Humor In The C-Suite (Kate Davis)
Explore every episode of Humor In The C-Suite
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| 03 Dec 2024 | The Prankster with Colin Brook | 00:31:24 | |
In this engaging episode of "Humor in the C-Suite," host Kate Davis welcomes Colin Brook, an industry leader from Wika Instruments with an impressive career in engineering and management. Throughout the conversation, Colin reflects on how humor, when used thoughtfully, can disarm contentious situations and promote mutual respect among team members, regardless of geographical or generational differences. He shares amusing anecdotes, including his experiences with practical jokes and cultural misinterpretations, highlighting the importance of authenticity and levity in leadership. Key Takeaways:
Tune in to the full episode to explore how humor can transform work cultures and enhance organizational productivity when expertly woven into leadership styles. Stay tuned for more insightful episodes from "Humor in the C Suite," where laughter meets leadership. Additional Links & Resources:
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| 17 Dec 2024 | Melissa Hurley: "They Get To Go To Work" | 00:40:35 | |
In this episode of "Humor in the C Suite," host Kate Davis welcomes Melissa Hurley, VP of Learning and People Development at Bill Gosling Outsourcing, for an engaging conversation on how humor influences leadership and workplace culture. The episode kicks off with Kate's enthusiastic introduction of Melissa and a recount of how they met during a high-intensity leadership development weekend named "Outside the Wire." The experience involved military-style exercises, which taught Melissa and Kate invaluable lessons about teamwork, leadership, and, importantly, the use of humor under pressure. Key Takeaways:
"Laughter is a medicine. It's something you need in stressful times, sad times, and happy times." - Melissa Hurley Additional Links & Resources:
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| 28 Jan 2025 | Kate Davis: "The Power of Storytelling" | 00:12:13 | |
Welcome to the first episode of 2025 of "Humor in the C Suite," where host Kate Davis dives into the intersection of humor and leadership. As the new year unfolds, Kate reflects on the previous year’s episodes filled with insightful discussions from guests representing diverse industries such as publishing, construction, and economics. This episode marks a departure from tradition, as Kate chooses to fly solo, taking time to explore recurring themes from last year's interviews. Using personal storytelling as a central theme, Kate illustrates how these narratives foster strong connections and are instrumental in creating a shame-free work environment. Reflecting on personal stories and experiences, the episode provides practical advice on how to harness humor for better leadership and interpersonal connections. Key Takeaways:
"We all have that one story we retell over and over and over again... a shared moment allows us to bond. It takes us from transactional to human. That's what it's all about." Additional Links & Resources:
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| 11 Feb 2025 | Heather Tolley-Bauer: "Can I Say That?" | 00:30:30 | |
Welcome to another engaging episode of Humor in the C Suite with your host, Kate Davis, featuring the vibrant Heather Tolley-Bauer. This captivating episode unfolds Heather's fascinating journey from a banking executive in PR to a stand-up comedian, as she shares rich anecdotes and pearls of wisdom on using humor as a transformative tool in leadership. With laughter and insight, Heather demonstrates how humor can bridge gaps, improve communication, and foster a vibrant work culture that promotes collaboration and innovation. Key Takeaways:
"Problems can be solved or created by communications. Good communication solves problems; bad communications create problems." Additional Links & Resources:
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| 25 Feb 2025 | Sara Schulting Kranz: "The Grand Canyon" | 00:38:16 | |
In this episode of "Humor in the C Suite," host Kate Davis introduces Sara Schulting Kranz, renowned author, speaker, and executive coach. Sara shares her compelling journey of personal transformation, following a life-altering trauma. The episode unfolds her innovative approaches to leadership coaching, where she integrates her experiences into a unique framework focused on change, resilience, and self-discovery. Humor is a core component, as Sara explains how it enhances leadership and personal growth. Key Takeaways:
"Accessing that play in us and accessing the humor and child in us is the coolest way to work through and to become who we were intended." - Sara Schulting Kranz Additional Links & Resources:
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| 11 Mar 2025 | Hugh Forrest: "Take your work seriously, but don’t take yourself too seriously" | 00:28:25 | |
In this engaging episode of "Humor in the C Suite," host Kate Davis chats with Hugh Forrest, Co-President and Chief Programming Officer of South by Southwest (SXSW). Forrest shares his insights on how humor and creativity intersect to foster an extraordinary work culture, drawing from over three decades of his experience at SXSW. From its humble beginnings as a local music event in 1987, SXSW has burgeoned into a dynamic, multi-faceted festival attracting hundreds of thousands of participants worldwide to celebrate creativity in all its forms. Throughout the episode, Forrest illuminates his leadership style, the importance of humor in the workplace, and the value of human creativity, especially in the age of AI. Key Takeaways:
"We set the tone, we set the mood, and ultimately we've got to create the vibe which our attendees will quickly pick up on." Episode Resources: This episode offers an enriching narrative for anyone interested in leadership, creativity, and the strategic use of humor in fostering a thriving work environment. To delve deeper into Forrest's intriguing perspectives, listen to the full episode and stay tuned for more inspiring content from "Humor in the C Suite." Additional Links & Resources:
