Learning A Skill Outside Your "Lane" Is Your Great Advantage
One of the things I love most about New York City is the variety of people you meet. Whether you're walking through Central Park, hopping on the subway, or grabbing coffee, the city is filled with stories of people who've been here their whole lives or who've come here to bet on their dreams.
I learned how to get outside my head and approach challenges differently in NYC.
In Harlem
In April, while walking to a café, out of the corner of my eye, I spotted someone I hadn't seen in a long time–Aaron, a retired educator, and artist I'd met in a coffee shop a year prior.
After catching up on our family and life updates, I asked him, "How are you enjoying your time these days?"
He smiled and said, "Actually, Naomi, I'm taking a Meisner acting class in Brooklyn. It focuses on using your imagination, being radically present, and living truthfully." He went on about how this class was stretching his skills.
As Aaron spoke, I appreciated how the skills he described—presence, imagination, and truth—were not just for actors. They go beyond the stage or the television screen; they're essential for anyone leading a team, speaking to an audience, or navigating complex business relationships.
These qualities are the foundation of success in most fields. Think about it:
Presence isn't just about showing up physically— it's about being attuned to the moment and understanding the needs of your clients, partners, or team members. It's what builds empathy and deep connection.
Imagination is key for visionaries. It allows you to dream bigger, innovate boldly, and create something greater than you.
Living truthfully is your compass. It's about making decisions aligned with your core values and not compromising your integrity, which speaks to long-term, meaningful success without losing yourself.
These are all practical skills (that can be taught and must be practiced) for building a more intentional and impactful life.
Aaron encouraged me to check out the class. Curious, I visited the website and saw an open house in a few weeks. I registered.
Acting Open House in New York
Walking into the room and speaking with people, I realized I was surrounded by actors—some were already actors, and others had dreams of becoming one.
“What is a business strategist doing in an acting class?”
This was one of the first questions I received while we mingled at this open house. At first, I laughed–acting seemed too far from my world of boardrooms and client meetings. But deep down, I knew there was value in learning something outside my “lane.”
Learning a skill outside your “lane” can become your great advantage
That night reminded me of the power of cross-disciplinary learning. We often think the most logical way to develop is to focus solely on the skills directly tied to our work. Yes, that's important, but it's not the only way.
Consider
A business executive learning improv becomes more adaptable and quick on their feet, enhancing their communication skills.
An elementary school teacher mastering code transforms their scholars' learning experience by bringing in technology and encouraging play.
A marketing professional studying psychology gains deeper insights into consumer behavior, creating campaigns that resonate and connect.
A data scientist learning storytelling can present complex insights in a compelling and accessible way. Now, they can bring their research to the public in a way that allows them to make informed decisions about their livelihood.
A financial analyst studying art history expands their cultural knowledge, diversifies their investment strategies, and expands their client base.
In that acting class, I learned more than just a technique. I learned to quiet my habit of overthinking and getting more comfortable with uncertainty and discomfort.
I practiced responding rather than reacting—a skill invaluable in high-pressure situations.
I learned to be fully present, regardless of how intense– in anger, joy, frustration– a moment gets.
And most importantly, I learned to really listen—not just to words, but to the pauses, body language, hesitations, and tone. My friend, also a coach, described this as level 3 listening (empathetic listening), where you pick up on their body language, voice inflections, pauses, and hesitations—all of which enrich your understanding of the conversation.
It wasn’t just about acting, but about how we show up in our everyday lives—navigating the messy (and constant) things in our lives— challenges, conflicts and change.
Cross-Disciplinary Learning
The idea of cross-disciplinary learning—applying insights from one field to another—isn’t new, but it’s often overlooked. We’re conditioned to believe mastering one domain is the key to success. But what about challenging yourself to apply something you learned at an AI conference in your business? When you pull insights from different areas and push yourself to think and act in ways that go beyond your professional bubble, there are no limits to what you can create.
So, what’s a business strategist doing in an acting class?
Expanding her skill set. Deepening her presence. Most importantly, I learned to connect with others meaningfully in a way that textbooks can’t teach. It’s about becoming a more dynamic, adaptable version of yourself and gaining a unique advantage by stepping outside the expected.
The next time you have the opportunity to try something outside your lane, take it. Whether it’s learning a new language, exploring a new art form, or diving into an unfamiliar skill, that curiosity might just become your secret superpower.
What skill(s) have you been curious about but haven't explored yet?