What Business Leaders Can Learn From Actors About Authenticity

Jan de Vries · 2026-07-28

In a world that's constantly pushing for perfection, authenticity has become a rare and powerful currency. Matt Zina, an award-winning acting coach and peak performance speaker, believes that leaders who embrace their imperfections can actually connect more deeply with their audiences and drive real change. In this exclusive interview, he shares why emotions drive actions and how the skills of an actor can transform your presence and influence. ### The Power of Authenticity Over Perfection Matt Zina has spent over two decades helping actors and senior leaders perform confidently under pressure. He's seen firsthand how the pursuit of perfection often gets in the way of genuine connection. In fact, he points out that authenticity isn't about flawless delivery—it's about being real, even when things don't go as planned. He gives a simple example: "It looks like people slipping over their words and then going, 'Oh, I need to put my teeth in,' laughing about it and getting on with it." That kind of vulnerability, he argues, is what makes people lean in. When you're authentic, you're not just presenting information—you're creating an emotional experience that resonates long after the presentation ends. ### Why Emotions Drive Actions One of the core principles Matt teaches is that emotions drive actions. It's a concept that goes back to Stanislavski, the grandfather of modern acting technique, who realized that when actors are fully present and authentic, audiences have a much deeper emotional response. The same applies to business communication. If you want your audience to change their behavior or adopt a new idea, you have to make them feel something first. Facts and figures alone won't do it. People remember how you made them feel, not just what you said. That's why authenticity is so important—it's the bridge between your message and your audience's willingness to act on it. ### Acting Skills Every Leader Should Master Matt Zina is also a talent agent, and he often tells actors they are business leaders in their own right. The ones who succeed are those who understand the importance of personal branding and consistent presence. The same is true for executives and entrepreneurs. Here are a few acting techniques that translate directly to business leadership: - **Presence**: Being fully in the room, not distracted by your phone or your own thoughts. - **Vulnerability**: Showing your human side, even if it means admitting a mistake. - **Adaptability**: Reading the room and adjusting your delivery in real time. - **Emotional range**: Using your voice and body language to convey passion and conviction. These skills help you build trust, earn attention, and influence the way people think. In 2026, influence is no longer about being the loudest voice in the room—it's about being the most authentic one. ### The Changing Nature of Influence Matt observes that many business leaders shy away from social media because they see themselves as above it. But he warns that this is a missed opportunity. "The biggest source of influence at the minute, whether we like it or not, is social media," he says. If you're not showing up where your audience is, you're leaving influence on the table. You don't have to be everywhere, but you do need to be somewhere. Pick one platform where your audience hangs out and commit to showing up consistently. Share your thoughts, your process, and even your setbacks. That's how you become a trusted voice in your industry. ### Putting Authenticity Into Practice So how do you start being more authentic today? Here are a few practical steps: - **Stop rehearsing every word**: It's okay to pause, stumble, and laugh at yourself. - **Tell a personal story**: Connect your message to a real experience. - **Ask for feedback**: Show that you value your audience's input. - **Show up consistently**: Whether it's on stage or on LinkedIn, be present. Remember, the goal isn't perfection—it's connection. When you let go of the need to be flawless, you open the door to real influence. And that's what truly drives change. ### Final Thoughts Matt Zina's insights remind us that business is as much about emotion as it is about logic. By thinking like an actor, you can become a more compelling speaker, a more relatable leader, and ultimately, a more influential person. So the next time you step up to present, don't hide your humanity. Embrace it. That's where your power lies. *This interview was conducted by Tabish Ali of the Motivational Speakers Agency.*