in the moment
Neil’s book ‘In The Moment’
Discover the insights and strategies that will help you improve your confidence, communication and creativity in every moment of your professional career.
Packed with practical insights and guidance that will be universally appealing to readers across different sectors and levels of seniority
Provides a unique framework for improving your communication skills which has proven success and is supported by academic research and the author's first-hand experience
Is written by a prominent communication expert who has unique and varied expertise, and has worked with major organizations such as Microsoft, Google and Deloitte
Meet the Author: Neil Talks about ‘In The Moment’
Readers’ Feedback
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‘A creative masterclass for every moment.’
Mike Myers, Austin Powers, Shrek, Wayne’s World
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Neil makes the case for creativity in our ever-changing and hybrid world of work. From reality to artificial intelligence, being prepared to adapt and find new ways to communicate are the mainstays of successful workforces navigating between kitchen tables and communal office spaces. Improvisation is the key and Neil is the master. New List Item
Lynne Parker, Founder and Chief Executive, Funny Women
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‘A refreshing antidote to all those “be a great leader/manager/follower” courses and books coaches inflict on us. Just read this instead.’
Richard Westney, HR Consultant (New Zealand)
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‘How spontaneous are you? Are you willing to drop your plans? And be inspired! If so, Neil’s brilliant new book was written for you.’
Robert Holden, Author of Shift Happens! and Higher Purpose
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‘Neil is simply the best of the very best – if confidence, innovation and turning work into an adventure are on your agenda then read this book today!’
David Taylor, Author of The Naked Leader books
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‘Charming and practical advice for those navigating the uncertain and often confusing corporate world.’
Mike Southon, Co-Author of ’The Beermat Entrepreneur’
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‘“Yes And…” is just one highly effective learning I took away from an improv session with Neil years ago and used consistently. It changed my leadership ability and made me happy. Essential reading for experienced and new leaders with lots of practical ‘toolbox tips’. A refreshing insight into contemporary leadership skills which compliments ‘traditional’ methods. Technical ability is important but not enough. It's about the people, relationships, communication and respect. Neil takes you on a journey of stories and practical tips essential for today's leaders. ‘
Dr Lynne Maher, Adjunct Associate Professor, The University of Tasmania
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‘A truly excellent book. Neil & his brilliant brain have connected all the dots between improvisation and business & leadership. Fizzing with new ideas and “aha” moments that turn everything you thought you knew on its head. A set text for those who want the benefits of improv without putting in the ten thousand hours that Neil has.’
Deborah Frances-White, comedian, author, screenwriter and host of The Guilty Feminist Podcast, among others
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"Neil Mullarkey is brilliantly funny. He has made me howl with laughter - often when I am performing a comedy improv scene with him. He is hyper-intelligent and funny off the charts and his ability and knowledge in improv is second to none. Apart from that, I can’t think of anything good to say about him."
Eddie Izzard
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‘Neil’s LASER/LAGER model and how he applies it in different ways is really simple yet powerful. In a world that's more volatile and uncertain than ever, businesses need leaders who can be agile, adaptive, innovative. Neil's always promoted this, but without the business jargon. Being good at making it up as you go along, by paying close attention - this is what he does and what he teaches, brilliantly. The world needs more.’
Matt Brittin, President of Google (Europe, Middle East, Africa)
https://twitter.com/MattBrittin
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‘Captivating and astute, insightful and witty, this book unveils the untapped potential of improv skills in the business sphere. A concise, powerful read that redefines collaboration and communication, perfect for professionals eager to thrive in today’s fast-paced and unpredictable world.’