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| 25 Mar 2025 | Aneace Haddad: Humor Helps Humanize | 00:38:32 | |
In this week's episode of “Humor in the C Suite,” host Kate Davis sits down with Aneace Haddad, a distinguished C-suite executive coach, to explore the intersection of humor and leadership. Aneace shares insights from his remarkable journey from tech entrepreneur to executive coach, highlighting how his midlife transformation led him to discover his passion for people over technology. During their engaging conversation, Aneace and Kate delve into the nuances of using humor in the workplace, the challenges of leadership, and the importance of maintaining curiosity and playfulness, especially in midlife. Key Takeaways:
"Life is long. There are always opportunities." Follow Aneace Haddad on LinkedIn Additional Links & Resources:
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| 08 Oct 2024 | The Mentor with Ted Giovanis | 00:33:04 | |
Ted Giovanis is President and founder of the Jayne Koskinas Ted Giovanis Foundation for Health and Policy that conducts research in the health policy and clinical arenas. He was previously President of T. Giovanis & Company, LLC and TGC, LLC health policy and reimbursement consultancies, specializing in strategic reimbursement advice and advocacy on behalf of a wide variety of clients. Ted’s work has included both the Medicare and Medicaid payment areas across a wide cross section of the different payment systems over the past 40 years in the health policy, reimbursement and advocacy arenas. Well-known in the industry, Ted is a recognized expert in Medicare and Medicaid regulation and regulatory processes, has been an expert witness in numerous court cases and was solely responsible for the identification and prosecution of the rural floor budget neutrality issue/litigation, which resulted in a multibillion-dollar settlement for hospitals nationally. He has also served as a hospital system CFO, controller and internal auditor as well as in numerous other hospital management and reimbursement/payment positions. Earlier in his career, Ted was one of the original staff at the Maryland Health Services Cost Review Commission and was a designer of the GIR (Guaranteed Inpatient Revenue) and TPR (Total Patient Revenue) payment systems. Ted also served as the Chairman of the Maryland Community Services Community Reimbursement Rate Commission, a gubernatorial appointment he was reappointed to by three different Governors with different political affiliations. Additionally, Ted is an accomplished professional sports car driver and team owner in the International MotorSports Association (a subsidiary of NASCAR). Additional Links & Resources:
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| 25 Jun 2024 | Baby Steps with Dan MacQueen | 00:31:53 | |
Dan was a healthy, active 28-year-old who suddenly suffered from severe headaches. After an optometrist’s appointment to find the cause was cut short, he was handed a sealed envelope and told to go directly to hospital. What followed on June 21, 2014 was emergency brain surgery and a massive hemorrhage that shattered the life he knew. He spent weeks in a coma and months in a rehab hospital. What he learned along the way might surprise you: there is nothing like a brain injury to refocus the mind. Driven by a positive attitude, Dan battled to recover and return to a job he loved. He’s grateful for the doctors who saved him and the friends and family who supported him. Now he wants to pay it forward. The tools that helped Dan recover can be used by anyone facing adversity and challenges. He will reveal strategies to help your team be better than yesterday and achieve your goals, one step at a time. The dark humour he sprinkles through his talk will make them laugh. His message will leave them motivated. Dan has appeared on dozens of podcasts and has spoken to businesses, community organizations and health care and government workers. He’s given speeches at Hootsuite, an international social media management company, to salespeople at Spendesk, a Fintech SaaS company based in London, and to rehab patients at the NHS Wolfsen Hospital in London. His audiences were moved and uplifted by Dan’s story and ready to use his practical approaches to triumph over adversity. Additional Links & Resources:
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| 16 Apr 2024 | Food and Laughter with Danny Goldberg | 00:31:45 | |
Danny Goldberg knows what it takes to transform high turnover and low performance into connection, innovation, retention, and results. Acclaimed speaker and award-winning entrepreneur Danny Goldberg built an eight-figure business in a few short years, all before the age of 30. Along the way, his desire to learn what makes great organizations great led him to spend nearly 10 years decoding exactly what it takes to be an effective leader. Danny’s Modern Leadership Framework gives leaders at all levels actionable insights that will help them foster depth, personalize their leadership approach, and lead in a way that inspires loyalty. Danny loves captivating audiences with his engaging and relatable speaking style as he helps organizations cultivate care and connection to boost entire work forces’ commitment. Everyone wants a satisfying career, and Danny’s experience and knowledge uniquely equip him to lead the movement in establishing an innovative approach to leadership that truly works. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Additional Links & Resources:
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| 29 Feb 2024 | Introducing: Humor In the C-Suite | 00:01:33 | |
