In this episode, host Ann Carden is joined by Gina Trimarco, organizational health strategist and founder of Carmen Communications, to explore an unexpected but powerful advantage in business success: improv comedy skills.
Gina shares how she blends improv principles with consulting and leadership strategy to help organizations strengthen culture, improve decision-making, and create workplaces where people actually want to show up, yes, even on Mondays.
Together, Ann and Gina unpack what it really takes to stand out as an expert in a crowded consulting and coaching market, why selling outcomes not skills changes everything, and how becoming a trusted advisor leads to long-term, high-value client relationships.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
How improv skills improve leadership, collaboration, and workplace culture
Why unique expertise is your biggest advantage in consulting and coaching
How to overcome analysis paralysis and make faster, smarter decisions
The difference between DIY thinking and true strategic partnership
Insights from Gina’s book The New Choice Effect on growth through decisive action
If you’re a consultant, coach, or expert entrepreneur looking to differentiate your brand, elevate your client relationships, and build a business rooted in trust and results, this episode delivers practical insights with a refreshing twist.
🎧 Tune in now to learn how creativity, collaboration, and confident decision-making can unlock your next level of growth and the expert in you.
Key Moments:
05:54 "Improv's Role in Corporate Success"
07:04 "Improv and Selling Outcomes"
11:51 "Breaking Decision-Making Paralysis"
15:42 "Embracing Constraints, Choosing Progress"
19:16 "Leaders Help Overcome Blind Spots"
21:37 Consulting Growth Spurs Fierce Competition
24:51 "Align Actions with Strategy"
28:33 Crafting Six-Figure Client Offers
30:46 From Workshop to Comprehensive Consulting
34:47 Understanding Work Styles Effectively
36:14 "Establishing Business Value Standards"
39:50 Unlocking Hidden Professional Value
43:44 Upselling Benefits and Gratitude
About the guest :
Gina Trimarco is an Organizational Development Strategist, Senior Master Sales Trainer with Sales Gravy, and the founder of Carmine Communications and Carolina Improv Company. Known for leading with humor, heart, and direct truth, Gina helps organizations get unstuck - culturally, operationally, and interpersonally.
With over 20 years of experience, she blends emotional intelligence, improv comedy, and sales strategy to transform disengaged teams, struggling leaders, and outdated sales approaches into aligned, high-performing cultures. Her work focuses on leadership development, communication, team cohesion, conflict resolution, change management, organizational health, and full-cycle sales execution.
Gina is also the author of The New Choice Effect and is passionate about helping leaders make better decisions, build trust faster, and create workplaces where people actually want to show up - even on Mondays.
How to connect Gina :
Website: https://ginatrimarco.com/carmine-communications/
https://carolinaimprov.com/
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginatrimarco/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gtrimarco
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinaimprovco/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/carolinaimprov
Tripadvisor:
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g54359-d1830055-Reviews-Carolina_Improv_Company-Myrtle_Beach_South_Carolina.html
About the host:
Ann Carden is a highly sought-after Business Growth Consultant, Marketing Strategist, and #1 Bestselling Author, with over 41 years of experience helping small businesses, entrepreneurs, and coaches scale their success. As a Professional Speaker and three-time published author, Ann has coached and consulted hundreds of professionals across more than 80 industries.
Why Choose Ann Carden?
With a diverse background that spans over four decades, Ann has developed a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in business growth, marketing strategies, and entrepreneurship. She spent 13 years in corporate management before launching her own businesses, where she thrived for 35 years. Ann’s entrepreneurial journey began out of financial necessity, and she successfully grew her first business to an international level - even before the Internet era.
Work with Ann Carden
If you're ready to take your business to the next level, Ann offers customized solutions to help you grow. Whether you’re a coach, consultant, or small business owner, Ann’s proven strategies can drive significant growth in revenue and market reach.
Get Free Resources:
➡️ Access Ann's Free Training: www.expertinyou.biz
➡️ Read the latest edition of Expert in You Magazine: https://expertinyoumagazine.com/magazine
Ready to grow your business? 📞 Book a strategy call today: https://acarden.com 🔗
Relevant Links:
🌐Website: https://annlcarden.com
📞Contact Us: www.acarden.com
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💟Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anncardenconsulting/
💟LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anncarden-business-consultant-coach