Michelle Taite, Global Chief Marketing Officer, Intuit Mailchimp
(San Francisco Bay Area)
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‘In the wake of COVID lockdowns and the rise of back-to-back Zoom meetings, many of us have lost the ability to remain in the moment at work. Neil Mullarkey provides a timely antidote in his latest book, which consolidates decades of experience using improv techniques to build leadership skills. Mullarkey makes a compelling case for the benefits of staying in the moment, including boosting creativity and active listening. He also introduces a practical framework for practicing improv skills, and walks through how to apply it in common business challenges including team building and leading meetings. “In the Moment” is chock-full of practical tips, road tested with real leaders, and great fun to read. I really enjoyed the book”
Donald Sull, Senior Lecturer, MIT Sloan School of Management
https://mitsloan.mit.edu/faculty/directory/donald-sull http://donsull.com/ -
‘Neil Mullarkey draws on years of experience to make a powerful case for a more collaborative and more creative approach to work - an approach that will be needed in the hybrid future. Warning: contains jokes. You will learn and laugh, often at the same time. The ‘zinger’ for me is when he says that improv at its heart is about making other people look good. This is a Big (and Challenging) Idea. There is never a dull moment in “In The Moment”. Marvellous!’
Stefan Stern, Former FT columnist and co-author of Myths of Management
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‘Backed up by fascinating research, stories and case studies, Neil offers readers some home truths and superb advice all delivered with a sense of humour and humanity. I’ve been a fan of his work on stage and in companies for over 25 years and I can vouch for the way his techniques can unlock performance, confidence and connection in professionals of all ages.’
Caroline Webb, Leadership coach and Author of How To Have A Good Day (New York)
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‘Neil Mullarkey has done the unthinkable: he's managed to write a book about improvisation and business that is devoid of cliches. As many of us know, the future of work will require great storytelling, adaptability and resilience - all features of skilled improvisors. “In the Moment” provides practical insights to unlock the creativity and innovation of your best self.’
Kelly Leonard, VP Creative Strategy, Innovation and Business Development, The Second City, Chicago
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‘Neil Mullarkey has written a splendid, highly original book, informed by improv comedy methods, of which he is a practicing master, on the positive use of communications to achieve the essential tasks of the organisation. He assembles a wonderful array of anecdotes and business stories, with great verve and wit, to lead the reader down innovative paths to better practice.’
Nigel Nicholson, Emeritus Professor of Organisational Behaviour, London Business School
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‘Neil Mullarkey’s insightful book combines the practice of improv with cutting edge ideas from the behavioral sciences to illustrate what it takes to communicate – and learn – more effectively. Whether you’re seeking to connect with or influence a co-worker, feel more credible and confident in a presentation, or step up to lead in a new situation, this book will arm you with the tools you need in the moment.’
Herminia Ibarra, The Charles Handy Professor of Organisational Behaviour, London Business School
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‘Unleash your improv mindset and master the art of moving everyone forward. Neil Mullarkey has written a masterpiece on how to improve your spontaneity to increase momentum at work.’
Mark Bowden, Communication coach to Fortune 500 CEOs and G7 Leaders and author (Canada)
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‘Mullarkey offers an overdue update on Cicero’s “Oh, the times” rallying call, encouraging businesses to embrace “Oh, the moment!”. If you want to have (or keep) a future in work then this is a book that demands to be kept within arm’s reach.’
Steve Martin, Faculty Director, Columbia Business School Exec, Ed., and CEO Influence At Work (UK)
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‘This fascinating book shows you how being “in the moment” can transform your ability to connect with people and be creative. Brilliantly explained by a world expert in communication and comedy. Amazing in its simplicity and brilliance, packed with practical tips and fascinating insights. A game-changer for success in business.’
Graham Shaw, Award-winning author and speaker coach
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‘Neil worked with the GB women’s hockey squad and took us completely out of our comfort zone. We learnt important things about ourselves. We laughed, we cried and we laughed some more, all the while learning to be better teammates. He has such incredibly diverse experiences and so many brilliant stories to bring his points to life.’
Kate Richardson-Walsh & Helen Richardson-Walsh OLY MBE, Olympic Hockey Gold Medallists
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‘Stop! You need this book! At a time when it seems the world is doing everything to stop you being in the moment, this book is a vital tool to keep you in the now. Some of us like to plan. Some of us like to be spontaneous. Once you've mastered both, there is no stopping you. Neil was my first improv teacher. Let him inspire you to greatness.’
