From September 18–19 COCAbiz, COCA’s professional development program, hosted Commerce Bank for The Artful Leader workshop. COCAbiz delivers innovative workshops and events that employ authentic arts teaching and achieve business results by building a more creative, engaged, and effective workforce.
Upon arrival, employees from Commerce Bank settled into the Staenberg Performance Lab, shared introductions, and learned more about the program that they would participate in.
“COCAbiz is the same beautiful work we do with our students but for the corporate world. Our goal is that you leave with a toolkit you can use in your life and work. Think of this as a lab and experiment,” said Will Bonifiglio, COCAbiz Facilitator.
High-Speed Creativity with Ed Reggi
COCA’s Director of Improv Troupe, Ed Reggi, led a session focused on staying present through practical exercises. He emphasized the power of the “Yes, and…” statement and encouraged a more active mindset.
Activities included partner conversations with specific prompts, and the workshop concluded with a group game prompting reflections on decision-making, inclusion, body language, and mindfulness.
Crafting the Story with Susan Grigsby
Susan Grigsby, a published author and writing teacher, celebrated the power of storytelling with Commerce Bank employees, highlighting its historical significance as a primary method of knowledge sharing.
Participants used artwork from the Saint Louis Art Museum to compare with their jobs, revealing insights about their colleagues’ roles beyond traditional job descriptions.
Susan’s next activity involved a team writing exercise on the National Penny Debate. Each group crafted an engaging, non-linear narrative for a Public Service Announcement. The exercise energized participants and demonstrated that presenting facts creatively can effectively engage an audience.
Creative Collaboration with Maria Ojascastro
COCA visual artist Maria Ojascastro, led a project to build a Rube Goldberg machine that pops a balloon. Teams watched a video showcasing Rube Goldberg’s invention, then received instructions and materials including blocks, balloons, and dominoes to start building.
The workshop focused on creativity, communication, and planning. Participants found that they improved teamwork and success through playfulness and experimentation.
The Balancing Act with Elliot Pearsall
Throughout the activity led by Elliot Pearsall, participants progressed from juggling scarves to one, two, and three balls, reflecting on concentration, resilience, rhythm, and partner communication.
Elliot introduced the concept of “going with the flow” by having participants balance peacock feathers on their bodies. The workshop also included trying stilts and walking a low wire, emphasizing the importance of group support and the idea that failing is part of the process.
Speak the Speech with Kathi Bentley and Alicia Like
Kathi Bentley and Alicia Like, professional actors and teaching artists, introduced performance techniques to help participants become more confident and expressive speakers. In a large circle, they focused on breathing, enunciation, and body language, encouraging participants to adopt confident postures and take up space.
Participants worked on solo commercials, learning to identify keywords to emphasize, moments to pause, and variations in tempo and volume. They practiced together, gave feedback, and received enthusiastic support during performances.
Information and quotes provided by Susan Kopp, COCA Community Programs Manager