Did you know that 88% of employees who use humor at work are more likely to get a promotion? If that sounds too high, it's because I just made it up. Hi, this is Kate Davis. I'm a comic and a keynote speaker. And this is my podcast, Humor in the C-Suite, where I get to chat with the most prominent business leaders on how they use humor to create an extraordinary work culture. I'm gonna ask questions so you can bring your authentic self to work. In Humor in the C-Suite, we'll get to the nitty gritty of humor- and yes, I did just say nitty gritty. Like, how do you strike a balance between using humor and maintaining professionalism? What role does humor play in building strong relationships with your team? And how do you gauge the appropriateness of humor so you don't get fired? This podcast will shed some light, or a tear of laughter, on the influence that humor has in the corporate environment: how it promotes trust, confidence, curiosity and success. So join me (and a guest) every week for Humor in the C-Suite. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Additional Links & Resources:
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| 04 Jun 2024 | Anything In My Teeth? with Brittanny Kreutzer | 00:31:27 | |
Brittanny Kreutzer is the co-founder of The Speaker Exchange Agency, an organization which helps connect events to public speakers and vice-versa. A graduate of the University of Kansas, Brittanny has an immense passion for the public speaking industry, and used her background in sales to get the business off the ground. She finds humor helps people feel more comfortable, breaks down barriers, and allows for more creativity and innovation. Brittanny lives in Lenexa, Kansas with her husband Michael, daughter Madison, son Hudson and 2 Irish Mini Goldendoodles, Walter and Lucy. Additional Links & Resources:
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| 18 Jun 2024 | Bingo! with Jack P. Flaherty | 00:36:19 | |
Jack P. Flaherty is a former executive officer, strategic advisor, and Big 4 risk management consultant. Crediting his success to the confident and decisive teams he had built over a twenty-plus-year career, Jack now is a passionate advocate who speaks, writes, and consults on the value and skills required to make critical decisions. Having conducted thousands of executive interviews he’s found high-level decision-making to be one of the greatest challenges we face on a daily basis, and yet observed many of his clients were never given the requisite training or tools to confidently make effective and productive decisions. A knowledge gap that frequently instills fear and anxiety, as well as contributes to performance issues for individuals, teams, and their organizations. A reality that became the catalyst for authoring The Decision SwitchTM: 7 Principles of Successful Decision-Making, a proven methodology that transforms individuals into decisive leaders, able to make confident decisions at the speed their role requires. Additional Links & Resources:
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| 24 Sep 2024 | Best of Humor in the C-Suite: Todd Hirsch, Danny Goldberg, Allen Grinberg, Amer Kaissi, Brittanny Kreutzer | 00:15:56 | |
In this "best of" episode, we explore the power of humor in leadership through highlights from five insightful guests: Todd Hirsch, Danny Goldberg, Allen Grinberg, Amer Kaissi, and Brittanny Kreutzer. Discover how each leader uses humor to build connections, inspire teams, and create positive workplace cultures. Simplifying Complex Ideas Economist Todd Hirsch shares how humor can break down complicated topics and bring teams together, making even high-pressure environments more approachable. Authentic Leadership Danny Goldberg explains how curiosity and humor helped him build an eight-figure business while connecting authentically with remote teams and international clients. Client and Team Relationships With decades of experience, Allen Grinberg shows how humor fosters trust and rapport with clients and teams, offering a fresh approach to mentoring younger professionals. Emotional Intelligence in Leadership Professor Amer Kaissi highlights how humor can make leaders more relatable, creating a relaxed environment that boosts emotional intelligence and team collaboration. Fostering Creative Collaboration Brittanny Kreutzer emphasizes how humor in leadership sparks creativity and builds strong client relationships, all while making work more enjoyable for everyone. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Additional Links & Resources:
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| 12 Mar 2024 | The Lateral Relationship with Oskhar Pineda | 00:36:31 | |
With over three decades of building businesses, Oskhar Pineda shares the fundamentals to his long-lasting success for leaders to build their own organizations. His chief belief is that EMPLOYEE CENTRIC FOUNDATIOAL LEADERSHIP is the key to longevity, resilience, viability and success. He teaches leaders the fundamental principles to break the vicious circle of dysfunction between leadership and employees. In this episode, you will hear how Oskhar Pineda uses humor in leadership, he shares some of his favorite jokes, including a circus-themed joke and one about a preacher. Oskhar also emphasized the importance of using humor to create a lighthearted and friendly work culture where employees feel comfortable connecting with each other. As a leader, Pineda finds humor helps him build relationships with employees and clients by putting them at ease and incorporates humor into company meetings and events to foster camaraderie between employees of different generations. He also believes leaders should prioritize people over tasks and "lighten up" to be more relatable and effective. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Additional Links & Resources:
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| 30 Jul 2024 | Gratitude and Humor with Lori Saitz | 00:36:45 | |