Pippa Evans, Actor, writer, author of ‘Improv Your Life’, Co-founder of Sunday Assembly, musical comedian, conference organiser, fun-time mum
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‘Neil has written a stirring playbook for personal growth, and for the post-COVID world of work and leadership. The ease, clarity and depth with which he discusses subjects such as cognitive diversity, culture, creativity, leadership and strategy will rewire your thinking and vocabulary for good. He uses what he does best - Improv - to help you navigate what is an increasingly unfamiliar world with challenges not previously known or tackled. This book deserves a permanent spot on your workstation."
Asad Ur Rehman, Ex-Unilever Director Media and Digital Hubs (Dubai)
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‘Neil Mullarkey is a highly accomplished comedian, but he is also a tremendously effective business coach. He uses the techniques of improv to cultivate better managers and boost morale in all sorts of organisations. This marvellous volume is a distillation of 20 years of workshops which have produced astonishing results for the participants. Whether it is about leadership, meetings, selling or hiring, Neil’s advice is always invaluable. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who wants to increase their productivity and enjoyment at work.’
Luke Johnson, Author and Entrepreneur
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‘Yes, And… this book will help every leader create momentum make the impact they they want’
Lesley Uren, Senior Client Partner and President, EMEA Consulting, Korn Ferry https://www.kornferry.com/
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‘In today's dynamic work environment, striking a delicate balance between structure and freedom is essential for success. It's a matter of planning versus spontaneity, order versus creativity. Neil's groundbreaking work brilliantly demonstrates how the art of improvisational theater offers the ideal fusion of these seemingly opposing forces. This masterpiece gives businesses and individuals the tools to seamlessly blend structure and creativity, unleashing untapped potential and heralding a new age of unprecedented accomplishment.’
Stephen Shapiro, Innovation expert, author of Invisible Solutions®
(Florida, USA)
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‘Listening, Offering, Collaborating...Bah!, a lot of soft skill hot air? But it's hot air that keeps my drive smooth on the bumpy corporate road. Improv has improved my daytime performance and night-time sleep. Thanks Neil!’
Dr Ashcan Shukla, Vice President - Apex Medical ServicesVice President - Apex Medical Services (Mumbai)
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‘Much like one of his frameworks, Neil presents his ideas as an offer for readers, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. It's interesting to reflect on how these concepts, traditionally associated with personal or artistic environments, can be applied to the business world. I definitely feel better equipped to handle unexpected situations and am more resilient in high-pressure moments. In my experience, the interpersonal and communicative skills that this book helps sharpen, are absolutely critical for business leaders to navigate complexities and manage teams.”
Doris Claesen, Ads Marketing Lead, APAC at Google, (Singapore)
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‘Neil Mullarkey is a master of his craft. He is educated, erudite and enthusiastic about how business can be better by using the soft skills associated with his comedy career. The book runs the full gamut of how to be better at business by understanding his communication model, derived from years at both the coalface of the Comedy Store and coaching commercial business. Mullarkey is such a valuable asset to business leaders that his book is a must read for anyone looking to learn, lead and laugh.’
Paul Boross MBE - Humourologist and Pitch Doctor
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‘Reading this book is like spending an evening with a fascinating and gifted storyteller, who shares invaluable insights in a way that has you nodding and laughing in recognition. Neil’s warm, conversational tone makes this book a joy to read. Neil draws upon a wealth of sources - from the Harvard Business Review to a study of freestyling rappers - and I found myself taking notes of phrases I want to share with others or keep to hand. Learning about the theory and tenets of improv gives you fantastic tools for life (in the same way that learning to cook is not exclusively relevant for aspiring chefs). It’s delicious to imagine a corporate world in which all of Neil’s insights and tips are heeded and acted upon; where we all approach the world with a “yes and…” mindset.’
