My secret work weapon: Acting experience can help avoid amateur dramatics in business

From the age of three to 17, I was heavily involved in the world of performing arts and picked up several skills that have come in handy during my career as a marketer.

Performing on stage provided important early training for corporate presentations and conference speeches. I still find myself flashing back to waiting in the wings whenever I'm due to stand up and speak. Similarly, long hours spent learning scripts have helped when it comes to retaining the volume of information you need to absorb as a marketer these days.

Lastly, experiencing awkward moments when things went wrong during live performances has enabled me to think on my feet. Whether it's on a stage, a film set or during a meeting, something can always go wrong, and being able to get through those times gracefully is as useful in business as it is for an actor.

This article was first published on marketingmagazine.co.uk