Lori Saitz is a nationally recognized stress eradication expert, award-winning author, speaker, broadcaster, trainer, writer, executive coach, and employee wellbeing consultant. As the founder and CEO of Zen Rabbit, a forward-thinking health and wellness company, she is dedicated to guiding business leaders toward creating and nurturing healthier, more productive work environments. With a comprehensive background in wellness strategies and employee engagement, her mission is to share easy-to-implement tools and techniques that not only improve the well-being of employee teams but also contribute to their bottom line through enhanced performance, improved morale, and increased employee retention and engagement. Lori is currently living a nomad life while cat-sitting in states across the southeast U.S. You can often find her in her sanctuary, AKA the weight room at the gym. She also loves cupcakes, Thai food, and classic rock music. Additional Links & Resources:
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| 10 Sep 2024 | Authentic with Erin Hatzikostas | 00:42:38 | |
Erin Hatzikostas is a former Corporate CEO turned Professional Pot-Stirrer. Erin is an internationally-recognized leader on the impact of authenticity in the workplace. She is the founder of b Authentic inc, where she’s leading a movement to eradicate the workplace of its BS and make it a fundamentally more authentic place. Erin is the best-selling author of You Do You(ish), a TEDx speaker, coach-sultant, and the co-host of an offbeat career and leadership podcast, b Cause Work Doesn’t Have to Suck. Her TEDx Talk was the 18th most watched TEDx of all global talks released in 2021. She has reached hundreds of thousands of people and her thought leadership has been featured on ABC, CBS and published in Business Insider, Fast Company, Well+Good, among several others. Her company also recently released a first-of-its-kind, national study on the impact of authenticity in the workplace. Erin spent her career “first half” working in the corporate world, where at the age of 42, she became the CEO of a large healthcare financial institution. In just three years, she took a struggling company and led a massive turnaround, tripling earnings and sending employee engagement skyrocketing. Her secret? Radical authenticity. Erin holds a BBA in Statistics from Western Michigan University and an MBA in Finance and Marketing from the University of Connecticut. She is married to her husband, Manny, who she met while stumbling through (and failing) an early career in the Actuarial field. They have two children - Ella (14) and Mick (11). In Erin's free time you can find her coaching basketball, running, skiing, drinking wine in her fat pants, or dancing wherever you're not supposed to dance. Additional Links & Resources:
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| 13 Aug 2024 | The Squishy One with Anne Nevel | 00:35:13 | |
Anne is currently the Vice President of Education at the Healthcare Distribution Alliance (HDA). In this role she is responsible for all educational activities, including Diversity Equity & Inclusion, internally and externally. Before joining HDA in 2016, Anne provided education and certification management for both healthcare and trade associations, to include multiple associations at SmithBucklin and the Helicopter Association International. She is a proud graduate of Florida State University and after spending 16 years in the DC Metro area is living and working remotely back in her home state of Florida. She is passionate about learning and connecting people for the purpose of sharing and growth, which drives her personal pursuits. Additional Links & Resources:
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| 21 May 2024 | Humor is a Coping Mechanism with Mark Gasparotto | 00:37:53 | |
Mark Gasparotto is leadership development professional, entrepreneur, author, speaker, and decorated combat-veteran — is a man for all seasons, combining theory with practice, art with science, and experimentation with reflection. Mark is the President of Gasparotto Group, a boutique consultancy that provides clients with customized, pragmatic, and evidence-based leadership solutions. Mark combines his 10+ years of entrepreneurial experience, 20+ years of uniformed service as a combat engineer officer, and a masters of leadership to deliver impactful and practical leadership insights for over 1000 clients. A member of the TEC Canada (Vistage) community, Mark was awarded the TEC Impact Speaker Award for 2020. He is the co-author of Clearing the Way: Combat Engineers in Kandahar — now an award-winning documentary film. Mark has a duty to share his hard-won experiences in the service of building stronger communities. He does that by helping people and teams to struggle well and clear the way — to live, learn, and lead into their potential. Additional Links & Resources:
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| 09 Apr 2024 | The Energy Exchange with Paola Girotti | 00:47:49 | |
Paola Girotti, the visionary behind Sugarmoon, embarked on a transformative journey to revolutionize the hair removal and beauty industry. Founding Sugarmoon in 2002 with a clear mission, Paola aimed to offer clients a fresh approach and natural solutions, driven by her own experiences as a teenager with sensitive skin and excessive hair growth. Over nearly two decades, Paola has witnessed a notable societal shift in attitudes toward once-taboo topics like facial and body hair. Through Sugarmoon, she and her team have played a pivotal role in empowering individuals to embrace their unique qualities and feel beautiful. As an engaged owner, Paola treasures the opportunity to personally connect with clients and positively impact their lives. In 2020, amid the pandemic's challenges, Paola took on another leadership role by founding the Beauty United Council of Ontario. This initiative advocated for fair treatment of the personal care industry in Ontario, earning Paola recognition through appearances on 49 media outlets over two years. Sugarmoon's distinction as an Ontario Living Wage Company underscores its commitment to fair and sustainable employment practices. Expanding her reach in 2023, Paola became the new owner of @bodespaformen with locations in Ottawa and Toronto, furthering her mission to promote inclusivity in the spa industry. In 2024, she opened @sugarmoonyoga, a studio dedicated to wellness for every BODY amplifying her commitment to community well-being. Paola Girotti's entrepreneurial journey is defined by her passion for helping people and introducing natural alternatives to the beauty industry. Through Sugarmoon, she has not only provided top-quality products and services but also advocated for industry recognition and equitable treatment. Paola's dedication and vision continue to inspire others, leaving an indelible mark on the hair removal and beauty landscape. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Additional Links & Resources:
