Some of the most impactful leaders I’ve met don’t lead with control. They lead with curiosity, openness, and a willingness to adapt.
That was one of the biggest takeaways from my conversation with Diane Strand on The Beyond Impact Podcast. Diane’s career spans acting, producing, education, and entrepreneurship. And through every chapter, one mindset has guided her forward: the power of “yes-and.”
“I’ve never followed a straight line,” Diane told me. “I said yes to opportunities, and then I figured out how to make them work.”
The Difference Between “Yes” and “Yes-And”
In improvisation, “yes-and” means you accept what’s happening and build on it. You don’t shut the moment down. You expand it.
Diane applied that same principle beyond the stage. When opportunities came her way that didn’t fit a neat job title or career plan, she didn’t dismiss them. She asked, “What could this become?”
That mindset allowed her to move between industries, take on leadership roles she never expected, and ultimately build something entirely new.
Adaptability Is a Leadership Skill
One of the reasons Diane’s work continues to grow is because she’s comfortable not having all the answers upfront. She leads teams with trust, flexibility, and creative problem-solving.
Instead of rigid systems, she creates environments where people can contribute their strengths and evolve together.
“When you stay open, people surprise you,” she said. “And that’s where innovation comes from.”
In today’s fast-changing world, adaptability isn’t optional. Leaders who cling to certainty get stuck. Leaders who stay open create momentum.
What “Yes-And” Looks Like in Real Life
Being a “yes-and” leader doesn’t mean saying yes to everything. It means responding thoughtfully instead of defensively.
- Yes, I hear your idea—and let’s explore how it could work.
- Yes, this didn’t go as planned—and here’s what we can build from it.
- Yes, we’re facing a challenge—and we’re capable of adapting.
This approach builds trust. It empowers teams. And it creates space for growth instead of fear.
Diane’s leadership style reminded me that the best leaders aren’t the loudest or the most controlling. They’re the ones who create room for possibility.
Hear the Full Conversation with Diane Strand
Diane and I talked about leadership, adaptability, and why staying open has been one of the most powerful forces in her career. If you’re navigating change or building something new, this episode is worth your time.
Leadership isn’t about having every answer. Sometimes it’s about saying yes to what’s possible—and trusting yourself enough to build from there.
