85. Tom Hughes, Actor, Consultant and Coach

Show Notes:

Tom Hughes initially planned to pursue an MD, PhD, and work on multiple sclerosis, but decided against it due to his poor chemistry skills. Instead, he focused on being an English professor, inspired by his father, who had been an English professor.

During his senior year, his brother joined him and encouraged him to pursue his passion for acting. Tom auditioned for two of his favorite plays, The Lion in Winter and The Foreigner, and was cast in both of them. This was a rare moment in life where everything fell in his direction, and he was cast in all of the shows he auditioned for.

He then decided to focus on his English major and thesis work.

Tom recounts his journey from being a singer in The Pudding to auditioning for a production of Dangerous Liaisons. He was inspired by his love for theater and the Utah Shakespeare Festival, which he had attended every year with his family. After graduation, he moved to New York and started working off Broadway. He auditioned for Harvard's ART Institute and  moved back to Cambridge. In between these years, he met a woman, got engaged and married. They moved back to New York, and Tom continued auditioning and getting small film gigs. He went back to Columbia for a master's degree in organizational organizational psychology, which eventually led to a position at Booz Allen consulting firm. Tom moved on and worked for Duke corporate education for seven years before moving to the Carlsbad California office. They stayed there for another three years before being laid off during a downsizing. This led to establishing his own business, he partnered with another friend and colleague to form a small consulting firm, and this is their 11th year working for themselves. 

A Conversation about a Theatrical Background

Tom discusses his avocation in the theater, mentioning his father's audiobook recording as a fun outlet. He directed one show and a radio show version of It's a Wonderful Life, but he found this was not for him and decided to stay with acting. Tom’s wife is actively involved with the theater, and Tom talks about how she worked on a show during COVID-19 restrictions; this led to a part for Tom which led to directing a radio show. 

Tom finds the theater experience enjoyable and has worked with amazing people and talented people in the community. He believes that the experience should be about the show rather than the social aspect. 

 

Community Theater vs. Professional Theater

Tom talks about the difference between community theater and professional theater which are two distinct aspects of the arts. Community theater is about the community, where friends perform for the benefit of the community, rather than aiming to become Hollywood stars. Professional theaters are more prepared, have worked before, and have more rehearsal time. They come with a different tool set, such as singers, actors, and professionals who know their craft. In community theaters, people often don't even write down their blocking notes, which can be frustrating for those who don't have the time to practice. Professional theaters have a dedicated team, preparing and working on their craft, and have more time for rehearsal. They also have a better tool set, such as experts in their craft.

Mental Models and Acting

Tom discusses his mental models and how his way of thinking changed from a junior in college to pursuing theater professionally. He shares two key lessons: the importance of listening and being present for others, which is crucial for success in the industry. He shares a conversation with a colleague about a famous breakup in Hollywood and how it can be difficult to stay faithful without falling in love when playing an intensely romantic role with an attractive actor. 

He also shares a lesson from a classmate, Glenn Kessler, who taught him that no way of working is always right. There is no style, approach, or version of oneself that will be right everywhere. Being a professional means doing what the job calls for, and it is freeing to feel like an asset and get rewarded for it.

Acting Coach and Consultant

Tom talks about his work as an acting coach and developing listening skills. In group settings, such as meetings, online learning, and virtual meetings, listening is crucial for effective communication. However, many people are not paying attention to others, leading to unsatisfying experiences and hindering learning. In coaching, listening and reflecting are essential for helping individuals think through their thoughts. Practicing listening and turning off the "I'm planning my response mechanism" can help create a more authentic and engaging interaction with the audience. By practicing and hearing people, one can create a more authentic and memorable experience for both the actor and the audience. 

Tom started his consulting practice with a partner, Jared Blake, a Harvard EDD. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he and Blake started working independently, but later reconnected and decided to work together. They formed an entity and started marketing together, serving well-known brands like Nike. They both teach for various schools, including corporate education and the Texas A&M Executive Education program. They also provide individual coaching and advisory work on leadership development and coaching for clients.

Influential Courses and Professors at Harvard

Tom shares his experiences with courses and professors that have shaped his life. He mentions his experience in an organic chemistry course, where he was told that it probably wasn’t for him.  He also took a class from Joe Harris on Norse mythology. He was also accepted into a graduate seminar with Barbara Lewalski, who was a brilliant and challenging professor. Tom also talks about his experience working in law as an undergraduate, and why he decided this path was not for him after working on a murder case. 

Timestamps:

02:31 Acting career and personal life

09:49 Career transitions and theater involvement

15:29 Professional vs. community theater experiences

21:04 Acting techniques and personal growth

26:32 Active listening and its importance in professional settings

31:45 Career transition and leadership development with a Harvard MBA

35:45 Academic experiences and career choices

41:28 Legal system, theater, and personal experiences

Links:

Website: www.appianleadership.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-hughes-5955a7/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/appian_leadership/

Utah Shakespeare Festival: https://www.bard.org/