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| 09 Jul 2024 | Can You Judge A Book By Its Cover? with Naren Aryal | 00:31:06 | |
As CEO of Amplify Publishing Group, Naren advises industry experts and thought leaders on the opportunities and challenges that exist in the ever-evolving world of publishing. Naren’s visionary leadership has spearheaded a critical disruption of the publishing industry and has legitimized the fastest-growing sector of the market to date. At each turn, he has created more opportunities for deserving authors across genres to not only publish their work, but to publish their work well. He launched Amplify with a single title in 2003 and guided it to what it is today—one of the fastest growing and most respected hybrid publishing companies in the world. At the core of Amplify’s ethos is Naren’s prioritization of innovation. Over the past two decades he has brought new and exciting ways to publish to the fore. Prior to entering the world of books, Naren worked as a lawyer, advising technology companies in the Washington, DC, area. He is a frequent speaker on the publishing landscape, content development and positioning, book production and marketing, and author branding. Additional Links & Resources:
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| 07 May 2024 | The Disarming Effect of Humor with Josh Linkner | 00:35:58 | |
Josh Linkner is a Creative Troublemaker. He has been the founder and CEO of five tech companies, which sold for a combined value of over $200 million. He’s an internationally recognized expert on innovation and is the author of four books on the subject including the New York Times Bestsellers, Disciplined Dreaming and The Road to Reinvention. Josh is passionate about starting and building companies. He’s the co-founder and Managing Partner of Muditā Venture Partners - an early-stage venture capital firm. Additional Links & Resources:
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| 16 Jul 2024 | Building Repour with Allan Ebedes | 00:36:04 | |
Since 2005, Allan Ebedes has led Excellence Canada, formerly known as the National Quality Institute. Working with the Board of Directors, he is responsible for setting the strategic direction of Excellence Canada and delivering on its business plan and mission. Allan began his business career as a Chartered Accountant (CA) at Coopers & Lybrand, now PWC. He then became a partner at a small furniture and appliance chain, which grew significantly during his ownership, and was subsequently sold to The Brick. In 1979, he started a private career college called the Toronto School of Business, a division of International Business Schools, which grew to become the largest career college in Canada, with 50 locations coast to coast which during his ownership, trained over 250,000 adult students for new and rewarding careers. Allan took the company public on the NASDAQ exchange. In 2002, Allan founded Management Mentors International, a company dedicated to corporate training and development, coaching and mentoring. He was also appointed as President of the Academy of Learning, a chain of 100 computer learning centres across Canada. Allan is a CA, CPA and earned an MBA from the University of Toronto (now Rotman School of Management) and an LLM law degree in Global Business through an evening program at the Faculty of Law. Allan is a Certified Director (ICD.D) with the Institute of Corporate Directors and is a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO). Additional Links & Resources:
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| 11 Jun 2024 | You Gotta Play to Win with Lydia Sullivan | 00:36:52 | |
Lydia Sullivan is the VP of Operations at the Society for Information Management (SIM). She helps thousands of leading technology executives stay connected, build community, and grow together. Lydia has been a certified Association Executive for 5 years, in association management for 10 years, and in nonprofit management roles for 15 years. Her career has allowed her to support boards, philanthropic organizations, and chapters of national associations in various industries. Lydia has also worked in mental and behavioral health with youth. This experience has helped her develop patience, a good sense of humor and empathy which she finds invaluable in building trust and staying focused on the human impact in every interaction. In her free time, you can find her doing major house projects with her husband, visiting our local breweries and distilleries, rooting for the Houston Astros, tubing down a lazy river, passing out free hugs, or applying to be on game shows and winning random giveaways. She has won a year's supply of the oddest things, from fried chicken to soap. Maybe she's just lucky, but she does know that you have to play if you want to win. Connect with Lydia on Linked In Here. Additional Links & Resources:
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| 15 Oct 2024 | Vajeans with Bridgett Burrick Brown | 00:42:23 | |
Why “Vajeans”? You’ll have to listen to find out! In this episode, Kate Davis and Bridgett Burrick Brown weave humor into the challenges of authenticity and self-acceptance. The title, inspired by a hilarious moment during their conversation, sets the tone for an episode full of laughs, personal insights, and transformative ideas about embracing imperfection.
