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Paul Marks
Founder of Charlotte based
Beta Test improv
Bio
Over the past decade, more than 65,000 professionals and 40,000 students, including teams from Amazon, Wells Fargo, Nissan, Honeywell, Vanguard, and Duke University have experienced the power of Beta Test improv’s unique team building workshops. Some companies have booked the program more than 75 times. Why?
The answer lies in its distinctive, science-based approach that helps participants activate the right side of the brain. Although there is overlap in the brain, this side predominantly connects to creativity, quick thinking, humor, and active listening.
Here’s the twist. While the workshop is rooted in improv, no one needs to be funny to take part. The laughter happens naturally through engaging exercises designed for the business world, not the stage, along with live demonstrations of brain science that help people connect in a meaningful and memorable way.
At the center of the program is founder Paul Marks and his personal journey. Years ago, Paul struggled with severe panic attacks. At times, he would isolate himself in his bedroom for weeks at a time. A visit to the doctor resulted in a note that Paul now shares during sessions as a reminder of how far he has come. When he discovered improv, everything began to change.
Improv became a tool for self-confidence. But Paul also realized that to avoid having another panic attack, he needed to actively change how his brain functioned. He began practicing right brain exercises every day. By repeating these exercises again and again, he strengthened the neural pathways on the right side of his brain, gradually quieting the anxiety response and building a greater sense of creativity, humor, and active listening.
Speaking to groups was never the plan. He just wanted to get better. But someone saw him on stage and asked if he could lead a team building event. Within one year, he was giving more than 100 speeches annually, and in 2019, Paul delivered his first TEDx talk. Now, after teaching more than 105,000 people, Paul continues to create spaces where teams learn to lead with self-confidence, humor, and trust by tapping into the power of the right side of the brain.
"Paul is an exceptional trainer who conducts sessions with teams on how FUN can unlock a creative culture and team effectiveness. I experienced it first-hand at Krispy, and he was brilliant!" -Niren Chaudhary, CEO, Panera Bread