I had the pleasure of attending the IMSH 2026 conference. The kickoff plenary, The Chad Epps Keynote Speaker, is always special and inspiring, like its namesake. Tania Katan is a transformational speaker, award-winning author and “innovation expert”. She uses her background of theatre (sound familiar to anyone?) to electrify audiences with comedy, storytelling and motivation. In her book Creative Trespassing, she urges us to bring more creativity, playfulness and joy into spaces to propel innovation. These are skills we need in any industry. She encouraged us to think of a new job title based on what we actually do that enlivens is. When brainstorming with my neighbors, we came up with titles like “Feedback Magician” and “Debrief Doula”. She had us start the session by creating a raucous standing ovation as a motivational technique. It should be no surprise that her presentation ended in the same way, without her prompting it.

   

Read more about Tania’s work here.

  

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