Tune into the full episode to appreciate the insightful and humorous exchange between Kate and Bridgett, and stay tuned for more enlightening content from Humor in the C-Suite! Additional Links & Resources:
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| 02 Apr 2024 | The Disarming Effect Of Humor with Todd Hirsch | 00:48:19 | |
Todd Hirsch is an internationally renowned speaker and author, focusing on adaptability in the ever-changing global economic environment. An economist by training, he now focuses his research and writing on the subject of adaptability. Currently, he is the Director of the Energy Transition Centre, an incubator of tech start-ups focused on navigating our path toward net-zero carbon. Prior to this, he served as VP and chief economist for ATB Financial. Hirsch has received the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum (2022) and Diamond (2012) Jubilee Medals, the University of Alberta’s Alumni Honour Award, and an honorary degree from Mount Royal University. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Additional Links & Resources:
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| 27 Aug 2024 | Freeing Yourself (And Your Workplace) From Shame with Judd Shaw | 00:37:23 | |
Judd Shaw is an adventurer, storyteller, and agent of change, blending his background as a lawyer and CEO of Judd Shaw Injury Law with a passion for helping others. Judd chased professional success up the "I made it Mountain," only to discover its hollow rewards without genuine human bonds. Through introspection, therapy, and collaboration with professionals, Judd developed the CURE framework—a compass guiding individuals and businesses to create authentic connections and thrive. As a celebrated keynote speaker on authenticity, vulnerability, and shame-friendly work environments, Judd shares his transformative journey to inspire others. Judd also shares his messages through his bestselling children's book series, "Sterling the Knight," and his podcast 'Behind the Armor'. His motto is "Bravery Starts in the Heart." To learn more about the Juddverse, visit Juddshaw.com. Additional Links & Resources:
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| 06 Aug 2024 | I Am Now with Charlene Wheeless | 00:38:33 | |
Charlene Wheeless is a multifaceted powerhouse in the business world. She blends over 30 years of extensive experience in leadership, communications, and operations with a personal journey that exudes authenticity and resilience. As a highly sought-after keynote speaker, leadership advisor/coach, and author, she has empowered executives and teams globally to achieve breakthrough performance and transform business cultures. Charlene began her public life as an NFL cheerleader, performing in front of millions, which honed her presence and poise for the stage. Her mission is deeply rooted in helping ambitious women embrace life with unapologetic authenticity. This commitment is evident through her “SOAR and Be Seen” keynote, which has inspired countless professionals internationally. Her debut book, “You Are Enough! Reclaiming Your Career and Life with Purpose, Passion, and Unapologetic Authenticity,” was a bestseller in 2021, winning three independent book awards for best non-fiction and inspirational books of the year. At Charlene Wheeless LLC, she leverages her vast business acumen to assist organizations in achieving their goals. She also served as a senior advisor for equity and justice at APCO Worldwide, guiding C-suite leaders and companies in implementing effective DE&I initiatives. Charlene’s multidisciplinary business skills were honed through roles at multinational companies like Raytheon, CGI, PRC (Now Northrop Grumman), and DynCorp, handling global communications, crisis, issues, reputation risk, and business operations management. As the Principal Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Bechtel Corporation, she provided C-suite counsel on marketing, business development, strategy, international affairs, and talent engagement. Her insights have been featured in major publications like Forbes, Business Insider, Thrive Global, and PRWeek, as well as on networks like ABC and Fox. Charlene’s leadership and expertise are recognized by her inclusion in Marshall Goldsmith’s prestigious 100 Coaches community and certifications in leadership disciplines from Georgetown University and the International Coaching Federation (ICF). She also holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and two master’s degrees in public communication and business administration. Charlene has coached, spoken for, and worked with global industry leaders like IBM, Google, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon Corp., Lockheed Martin, Cisco, General Motors, The U.S. Air Force Academy, and National Geographic. She has also been the spokesperson for multinational giants, including Bechtel, CGI, and DynCorp. She has played pivotal roles in over ten mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures, leading to successful rebranding and accretive value for owners and shareholders. As a speaker, Charlene’s TEDx talk “CHOICE NOT CHANCE!” and her keynotes offer practical and empowering steps for breaking down fear, overcoming obstacles, and making bold business and life choices. Her service on several boards, including NO MORE, The Page Society, the Page Center, and the Institute for Public Relations Research, underscores her unwavering dedication to driving meaningful change. As the past chair of the Page Society, HCA Healthcare Virginia, and t Additional Links & Resources:
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| 23 Jul 2024 | Company Culture with Chris Dyer | 00:46:44 | |
Chris Dyer, a celebrated keynote speaker with over 15 years of experience, specializes in company culture and remote work. As a CEO, his leadership led his companies to be recognized as best workplaces and to feature on Inc Magazine’s fastest-growing companies list five times. Renowned for his expertise, Inc Magazine named him the #1 Leadership Speaker on Culture. He is the author of three bestselling books, “The Power of Company Culture” and “Remote Work.” Chris has received numerous accolades, including being ranked #5 on the Leadershum Power List, named a Top 40 Change Management Guru and a Top 50 Global Thought Leader, and his leadership podcast is among the top 50 globally. His speaking engagements are known for their transformative impact, blending insightful candor, humor, and effective strategies like his 7 Pillar Strategy, significantly boosting productivity and performance in many organizations. Additional Links & Resources:
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| 28 May 2024 | Laughter Is The Best Medicine with Amer Kaissi | 00:34:03 | |
Amer Kaissi is an-award winning Professor of Healthcare Administration at Trinity University in Texas. He teaches Leadership and Public Speaking. He is also an executive coach and author. His first book “Intangibles: The Unexpected Traits of High-Performing Healthcare Leaders” won the 2019 Healthcare book of the year award. His most recent book is “Humbitious: the power of low-ego, high-drive leadership”, which was listed on the 2022 Book Award by the Association of University Programs in Healthcare Administration. He has been featured on the Harvard Business Review podcast and numerous other podcasts and media outlets. He has spoken on leadership topics at more than 200 organizations and professional conferences. He lives in San Antonio with his wife and two teenagers. Additional Links & Resources:
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| 30 Apr 2024 | Be The Spark with Allen Grinberg | 00:40:08 | |
Allen Grinberg began his career in commercial real estate with a focus on helping corporations save money. Over his 26 years, he has worked with a range of companies from rapidly growing start-ups to some of the country’s most respected brands. Now, Allen serves as Principal in our Downtown Toronto office.As a result of his exceptionally broad experience, Allen advised and managed many major corporate accounts including Panasonic, Royal Bank of Canada, Motion Picture Association to name a few. His outgoing and endearing personality lets clients feel at ease yet gives them comfort that they are in good hands as Allen delivers creative solutions to his client’s business challenges. Previously Allen managed sales and marketing for an international tire recycling firm. Overseeing environmental concerns, he worked with large corporate entities and governmental agencies, at the municipal, provincial/state and federal levels. This experience gave him unparalleled expertise in relating with the multifaceted and multi-tiered corporate and government organizations. Since 2002, Allen has served on the board of governors for the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies. He also served as the Head convener for the Forest Hill Hockey Association from 2001-2018, as well as the master of ceremonies for various charity organizations. In 2007, Allen was declared NAIOP’s ‘Rex Award’ winner. Additional Links & Resources:
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| 03 Sep 2024 | The 7 Disk Drives with Richard Leest | 00:33:11 | |
As Director of Information Technology Services for York Region, Richard leads the planning, delivery and support of information technology for almost 4,500 employees, 300 applications and over 11,000 computers and mobile devices. Richard has over 30 years of experience working in information technology. He has a background in computer networking which, over his career, he has translated into a well-rounded knowledge of the information technology field as a whole. Prior to his appointment as Director, Richard spent six years as Manager of Enterprise Architecture and Security at the Region, where he led Corporate Cyber Security. In his role as Director, Richard is responsible for helping to set the direction for digital technology at the Region. He sits on the Region’s Digital Leadership Team where he collaborates with data, information and technology leaders from across the corporation to drive digital transformation. Additional Links & Resources:
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| 14 May 2024 | Positive Attitude is everything with Svetlana Ratnikova | 00:40:21 | |
Svetlana Ratnikova brings a wealth of national and international experience to the companies she is a part of — from entrepreneurial, corporate, recruiting and marketing. With a record of starting and transforming organizations she is skilled at designing winning strategies, identifying new opportunities and mobilizing teams to achieve results. She is a values-driven and passionate about being on the front edge, inspiring growth and developing teams. As a seasoned business leader with 25 years of broad experience Svetlana concentrates on building and nurturing agency culture of professional growth and client-service excellence. Svetlana was born in Moscow, Russia and immigrated to Canada in 1994. She earned a degree from the University of Moscow in Marketing and Economics in 1989. Svetlana commenced her leadership journey at the tender age of 20, when she became one of the first female entrepreneurs in Moscow. In Canada she began her career with a major market research firm working with some of the largest companies in the world as clients. In 2001 Svetlana launched Terra Naturals Inc. with the mission to improve lives throughout completely natural, petroleum free body care products. Today Svetlana shares her personal experience as a successful inventor and enjoys supporting entrepreneurs of small to medium-sized businesses to achieve their aspirations and bring their dreams to life. She appreciates working directly with immigrant women to help them explore enterprise as viable and sustainable paths to secure their socio-economic futures. Additional Links & Resources:
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| 20 Aug 2024 | Spark, Laugh Think Play with Em Stroud | 00:37:15 | |
