From Stage to Strategy: How Acting Taught Me to Think Differently

My path into advertising didn’t start in a classroom, it started on a stage.

In Grade 11 drama, my teacher and mentor, Gregory Danakas, introduced me to acting, setting me on a six year journey through theatre and film. I didn’t know it then, but learning how people think, move, and feel became my first real lesson in what it meant to be a good strategist.

Acting made me curious and a little fearless. It pushed me to ask why people do the things they do, to step into new situations, and to face challenges head on. Every role, every rehearsal, every performance became an exercise in empathy, observation, and adaptability. I learned to read people, anticipate reactions, and communicate in ways that truly connect. Those skills did not just make me a better actor, they became the foundation of my approach to strategy.

Looking back, I realize I have been studying strategy for more than ten years. That understanding of people deepened during my four years in the Humber BoCA program, where I learned how to apply curiosity, creativity, and insight to advertising. I honed my ability to analyze situations, consider multiple perspectives, and find innovative solutions, all while connecting with real audiences. I strive to be a bridge between consumer and brand, translating human behavior into meaningful ideas that resonate. Today, I use that mix of creativity, insight, and courage as motivation every day. Fear keeps me asking questions, keeps me on my feet, and keeps me moving forward instead of letting life pass by. Taking risks, exploring the unknown, and embracing curiosity are not just part of my work, they are the lens through which I approach every challenge.

Acting, combined with my experience in strategy and advertising, has taught me that understanding people is at the heart of everything I do. It has made me more than a strategist, it has made me endlessly curious, driven, and ready to tackle whatever comes next.