Sarah Nelson Smith, Global Head of Corporate & Commercial, Legal at Booking.Com
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‘This book is admirably easy to read. I have had many a LAGER with Neil Mullarkey while teaching Leadership at Oxford but not a drop passed our lips. LAGER works to get people thinking, communicating and improvising. In a world moving at pace and in unpredictable directions, improvisation is an essential leadership capability in its own right. Neil is a master and he has set out the principles for us all in this book. Read it and learn its lessons!’
Dr David Pendleton, Professor in Leadership, Henley Business School, University of Reading
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‘What a wonderful idea for a book! An amazingly eclectic, thought-provoking and above all, useful book. Who would have known that the best leaders have been applying the principles of Improv? Listen well, don’t be fazed by the unexpected, accept offers, react positively… the list goes on. There is something for everyone in Neil’s great book, one that I’ll pick up time and time again.’
Andrew Cross, Professor of Practice, Hult EF
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‘Your workshop inspired me to risk winning in the way I communicate. It has opened so many doors for me. This book has everything. It shares a message we all need to hear about leadership in the moment and in virtual times. We should risk winning if we are to build the world we all want to live in.’
Dr Jacqui Taylor, Founder, CEO, FlyingBinary #15 most influential woman in UK Technology, Top 21 Most Inspiring Women in Cyber global
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‘Neil Mullarkey is the master of the moment and this book weaves together his planet-sized brain and funny bones with uber practical ideas to bring Comedy Store style magic to the previously mundane. Love it! Super interesting. Bravo!’
Caroline Goyder, Author of Gravitas
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‘There are no three greater skills in life than confidence, communication and creativity, and no better person than Neil to help you master them.’
Luke Manning, Head of LSEG Foundation (London Stock Exchange Group)
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‘With an eye for the absurd, Neil’s analysis of today’s corporations is spot on and so is his advice on how to make them work for you. Take more than a moment to enjoy and learn from Neil’s decades worth of real life experience.’
Steve McDermott, Founder of The Confident Club and author of “How to be a complete and utter f**k up”
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‘Neil Mullarkey is the king of communication. What a clever b**t**d! With “In the Moment” you’ll laugh and learn so much, you’ll want to meet actual people again. The king of comedy shares how to become the ruler rapport. You’ll be better at communication, comprehension and life by reading this brilliant book.’
Michael Heppell, Author, Speaker, Coach
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‘This is a highly engaging and elegantly written book in which Neil walks the reader through how he developed and understood his improv practice and applied it to the world of work. He recognises and discusses the tension between structure and spontaneity and offers some great practical tools and techniques for the reader to improve their own practice, whatever it is they do.’
Dr Graham Curtis, Roffey Park Institute
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‘The higher you go the more you need improv, an essential life skill. This is a must-read if you want to thrive in the C-suite.’
Dave Allen, Founder of Brandpie, Purpose Driven Transformation Expert
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‘I met Neil years ago through ‘serendipity’ which, as he clarifies is not luck, it’s paying attention. This book is proof of how improv can work in daily life to actively create futures. Pasteur said chance favours the prepared mind. Neil’s book will prepare yours, offering ways to create the right kind of momentum.’
Annie Pye, Professor (Emerita) Cardiff Business School
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‘The book is great fun. The warmth, wisdom and wonder of Neil Mullarkey radiate out from every page of this entertaining, inspiring and rigorously researched book. If you want to be your best, buy this book!’
Simon Lancaster, Speechwriter and author of “Connect! How to inspire, influence & energise anyone, anywhere, any time.”
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‘I was so lucky to meet Neil during his eye-opening session at London Business School, where he shared many best practices. This book gives powerful 360-degree perspectives for each and everyone (including Generation Z)!’
Erwin Parengkuan, Founder & CEO of TALKINC, professional certified coach (Indonesia)
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‘What a great book! I loved reading it. So many practical tips to become better at “being you”, let alone being a better leader. I have long believed in the power of bringing mindsets and behaviours from the theatre into business. Neil’s book powerfully reinforces why. It is a brilliantly written insight into the infinite transferability of mindsets & skills from one domain to another. A must read for anyone wanting to enhance their personal impact.’
