Bob Kulhan

Bob Kulhan is a prominent figure at the intersection of comedy and commerce, known for translating improvisational techniques into practical business applications. Kulhan is the founder and CEO of Business Improv, a consultancy that connects improv to business through behavioral science and real-world strategies. Business Improv works with an international roster of clients, including Fortune 500 companies, leading business schools, and government agencies. Since 1999, Kulhan has developed customized programs for organizations such as Google, PepsiCo, American Express, Capital One, Ford Motor Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Hilton Hotels Worldwide, the U.S. Department of Defense, and the U.S. Naval Academy.

Kulhan's background in professional improv includes acting with Chicago's Second City, serving as the first core faculty member of the Second City Training Center, and being part of the former resident company at iO Theater. He also studied, taught, and performed at Annoyance Theatre. Kulhan trained under influential improv figures such as Del Close, Martin de Maat, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Susan Messing, and Mick Napier. He co-founded the improv troupe Baby Wants Candy, which toured internationally and received the Ensemble of the Year award at the Chicago Improv Festival.

Transitioning from stage to boardroom, Kulhan co-created the first business school program dedicated to linking improvisation with business. He serves as an adjunct professor of business administration at both Duke University's Fuqua School of Business and Columbia Business School. In collaboration with leaders in behavioral decision making, Kulhan introduced improvisation into the MBA curriculum at Fuqua, combining experiential exercises with lectures, case studies, and discussions. This course has consistently ranked among Duke University's highest-rated MBA electives. Kulhan has designed Business Improv programs for 13 of the top 26 business schools in the United States and several leading institutions worldwide.

Kulhan's approach integrates cognitive and social psychology, behavioral economics, and communication science to help professionals develop skills in adaptability, collaboration, and creative problem-solving. He teaches techniques such as the "Yes, and" approach, divergent and convergent thinking, and presence, demonstrating how these methods can improve meetings, decision-making, teamwork, and conflict resolution. Kulhan has led Business Improv workshops across the United States, England, Scotland, Germany, Singapore, Australia, Turkey, Dubai, Mumbai, and Banff, Canada. He also developed the online course "Improvisational Communication," which focuses on applying Business Improv techniques to enhance communication, collaboration, creativity, change management, conflict resolution, and organizational culture.

Kulhan is the author of the bestselling book "Getting to 'Yes And': The Art of Business Improv," published by Stanford University Press. The book was a finalist for the International Book Awards in the Business: Management & Leadership category and compiles teaching methods and training exercises for individuals and organizations. Kulhan is recognized for making behavioral science accessible and engaging in leadership development and organizational culture.