We provide practical business training in effective, affordable (and fun!) formats

We combine proven learning strategies with improv comedy techniques to help businesses across industries solve common organizational challenges in creative ways.

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Dave Collins, Founder + CEO

Dave is a nationally recognized trainer, facilitator and speaker. He is the founder and CEO of Oak and Reeds, which offers practical communication training to clients including Lyft, Nike, CBRE, the Kellogg School of Management, and more.

Previously, Dave worked at AECOM Strategy Plus, where he developed workplace strategy, change management and virtual collaboration services for government, technology and university clients.

Dave is also an accomplished improvisor. Along with his teammates, he won the National Collegiate Improv Tournament, has headlined shows and festivals across the country, and coached hundreds of people in the art of improvised comedy.

Dave graduated from Northwestern University with a B.A. in Communications and currently resides in Castro Valley, CA with his wife, Catrina.

(415) 851–4625
info@oakandreeds.com

““The whole progression of activities was the best presentation I have seen on improv for non-comedians.”

— Medical Director, Dignity Health

Aesop’s fable: The Oak and the Reeds

The story behind the name

The name Oak and Reeds comes from a classic Aesop’s fable.

“A severe storm passed through a riverbank, uprooting an oak tree. The oak tree fell into the water among the reeds and said to them, “How is it that you, who are so frail and slender, have managed to weather the storm, while I, with all my strength, was knocked over?”

The reeds replied, “You were stubborn, and fought against a storm that was stronger than you. But we bend and flex with every breeze, so the storm passed harmlessly over us.”

Oak and Reeds helps the people who make up some of the strongest organizations in the world be flexible and resilient, even in the toughest of storms.

Oak and Reeds in the Media

Dave Collins: Founder of Oak And Reeds

Dave Collins shares his wisdom on The Business Blast Podcast! This episode is brought to you by Authors Unite, which provides information and insight for authors.

Creative Interview Questions

Gwen Moran interviews Dave about creative techniques to find the best talent.

Values-Based Coaching in the NBA

Dave Collins writes about two of the most successful coaches in the NBA and how they do it: Steve Kerr and Gregg Popovich.

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Dave Collins shares ways to use improv to create more productive collaborations at work

Starting a Company Based on Improv

Northwestern Alum, Dave Collins, discusses the profound impact that his work in student theater and improv groups on Northwestern campus have had on his personal professional development, as well as on his career as a whole.

Tips to Effectively Manage a Remote Team

Dave Collins provides guidance on how to effectively manage a remote team.

Embrace the Benefits of Remote Work

Dave Collins shares tips on how to reflect company values through virtual work behaviors.

Are We Really Ready to Go Back to Work?

Alexandra Levit, interviews Dave Collins about the advantages and potential pitfalls of working from home.

The Round Table Talk Show

Sharifah Hardie interviews Dave about his passion for training and facilitation.

2018 Dallas Comedy Festival Interview

Marcus Blake from That Nerd Show interviews Improv Group Jackson Soup (Pamela Hawley and Dave Collins) about their improv careers.

How Improvisation Acting Techniques Can Help Company Culture

Dave explains the role improv plays in business success, the “yes, and” approach, the impact of communication on the growth of an individual and organizations, and how to improve your communication skills.

How to hire better people faster

Dave shares his expertise on how to add more value and structure to the interview process.

“5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Started My Business”

Parveen Panwar interviews Dave Collins for Authority Magazine´s series called "5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Began Leading My Company".

Dave Collins: General Assembly Instructor

This article shares bits of Dave´s background and career.

Short Life Lessons From Dave Collins

World Class Performer is an independent online magazine that features the world´s top performers. Dave Collins shares bits of personal and professional advice from his career.

Fixing a Physics Culture Problem

Dave Collins shares ideas on how to improve the diversity of physics department hiring pipelines.

Team Leaders Share Their Top Strategies for Improving Team Collaboration

Dave Collins shares his take on how to use “yes, and” thinking to improve team collaboration.

6 ways to get ahead when you never see your boss in person

Business to Business is the leading business publication for the bold and ambitious. Dave Collins offers a tip on what to do when your traditional mentor is no longer physically around.