Peter Attfield, Chief Talent & Learning Officer, Jardine Matheson Ltd (Hong Kong)
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‘Neil has a super way with the words. Sharpen your ability to collaborate, communicate and create at work with his fascinating book.’
Sophie Devonshire, Chief Executive, The Marketing Society
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‘There is no better mentor for the moment than the magnificent Neil Mullarkey. Neil writes as clearly, concisely and incisively as he speaks. The result is a menu of practical ideas that you can select as you wish to boost your esteem, presentation skills and creative powers. Yes And …it’s fun too!’
Brendan Barns, Founder, London Business Forum
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‘I don’t normally read books like this, but I started reading this one… and then I carried on and on. He talks so much sense and he makes me laugh.’
Heidi Mottram, Chief Executive, Northumbrian Water Group
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‘A fabulous quiver of practical tools for the business executive of any level – a great reminder to listen, experiment and empower.’
Tom Gathercole, Head of EMEA & EVP, Aircastle (Ireland) Limited
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‘Outstandingly written, thought-provoking and hugely transferable into daily life for business professionals.’
Simon Ewins, Managing Director, Premier Inn/Whitbread UK Hotels & Restaurants, Whitbread PLC
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‘Ever wondered what improv comedy can offer the world of organisations and business? This learned and amusing book has many answers, with a unique Mullarkey blend of stories and research.’
Paul Z Jackson, Director, The Solutions Focus, co-founder and long-time President of the Applied Improvisation Network
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‘It’s brilliant! I particularly like the chapter on collaboration… What makes this book so good is that it’s genuinely enjoyable! Easily digestible, it provides a mix of great hints and tips with case studies and I feel that I am having a conversation. LASER is a great tool but this book works because it combines science with humanity and appeals to all of my senses.’
Joanna Causon, CEO, The Institute of Customer Service
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‘Neil’s improv techniques were one of my Master’s highlights. They bring flexibility to corporate strategy and strengthen human connections as our work paradigm shifts.
Jesús Fernández Muñoz, London Business School Sloan Master’s Alumnus, Principal Office in Europe, Inter-American Development Bank (Madrid)
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‘“In The Moment” is a “must-read’ for anyone leading or managing. Neil is entertaining and practical in equal measure. Some insights will make you stop and question, balanced with real examples and tools (in his Toolboxes) that you can use yourself. I love the book. A timely reminder for all.’
Malcolm Brown, Chief Executive Officer, Angel Trains Limited
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‘Neil impressed me deeply with the training session he did. His book, ”In The Moment” enlightened me at a different level. I had wondered how he found the energy, the power, to fuel his professional spirit. Now I have found it in this book. It is a practical way to exercise the principle of Immanuel Kant, “all ways treat your own humanity and others as an end, not as a means.” Readers will greatly benefit from the ideas and skills shared in this wonderful book.’
刘永强 Yong Qiang Liu, Senior Consultant at OXYGY, Beijing, China
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“improv teaches interpersonal skills which ChatGPT can’t do; and which are even more necessary now that ever.”
Vanessa Liu Co-Founder and CEO of Sugarwork
Harvard Alumni Association Past President
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‘Like a Swiss Army Knife™ for business, Mullarkey's methods are effective at utilizing human potential by maximizing irreplaceable soft skills that Al cannot replicate. A very smart book!’
Veronika Elsener, Chief Marketing Officer at Victorinox, (Switzerland)
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‘Erudite, practical and entertaining, In The Moment is a “must-read” for public sector leaders seeking tips on how to influence authentically.’
Kathryn Perera, Director, NHS Horizons
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‘Discover the full importance of human ingenuity and relationships at work. Neil’s unique approach makes this both a fun and insightful read.’
Ben Renshaw, Author of LoveWork & How to be a CEO