Inbound

September 16, 2025

What Amy Poehler Taught Us About Creative Confidence at INBOUND 2025

In an industry where everyone is chasing certainty, Amy Poehler reminded us that some of the best decisions are made in the unknown. At INBOUND 2025, the actress and founder of Paper Kite Productions joined Dr. Maya Shankar (cognitive scientist and podcast creator) to explore how improv, collaboration, and creative risk-taking can lead to more resilient teams and more meaningful work.

START BEFORE YOU’RE READY

Action beats overthinking every single time. One of Poehler’s biggest takeaways was pretty straightforward: just start.

“Perfection or the anticipation of rejection can really get in the way of just getting things done.” — Amy Poehler

Overthinking often disguises itself as planning, when really, it’s fear dressed up in a to-do list. Her advice? Stop waiting for the perfect conditions, because clarity often comes after you begin, not before.

She pointed out that the first draft, first pitch, or first try is never supposed to be flawless; it’s supposed to get you moving. And in that movement, you’ll uncover the insights and confidence you couldn’t access by sitting still.

CREATE WHAT YOU CAN’T FIND

Poehler didn’t jump into podcasting because it was trendy. She created Good Hang because she couldn’t find the kind of show she wanted to hear: something light, funny, and honest. “I don’t think there’s something like it right now... I’m looking for this. I can’t find it," Poehler remarked.

So she built it. She explained that the creative process often begins with noticing what’s missing and less about chasing markets. And she didn’t do it alone. She leaned on trusted collaborators who shared her vision and could help bring it to life.

If you can’t find what you’re looking for, listen to your instincts and don't be afraid to make it yourself. And be surrounded with the people who make the work fun and sustainable.

BIG SWINGS ARE WORTH IT

Poehler made it clear she’s not interested in playing small.

“Sometimes the audacity of big swings is exciting. Playing small... staying close to our comfort zone...I understand that, but the excitement of a big swing is thrilling to me.” — Amy Poehler

She encouraged the audience to embrace discomfort, because it usually means you’re on the edge of something worth doing. Fear will always be part of the process and she admitted it whispers the worst things in our ear.

“Fear of failure is a real jerk... and it whispers to us that people aren’t going to like it. And even worse, people aren’t going to like you,” Poehler shared.

Her trick? Reframe nerves as excitement. Treat the sweaty palms and pounding heart as signs that you’re doing something important. Big swings come with risk, but they also carry the potential for big rewards.

COLLABORATION IS THE REAL PRODUCT

Again and again, Poehler came back to one central theme: it’s all about the people you work with.

“A good team beats a good idea any day.” — Amy Poehler

Ideas come and go, but teams are what carry them across the finish line. Poehler stressed that you don’t just want smart people; you want kind, collaborative people. Culture eats strategy for breakfast, and the energy of your team determines whether the work thrives or fizzles.

“Being a good person to work with is very important… You want to work with people who made you feel a certain way,” she added.

Leaders need to create spaces where people feel safe to share ideas, where respect is the default, and where collaboration feels energizing rather than draining. Great ideas matter, but great teams make them real.

REDEFINING BALANCE

Poehler closed with a metaphor on how she chooses to look at balance: “I used to picture my life like a refrigerator... If I put three magnets on the fridge a day, I was in good shape.”

Each magnet stood for something important: family, work, health, friendship, spirituality. Most days, not all of them make it onto the fridge, and that’s okay. You don’t have to do everything at once; balance is about knowing what matters most today, and letting that be enough.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Amy Poehler’s time on stage was proof that leadership doesn’t have to be rigid or intimidating. It can be flexible, collaborative, and even fun.

“Wouldn’t it be cool if there was this podcast that felt like it was this casual, fun conversation that helped us escape what is right now a very challenging and combative landscape?”

That’s exactly what she created with Good Hang. And it’s the spirit she brought to INBOUND 2025: honest, approachable, and full of heart. For leaders and creators alike, trust yourself, find the right people, and don’t be afraid to start before you’re ready

Because at the end of the day, work isn’t just about output or performance. It’s about how we make people feel, how we choose to show up, and the energy we put into the room. Poehler reminded us that those things are every bit as strategic as KPIs and deadlines and infinitely more lasting.