Why Business Leaders Need to Think Like Actors: Authenticity and Influence

Jan de Vries · 2026-07-28

What if the secret to commanding a boardroom is the same as commanding a stage? Matt Zina, an award-winning acting coach, talent agent, and peak performance speaker, thinks so. With over two decades in the industry and a resume that includes acting credits on shows like *Heartbeat* and *Emmerdale*, Zina has built his career teaching people how to perform under pressure. He's the founder of Matt Zina Acting and the creator of the Trinity Acting Method, a technique used internationally. In this exclusive interview, Zina shares why emotion drives action, what leaders can learn from actors, and why authenticity is your most powerful tool for influence in 2026. ### What Authenticity Really Looks Like Zina's definition of authenticity is refreshingly human. It's not about polished perfection. It's about being real, even when it's messy. "In 2026, authenticity is everything," Zina says. "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's a stark contrast to the old school approach of presenting slides to the back of the room and expecting everyone to listen. Communication has changed, and leaders need to adapt. When you're authentic, people lean in. When you're perfect, they tune out. > “Emotions drive actions. You’ve got to get people to feel something first.” This isn't just a nice idea. It's grounded in the work of Konstantin Stanislavski, the grandfather of modern acting technique. He discovered that when actors were truthful in their performances, audiences had a much deeper emotional experience. The same principle applies to business. If you want to move people, you have to make them feel something. ### The Skills Leaders Can Steal from Actors Here's the uncomfortable truth: if you're a business leader, you're already on stage. The question is whether you're performing well. Zina's advice is direct. "Actors are business leaders," he says. "I have to tell actors constantly, 'Look, you are a business. You're a business leader.'" The actors who understand this quickly do well. They market themselves, maintain a constant presence on social media, and communicate effectively. Many business leaders, however, resist this idea. They see themselves as above personal branding or social media. Zina calls this a mistake. "The biggest source of influence at the minute, whether we like it or not, is social media," he explains. Leaders who ignore it are leaving influence on the table. ### How to Build Presence and Influence If you're ready to step into the spotlight, here are a few takeaways from Zina's approach: - **Embrace imperfection.** People trust humans, not robots. A small stumble can actually make you more relatable. - **Focus on emotion first.** Before you try to convince anyone with logic, make them feel something. Emotion is the gateway to action. - **Be a constant presence.** You can't influence people if they can't find you. Show up regularly, whether that's on social media or in person. - **Treat yourself like a business.** You are your own brand. Market yourself with the same intention you'd bring to any product. ### The Bottom Line on Authentic Leadership Authenticity isn't about being perfect. It's about being present, being human, and being willing to connect on a deeper level. When you do that, you don't just get attention. You earn trust. And trust is what changes minds and inspires action. So, the next time you step up to present, think like an actor. Prepare, yes. But leave room for the real you to show up. That's where the magic happens.