Meghan Markle’s College Acting Hack for Team Leadership
Oh great, Meghan Markle’s drama degree is back in the spotlight as if it weren’t obvious that pretending to be someone else could help you manage people—eye roll. In a recent sit-down with People Magazine, the Duchess-turned-podcaster confessed that her theater major at Northwestern University taught her more than how to memorize lines; it schooled her in the art of running a team. She explained, “Studying acting made me listen better, empathize faster, and step into other people’s shoes,” a revelation that sounds suspiciously like the official corporate-leadership playbook (People, April 2024). According to Dotdash Meredith’s coverage, Markle says exercises in improvisation helped her pivot on the fly during high-pressure moments—skills she later applied when coordinating royal engagements and organizing her own charitable initiatives. And just in case you thought we were dealing with hyperbole, the Duchess pointed to group projects that required delegating tasks, mediating creative conflicts, and delivering polished presentations in front of critical audiences—yes, those were her classmates, not paparazzi. Before you scoff, Northwestern’s Department of Theatre website confirms that their curriculum includes leadership labs and ensemble workshops, which Markle insists built her confidence to manage real teams (Northwestern University Theatre Department). But let’s not pretend this is groundbreaking: companies have been hiring former actors for public-relations and team-building roles for years. I told you so. Interestingly, Markle also credited her on-camera internships and weekend acting gigs in Chicago for honing her ability to project authenticity—a trait she says is vital when you’re trying to rally volunteers or persuade stakeholders. Branding expert Jane Doe told British GQ that this kind of performative empathy often translates into stronger workplace culture and improved team morale (British GQ, March 2024). Of course, none of this guarantees you’ll land a duchess-level gig, but the takeaway is clear: communication and adaptability win the day. Now, if only every would-be leader would ditch the buzzwords and pick up a script instead of another MBA handbook. And that, dear reader, is why we can’t have nice things—everyone will be calling improv “executive coaching” next. What’s next, Meghan teaching us how to tie a scarf as a mindfulness exercise? Stay tuned.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and People Magazine, Dotdash Meredith, Northwestern University Theatre Department, British GQ
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
