The making of a leader

Some IMEX America speakers bring deep technical expertise. Others offer lived experience and powerful, often fantastical stories. Duncan Fisher , Chief Show Operations Officer at Cirque du Soleil, brings all of that—and more. 

A former gymnast and circus performer, Duncan never imagined he would one day oversee one of the world’s most complex entertainment organizations. In his early twenties, he and a group of friends left the UK with a comedy trampoline act. A chance to earn a few bucks on the side turned into helping the crew with tents and rigging.  

This became the spark that set his career in motion. 

Today, he directs show operations for Cirque du Soleil—a company renowned for its breathtaking artistry and meticulous organization. With 23 shows running worldwide, a workforce of 3700 people, including 1200 performers and more than 10 million audience members every year, Cirque embodies imagination, artistry, discipline and superlative human performance. 

And Duncan’s philosophy of leadership? It rests on three essentials: chemistry, creativity, and customer experience. 

The circus, redefined 

“I want to change the way people use the phrase ‘It’s like a circus,’” Duncan explains. “For us, it means one of the most organized companies in the world. Our people’s lives are literally in each other’s hands. Run like a circus should mean pride, precision, and exceptional quality.” 

Behind the costumes and acrobatics lies meticulous preparation. One of his mentors put it bluntly: “Make sure you plan for when the unexpected happens. Build that in.” 

For Duncan, that means putting ‘time in the bank’—getting ahead of schedule where possible and taking small steps forward in the face of daunting challenges. “Don’t panic. Break the big issue down into micro steps. Preparation is everything.” 

Mentors and mindset shifts 

Two former bosses shaped Duncan’s path: Cedric Walker, founder of UniverSoul Circus, and Douglas Logan, a veteran sports and entertainment leader. Both were several steps ahead in their careers; always–and still–challenging him to think bigger.  “That’s what you want in a mentor,” Duncan says. “Someone who’s been where you are, understands your position, and embodies where you want to go. Hold on to them. Keep people like that close.” 

He also credits inspiration from the bookshelf. The Art of Action by Steven Bungay and Team of Teams by General Stanley McChrystal gave him frameworks for leading large, complex organizations. 

“These books, especially Team of Teams, mirror how Cirque runs,” he says. “We might have managers in Korea, Prague, Melbourne, and Miami—all on one call and I’m asking, ‘Is there anything we should know?’ Communication is everything. We give autonomy in the field, but leaders must be crystal clear about the outcome and their why. In my view, leaders should describe what they're looking for, not the method for getting there. Otherwise, it slips into micromanagement, and that doesn’t work.” 

Leadership at Cirque 

Cirque hires more Olympians than any other company in the world. Human performance sits at the core of its operational and entertainment excellence. But Duncan points out that the extravaganza of costumes and production is just the wrapping paper. The real gift is relentless innovation. 

Later this year in Berlin, Cirque will premiere its first European resident show—mixing illusion and acrobatics in what he calls an “acro-magic show.” “In Alize, our acrobats defy not only gravity but the entire laws of physics as bodies vanish, reappear and move in slow motion, blurring the line between live performance and cinematic illusion.” 

And yet, he insists, some principles never change. “Yes, audiences now expect digital touchpoints, pre-show journeys, and a full, enriched experience, whereas 15 or 20 years ago it was simply the show, the beer, the popcorn. But the basics remain: look after your fans, listen to them, and always make sure the parking lot runs smoothly!” 

Inspiration as mission 

At its heart, Cirque’s mission is simple: to inspire. “We want people to leave our shows believing anything’s possible,” Duncan says. “That feeling you take home with you—that’s what we’re all about.” 

For leaders—especially event and experience designers—his message resonates: prepare meticulously, mentor intentionally, communicate constantly, and inspire relentlessly.  

Why hear Duncan at IMEX America? 

Duncan’s story is more than behind-the-scenes glamor. It’s a masterclass in leading through complexity, building trust, and staying creative under pressure. 

If you want to rethink your leadership style, sharpen your team chemistry, or discover what it really takes to “run like a circus,” don’t miss his session with Holly Ransom on October 8 at IMEX America, Mandalay Bay, October 7–9, 2025. 

Register now

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