Meet Mary Lemmer, the Founder of Improve, a creative consultancy that teaches leaders and teams how to use improv techniques to build adaptability, resilience, and stronger connections.
Mary’s journey to founding Improve began during her teenage years, a time when she ran a gelato business with her brother. After experiencing a few ups and just as many downs, she signed up for an improv class that completely shifted how she approached challenges and unexpected moments. Inspired by this experience, Mary developed an approach that blends improv with business strategies, mindfulness, and neuro-linguistic programming—a combination that has since empowered thousands of people around the world to thrive in uncertainty.
During our conversation, Mary reflected on her journey from teen entrepreneur to improv advocate, the meaningful impacts she’s witnessed through Improve, and what it takes to build a business that values creativity, connection, and growth.
Tell us the story behind your company’s founding. How and why did you start working on Improve?
When I was a teenager, I started a business with my brother, Iorio Gelato. I quickly learned how often entrepreneurship and life don’t go as planned. Things rarely went as I thought they would and I really struggled when they didn’t. So, with the intention of doing something fun, I signed up for an improv class, and my life was never the same. Practicing improv helped me become a better problem-solver and handle all the unexpected twists with more ease.
I found myself staying calm in the face of curveballs and communicating better when things got chaotic. While working in venture capital, I realized how much other entrepreneurs could benefit from these skills too. So I created “Improv for Entrepreneurs,” and found ways that improv techniques could help people and companies. Over the past decade, I’ve woven improv into my work and life, combining it with my business background, mindfulness, and even neuro-linguistic programming. Now I use these tools to help others navigate change and improve their work and lives.
Looking back, what are the most meaningful impacts Improve has had?
My favorite meaningful impacts are the stories and messages people share with me about how the organization has positively changed their lives. For instance, at my first conference session, we got over 100 sign-ups. Even more people showed up when they heard the laughter and cheers. I still get messages from attendees who share how impactful that session was and how they continue to use what they learned.
Beyond these stories, the numbers show meaningful impact. Participants in our programs report a 30% improvement in communication skills, a 25% boost in listening skills, and a 49% increase in adaptability, with a 95% net promoter score (NPS) and a 5/5 enjoyment rating. We’ve also researched how improvising improves physical and mental health. So I like to say that improving with us is like eating candy packed with vitamins—it’s fun and it works. And now you know why my company’s name is Improve.
“Success means noticing the beauty in the world around me, leaving the world a bit better and making an impact in the ways I can.”
Beyond financial success, what metrics or indicators do you track to ensure that your business growth aligns with your values?
Impact. Ever since my first business as a teenager, my interest in business has always been using it as a way to make a positive impact in the world. If we’re not making an impact, what are we doing? I track improvements that people, teams, and companies make as a result of working with us. I also love hearing how people are now more confident in meetings, more adaptable to life’s surprises, and, of course, find it easier to relax and laugh at situations that used to stress them out. Those are the metrics that really matter!
How do you personally define success? In what ways does this definition guide both your business and personal life?
Success to me is laughing, crying, and embracing all that is. It’s pursuing dreams while savoring the present moment and enjoying even the simplest of joys. It’s trying new things while still valuing the old, and celebrating even the most surprising moments with loved ones. Success means noticing the beauty in the world around me—nature, people, sounds, and smells. It’s creating and sharing, accepting fear and doubt, but not letting them take over. It’s leaving the world a bit better and making an impact in the ways I can. This perspective guides how I spend my time, who I spend it with, and how I approach life and business. It inspires me to embrace each moment, show love and gratitude, and improvise through the twists and turns.
When your work life gets intense, how do you disconnect and recharge? What rituals help you reset and refocus?
I relish practicing a screenless Sunday. I completely unplug from email and social media—it’s such a lifesaver for resetting after a full, often screen-heavy week. When I disconnect from screens, I really get to reconnect with myself in other ways, like spending time in nature, creating something, or just hanging out with my favorite people. Some of my go-to restorative activities include walking my dog, horseback riding, paddleboarding, or just cooking or doing an art project. I also check in with myself through journaling and a stretching practice called fascia flossing, which helps me stay aware. I like to take care of myself every day with some movement, nourishing foods, or time in nature. I even have this fun acronym for my self-care favorites: SABLE MINDS LOL, which stands for Sauna, Acupuncture, Breathe, Laugh, Eat, Movement, Improvise, Nature, Disconnect, Stretch, Loved Ones, and Leisure. I try to practice improvisation every day, since it’s a great way to stay mindful and present. It really helps me acknowledge what’s happening around me and make choices that recharge my energy!
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your entrepreneurial journey so far?
The importance of resilience and adaptability. Things rarely go as planned, and being able to change and embrace uncertainty is key. I’ve found that every challenge can actually lead to growth and new ideas, as long as I keep an open mind and am willing to adjust my approach. Plus, building meaningful connections with others has been incredibly valuable; collaboration and support can turn obstacles into awesome opportunities. And rest—taking time to recharge—is essential. I now see it as part of my job, as it really helps me show up as my best self for myself, my business, and the people in my life.
Photo Credit: TED
What advice would you give to other women wanting to start or grow businesses in an intentional way?
Trust yourself. There are countless articles, courses, podcasts, and videos that will tell you what and how to do something. But, at the end of the day, it has to align with you. Keep getting to know yourself, your values, and your dreams. That self-knowledge will guide your intuitive choices as you intentionally build your business.
Mary is a member of Dreamers & Doers, an award-winning community that amplifies extraordinary women entrepreneurs, investors, and leaders by securing PR, forging authentic connections, and curating high-impact resources. Learn more about Dreamers & Doers and get involved here.