Think Like an Actor: Matt Zina on Authenticity and Influence

Jan de Vries · 2026-07-28

### Why Authenticity Is the New Leadership Superpower In an era where audiences are more skeptical and distracted than ever, the ability to communicate authentically has become a critical leadership skill. Award-winning acting coach and peak performance speaker Matt Zina has spent over two decades helping actors and senior executives master this art. In this exclusive interview, he reveals why emotion drives action, what business leaders can learn from actors, and how being real can transform your influence. ### The Real Meaning of Authenticity Zina, founder of Matt Zina Acting and creator of the Trinity Acting Method, says that authenticity isn't about polished perfection. It's about being human. "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," he explains. This willingness to show vulnerability builds deeper connections with your audience. He contrasts this with the traditional presentation style—standing at the back of the room, clicking through slides, and expecting attention from start to finish. That approach no longer works. "Communication has changed, and we need to adapt to that," Zina says. "We need to work harder on being authentic. It genuinely connects more deeply with the person you're presenting to." ### Emotions Drive Actions Why does authenticity matter so much? Zina points to the fundamental principle that emotions drive actions. If you want your audience to change their behavior or adopt your ideas, you must first make them feel something. He traces this back to Stanislavski, the Russian pioneer of realistic acting, who discovered that when performers were authentic on stage, audiences had far more profound emotional experiences. The same applies to business presentations. If your audience doesn't lean in emotionally, they won't change anything about themselves. "Unless people lean into you and have an emotional experience, they will never change anything," Zina emphasizes. ### What Actors Can Teach Business Leaders Zina, who also works as a talent agent, sees a direct parallel between actors and business leaders. "Actors are business leaders," he says. "I have to tell actors constantly, 'Look, you are a business.'" The ones who succeed are those who market themselves, maintain a strong social media presence, and communicate effectively. Yet many actors—and many executives—resist this idea. They see themselves as above personal branding. But Zina warns that in 2026, influence has changed. "The biggest source of influence at the minute, whether we like it or not, is social media," he notes. Leaders who ignore this are missing out on a powerful tool to build trust and visibility. ### Practical Takeaways for Leaders So how can you apply these insights? Here are a few actionable steps: - **Embrace imperfection**: Don't hide your mistakes. Acknowledge them with humor and move on. It makes you relatable. - **Focus on emotion**: Before you present, ask yourself: What do I want my audience to feel? Then design your message to elicit that emotion. - **Build a personal brand**: Whether you like it or not, your online presence shapes your influence. Show up consistently and authentically. - **Practice presence**: Like an actor, rehearse your delivery. But leave room for spontaneity—that's where authenticity lives. ### The Bottom Line Authenticity isn't just a nice-to-have; it's a competitive advantage. By thinking like an actor, you can connect more deeply, earn trust, and inspire real change. As Zina puts it, "Emotions drive actions. You've got to get people to feel something first." Whether you're leading a team, pitching to investors, or delivering a keynote, the principles are the same: be real, be present, and put emotion at the center of your communication.