iMergence is a corporate education and leadership development company which uses a variety of methodologies, primarily the tools, perspective, and experiential learning that improvisation provides. Unlike more traditional improv classes and workshops, iMergence uses improvisation techniques not for comedy or theatrical outcomes, but to help both groups and individuals in terms of increasing confidence, enhancing communication, maintaining ease in the unknown, comfort in having to pivot and think on one’s feet, and strengthening trust between the team all at the same time. It can appear deceptively simple on the outset but don’t be fooled — improv provides the fast track to acquiring valuable skills and an outlook that all companies can benefit from immensely. iMergence was founded by Holly Mandel, who studied and taught improv at the world-renowned Groundlings Theater in Los Angeles, and then went on to start her own improvisation school in New York City, Improvolution. She began working with students who wanted to bring improv into their companies after seeing the many benefits of improv themselves. So, she created a separate arm of her business, iMergence, which is the integration of improv (“I”) and “emergence”: using the tools of improvisation to build and allow for higher levels of creativity and collaboration to emerge in individuals and groups. It is an interactive, experiential, and surprisingly fun way to grow and develop your team. But have no fear, it's not about 'having to be funny'. Now with offices in both New York and Los Angeles, iMergence has worked with clients such as American Express, The Walt Disney Animation Studios, Merrill Lynch, Netflix, Princeton University, Adidas, IBM, Skadden, and American Airlines.