Stepping Into a Different World: What Acting Taught Me About Leadership as an Engineer.

Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to step into a space far removed from construction sites, technical reports and robust assurance processes . I attended acting lessons at a renowned performing arts school, the American Academy of Dramatic Arts AADA one affiliated with Hollywood icons and multiple OSCARS, Emmy and Tony Award winning alumni.

Walking into that room as an engineer felt both surreal and refreshing. I found myself exploring human emotion in a way I hadn’t tapped into for years. It was a completely different rhythm, yet deeply enriching.

What surprised me most was how naturally acting aligns with coaching and leadership. Acting isn’t just about performing; it’s about listening, connecting, and responding authentically. It teaches emotional intelligence, empathy, confidence, and clarity skills that are central to effective coaching, public speaking, mentoring, and even stakeholder engagement in the engineering world.

In many ways, acting is the art of being fully present, and that presence is something every leader, engineer, and coach can benefit from. I’ve had the opportunity to work across different industries and fields, with each role requiring me to tailor my leadership style in a way that often feels like I’m portraying a character.

The acting sessions reminded me of a younger version of myself, born and raised in Nigeria, who once dreamed of becoming an actor—standing under bright lights and bringing stories to life. Life took me down a different path, one filled with construction, innovation, and problem-solving. This version of myself is happy and grateful to contribute to the delivery of a major transport infrastructure project. While that childhood curiosity still flickers, I am genuinely happy and content with the career and sense of purpose I have today.

Stepping briefly into the world of acting reminded me that we are multi-layered human beings, capable of reinventing and enriching ourselves at any stage. And sometimes, exploring a different world even for a moment helps us return to our own with renewed clarity and inspiration.