to the conference. While I knew about them, it was Mark Erdim who showed me how it’s done. Sharing culture, showing others, and watching Joel Veenstra’s face light up during his Tim Tam “suck” moment added another layer of connection. It wasn’t just about biscuits; it was about creating shared memories and transcending geographical boundaries. What struck me most was the AIN’s culture of reciprocity. People would credit the origins of exercises they shared, reinforcing a sense of interconnectedness and mutual respect. This ethos was familiar to me—I’ve always believed in giving credit where it’s due. Among the myriad ripples that defined the conference experience, one that stood out was my two years of early morning online Open Space sessions. It was during these sessions that I shared a Values exercise recommendation with Melissa Dinwiddie, an act that would later take on a life of its own. To my delight, she not only incorporated it into her workshop on values, but also reported its resounding success. This ripple of sharing and adoption simply made me smile with gratitude.
In a serendipitous twist, I learned that Gary Hirsch was also employing similar exercises for his values workshops. The realization that ideas were converging and overlapping was fascinating, and a testament to the interconnectedness that the AIN community fosters. It was a web of ripples, spreading creativity and innovation in ways I had never foreseen. However, the surprises didn’t end there. Gary’s “Bot Joy” project caught my attention, a ripple of a concept that resonated deeply. I found myself contemplating how I could bring this creative outlet into my own sphere; a project that would enable others to experience joy. Gary’s encouragement to “steal” the idea was a reassuring push, highlighting the spirit of sharing that defines the AIN. This ripple of inspiration was a reminder that every idea, every project, has the potential to spark new endeavors and offer others the chance to experience the joy of creativity. As I look back on these ripples, they blend into a narrative of growth, unity, and shared experience. AIN is more than a network; it’s a living testament to the power of connections. My hope is that these ripples continue to spread, strengthening the community within and beyond borders. With each interaction, each shared memory, and each collaborative endeavor, the ripples we create contribute to a more connected, harmonious world – a world that embraces the improv mindset and all the positive change it can bring.
“Ripple in still water
About the Author: Julie TrellAcross two decades, Julie Trell has embraced diverse roles, from inner-city teacher to VP of All Things Fun, Meaningful, & Rewarding. Her career path evolved through technology, corporate foundation leadership, and startup acceleration, to her current role of Chief Play Officer. She thrives on fostering improv and growth mindsets in adults, evident across Atlanta, San Francisco, Singapore, and now Sydney. Her adaptability and open-mindedness, shaped by these global experiences, underscore the value they place on continuous learning.(Read more from our magazine issues: click here to access our article database.) (Last Updated: Tuesday, January 27th, 2026) |
