Why Business Leaders Must Think Like Actors: Authenticity and Influence

Jan de Vries · 2026-07-28

This exclusive interview with Matt Zina was conducted by Tabish Ali of the Motivational Speakers Agency. Matt Zina is an award-winning acting coach, talent agent, and peak performance speaker who applies the discipline of screen acting to leadership, communication, and business. With over two decades of experience, he is the Founder and CEO of Matt Zina Acting and creator of the internationally used Trinity Acting Method. A former professional actor with credits including Heartbeat, A Touch of Frost, and Emmerdale, Matt has built his career around helping people perform confidently under pressure. His work with actors and senior leaders gives him a distinct perspective on authentic communication, camera presence, and the growing commercial value of a strong personal brand. In this interview, Matt explains why emotion drives action, what leaders can learn from actors, and how authenticity helps speakers earn attention, build trust, and change how audiences think. ### Why Authenticity Builds Authority Matt Zina says, "In 2026, authenticity is everything." But what does that look like? It's not about polished perfection. It's about being real. For example, if you stumble over your words during a presentation, you can laugh it off and keep going. That shows authenticity. Most people would be too scared to do that, but it connects more deeply with your audience. When people feel you're authentic, they lean in. They trust you. And trust is the foundation of authority. ### Emotions Drive Actions Matt emphasizes that emotions drive actions. If you want your audience to change their behavior, you need to make them feel something first. Stanislavski, the grandfather of acting technique, realized that authentic performances create emotional experiences for audiences. The same applies to business presentations. When you're genuine, your audience has an emotional response, and that leads to action. Without emotion, there's no change. ### What Leaders Can Learn from Actors Actors are business leaders. They market themselves, build a personal brand, and communicate effectively. Many business leaders avoid social media, thinking they're above it. But in 2026, influence comes from being visible and authentic. Actors know this. They connect with their audience and create a constant presence. Business leaders can do the same by embracing their personal brand and using it to build influence. ### Practical Tips for Authentic Communication - **Be vulnerable**: Show your mistakes. It makes you relatable. - **Focus on emotion**: Connect with your audience's feelings, not just their logic. - **Adapt to change**: Communication has evolved. You need to work harder to be authentic. - **Use storytelling**: Like actors, use stories to create emotional engagement. ### The Power of a Personal Brand Matt Zina explains that a strong personal brand is commercially valuable. It's not just about being famous; it's about being trusted. When you're authentic, people remember you. They want to work with you. That's why business leaders should think like actors. They need to perform, but in a way that's genuine and relatable. ### Conclusion Authenticity is not a soft skill; it's a strategic advantage. By learning from actors, business leaders can improve their presence, build trust, and drive change. The key is to be real, connect emotionally, and embrace your personal brand. That's how you earn attention and influence in today's world.