Em Stroud is the Comic Coach. Who speaks on a range of subjects including how laughter and fun can impact on leadership, teams and culture. How tools and ideas from the world of Improvisation, Comedy and Clowning can impact business success and team performance as well as leadership. Stroud is a best selling author, Clown and successful entrepreneur who has been described as “innovative, witty, engaging and authentic” by Diva Magazines Sam Grierson. She is the host of two podcasts Funny yet Deep and Simply Feel Better. She has also done two tedx talks (one dressed as a banana!)Em explores the relationship between culture within organisations and the human element, how we can collaborate more successfully and shift our own personal choices when it comes to engagement, communication, impact and storytelling. Em comes from having worked with a compelling list of previous teams, senior individuals and leadership groups in companies including Bloomberg, Bayer, Barclaycard and other firms that do not begin with a B including Airbus, King and Fisher German! Additional Links & Resources:
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| 02 Jul 2024 | Humor Around One’s Own Stories with Matt Verlaque | 00:33:42 | |
After spending a decade in the fire department, Matt founded UpLaunch in 2016 and was the CEO through its successful acquisition in 2020. After his exit, he partnered with Dan Martell as the COO of SaaS Academy, the largest coaching & training program for B2B SaaS founders in the world. Inside of SaaS Academy, Matt oversees the Growth Accelerator program, where he coaches early stage founders to find product market fit, hone their go-to-market strategies, and make their first few key hires in the business. Most recently, Matt has utilized his wealth of experience in the world of SaaS businesses to co-author the book “Software as a Science: Unlock Limitless Revenue Growth Without Losing Control”. Outside of his work at SaaS Academy, Matt is a husband, father of three young boys, and spends most of his spare time reading, weightlifting, cycling, and running. Additional Links & Resources:
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| 17 Sep 2024 | Best of Humor in the C-Suite: Insights from Oskhar Pineda, Lydia Sullivan, and Josh Linkner | 00:36:25 | |
In this special "best of" series, we're highlighting three incredible leaders who have mastered the art of using humor to inspire, connect, and lead their teams to success. Oskhar Pineda shares how lightening up and incorporating humor into everyday leadership creates a people-first culture where employees feel at ease, fostering stronger relationships and collaboration. With decades of experience, Oskhar believes humor is essential to building a workplace that thrives. Lydia Sullivan, VP of Operations at the Society for Information Management (SIM), discusses the balance between professionalism and levity. From witty out-of-office messages to fun team activities, Lydia reveals how humor, authenticity, and empathy have helped her lead through tough times and keep her team connected. Finally, Josh Linkner, a creative expert on innovation, brings his insights on how humor can unlock creativity, strengthen team dynamics, and create a culture of trust and collaboration. Josh shows that even if you’re not naturally funny, there are ways to use humor to solve problems and drive innovation. From funny anecdotes to actionable advice, this compilation highlights the value of humor as a critical leadership tool. Tune in for lessons on building resilience, sparking creativity, and cultivating a culture where people can truly connect. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Additional Links & Resources:
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| 23 Apr 2024 | Be Comfortable Being Yourself with Martin Perlmutter | 00:39:45 | |
Martin Perelmuter is an unapologetic idealist. He is passionate about people and ideas and, after nearly 30 years in the speaking industry, believes more than ever that a great speech can provide the impetus for action and be a catalyst for change. Prior to co-founding Speakers Spotlight, Martin was a corporate lawyer at a prestigious international law firm. While he realized early on in his career that he needed to do something more entrepreneurial, he learned some incredibly valuable best practices while in law that have shaped his approach to client service and business management. Martin’s views on the speaking industry have been reported in various television and print media, and have been published in over 60 countries. He has been a guest lecturer at several colleges and universities, and was a keynote speaker at the Public Words Speaker Forum at The Center for Public Leadership at Harvard’s Kennedy School in Cambridge. Martin is the current President and serves on the Board of Governors of the International Association of Speakers Bureaus, whose membership is made up of speakers bureaus, lecture agencies and speaker management companies located around the world, including the US, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, the UK, Spain, Portugal, Netherlands, Turkey, Cyprus, South Africa, Australia, South Korea and India. Martin is a graduate of the Faculty of Economics at the University of Western Ontario, and the Faculty of Law at Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto. He lives in Toronto with his wife and business partner Farah, and their children Jade and Cole. He is an avid reader and music lover. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Additional Links & Resources:
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| 01 Oct 2024 | Saying What Everyone Is Thinking with Matt Phillips | 00:26:42 | |
Matt Phillips is a leading expert on accelerating innovation. For over 20 years, Matt has been an in-demand advisor to the Fortune 500, large nonprofits and rapidly growing mid-sized companies. As the founder of Phillips & Co., a Chicago-based innovation strategy firm, Matt leads a team of researchers, strategists and inventors who help organizations invent new products, services and businesses. Matt and his team believe in a lean approach to innovation to accelerate innovation and help organizations invent their future, faster. Their clients include Paramount Pictures, Pepsi, Dell, Verizon, Purina, Pella, The World Trade Centers Association, the TSA, the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation and Infusion Access Foundation. Matt holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and is a graduate of the Conservatory Program in Improv at The Second City. Additional Links & Resources:
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