From Stage to Strategy: How Improv Shaped a Financial Career (Ep. 71)

What happens when a strategy manager steps off the spreadsheet and into the spotlight? In this uplifting episode, Nicole Romito sits down with Private Vista’s own Michael Im, whose surprising love for performance arts like improv, acting, and choir has quietly shaped his approach to leadership, communication, and empathy in finance.

Michael shares how growing up in a creative Korean American household led him to karaoke nights, improv rooms, and eventually dramatic acting classes in Chicago. But this isn’t just about art. It’s about how performance challenges, emotional vulnerability, and active listening skills transfer powerfully into professional life. Whether it’s running strategic operations or connecting with clients, Michael’s creative lens offers a refreshing take on what it means to be fully human in the finance world.

What to expect in this episode:

• How improv helped Michael build confidence and communication skills
• Why singing in a choir taught him more than just harmony
• The emotional intelligence behind acting and strategic planning
• The value of showing up authentically (even if you’re off-key)

Connect with Nicole Romito: 

• LinkedIn: Nicole Romito
• MyPrivateVista.com
• [e-mail]
• Call: 312-831-4370

Connect with Michael Im:

• LinkedIn: Michael Im
• MyPrivateVista.com

About Our Guest:

Michael Im is the Strategy Manager at Private Vista, where he helps streamline operations and empower advisors with more time for their clients. With a background in consulting and operations leadership, Michael also brings a unique creative edge shaped by his lifelong passion for performance arts.