Humor In The C-Suite – Details, episodes & analysis

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Humor In The C-Suite

Kate Davis

Business

Comedy

Health & Fitness

Frequency: 1 episode/13d. Total Eps: 52

Hi this is Kate Davis I’m a comic and keynote Speaker, and thanks for checking out my Podcast Humor in the C-Suite where I interview leaders, executives and business owners on how they use humor and levity to create an extraordinary work culture. I want to ask the questions that we all want answers to like… Does humor help us or harm us at work? Does humor change our perception of a problem? And how do our leaders use humor to inspire curiosity, success and innovation. I want to be a fly in their chardonnay, I mean a fly on their wall. Honestly, I’m as curious as you are…So join me and a guest every week for Humor in the C-Suite

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https://www.instagram.com/katedaviscomic
52 shares

https://www.linkedin.com/in/hughforrest
1 share
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lydia-sullivan-tx/
1 share
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aneace
1 share

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RSS feed quality

Good

Score global : 89%

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Bathroom Humor: How Frank Brown Laughed His Way from Sales Rep to President

Season 2 · Episode 18

Tuesday, November 18, 2025 • Duration 44:33

In this episode of Humor in the C Suite, host Kate Davis converses with Frank Brown, a respected business executive with a rich history in international markets. Frank shares humorous anecdotes and insightful lessons from his 43-year career that began with a chance job as a sales rep and culminated in his role as President of Wall Canada. His journey is filled with unexpected turns, wise advice, and a steadfast belief in the power of humor to enhance business culture.

Key Takeaways:

Humor can be a powerful tool in fostering employee engagement, team collaboration, and relationship building within a corporate setting.
Authenticity in leadership, coupled with genuine respect for employees, breeds a work culture where humor thrives and success follows.
Transformational career growth can emerge from unexpected and challenging scenarios, emphasizing the importance of adaptability.
Business isn't just about strategic acumen; it's also about connecting with people on a human level and making work enjoyable.
The modern workplace is increasingly valuing individuality and authenticity, also reflected in the evolving cultural dynamics within organizations.

Notable Quotes:

"It took me a while to discover that humor was kind of a secret sauce or a key ingredient to success."

Resources:

Book: How the Hell did I Become the Boss?

Additional Links & Resources:

Interested in being a guest on Humor in the C-Suite? Reach out to book a call with Kate!
Learn more about me and my work at katedavis.ca

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Humor in the C-Suite! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast, share it with your friends, and leave a rating or review. Your support helps the podcast continue to grow.

Hosted by Kate Davis
Edited by Chris @ Wider View Studios

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Worth the Risk: Why Steve Carey Says Startup Humor is Essential

Season 2 · Episode 17

Tuesday, November 4, 2025 • Duration 33:03

In this engaging episode of Humor in the C Suite, Kate Davis interviews Steve Carey, a media industry veteran known for his unique blend of humor and expertise in launching media startups. With over two decades of experience, Steve shares his journey from starting as a coffee-fetching runner to becoming a successful producer and business owner, adding humorous anecdotes and insights along the way. Now living in Surrey, UK, Carey continues to contribute to the world of media with his witty and insightful writings, including his latest book exploring the lighter side of LinkedIn.

Key Takeaways:

Humor is an indispensable leadership tool; it helps to relieve stress and build stronger team dynamics, particularly during challenging startup phases.
Cultural differences can affect humor perception, with British humor often being dry and ironic, whereas American humor is more direct and expressive.
LinkedIn provides ample material for humor, and Steve's book catalogs these experiences in a funny yet revealing manner, shedding light on the quirks of professional networking.
Steve emphasizes the importance of self-deprecation in leadership, advocating for an approach that is careful not to alienate or undermine but instead unites and uplifts team members.
Despite cultural differences, humor remains a universal language that can bridge gaps and foster a positive company culture.

"LinkedIn's like an uncle that you love but keeps doing questionable things."

Resources:

Steve Carey's Book: "The New Dictionary of LinkedIn"
Steve Carey's LinkedIn Profile

Additional Links & Resources:

Interested in being a guest on Humor in the C-Suite? Reach out to book a call with Kate!
Learn more about me and my work at katedavis.ca

Fotini Iconomopoulos: "From Boardroom to Bedroom"

Season 2 · Episode 7

Tuesday, May 13, 2025 • Duration 38:16

Host Kate Davis welcomes negotiation expert Fotini Iconomopoulos. Fotini brings her wealth of experience negotiating for top corporations and shares how humor plays a pivotal role in her negotiation techniques. The discussion delves into how humor can disarm potential conflicts and foster communication in even the most tense business situations. Fotini explains that her distinctive approach to negotiations is informed by her understanding of human behavior and the importance of addressing cultural dynamics

Key Takeaways:

Everyday Negotiations: Fotini emphasizes that negotiation occurs in daily interactions, not just in boardrooms; understanding this can be pivotal in both personal and business contexts.
The Role of Humor: Humor acts as a tool for conflict prevention and can transform tense interactions into opportunities for connection, enabling mutual understanding and better outcomes.
Human Behavior in Negotiation: Her negotiation techniques are rooted in understanding human behavior, highlighting the importance of empathy and cultural awareness in crafting successful strategies.
Listening as a Core Skill: Attentive listening is paramount in determining effective communication methods and fostering trust, thus enhancing negotiation efforts.
Cultural Dynamics: Effective negotiation entails adapting strategies to suit cultural expectations and environments, ensuring respectful and productive engagements.

"I like to think of myself as someone who brings a humanity to negotiation."

More of Fotini Iconomopoulos:

Website: https://fotiniicon.com/
What's Your Negotiation Style Quiz: https://fotiniicon.com/quiz/

Additional Links & Resources:

Interested in being a guest on Humor in the C-Suite? Reach out to book a call with Kate!
Learn more about me and my work at katedavis.ca

Ask me anything but make it funny!

Season 2 · Episode 6

Tuesday, April 15, 2025 • Duration 30:50

In this engaging episode of "Humor in the C Suite," host Kate Davis steps into the spotlight to address the many questions from her audience about the intersection of humor and leadership.

Key Takeaways:

Humor Enhances Leadership: Humor makes leaders more relatable and trustworthy, helping them to inspire and connect with their teams, thereby increasing leadership effectiveness.
Communication and Creativity: Using humor in leadership can defuse tension, simplify complex ideas, and break mental blocks, thereby fostering an environment conducive to innovation.
Building Company Culture: A humorous and engaging work environment can build team morale, increase employee loyalty, and reduce stress, ultimately creating a strong company culture.
Handling Failure with Humor: Leaders who use humor to navigate setbacks encourage resilience and reframing failures as learning experiences, keeping teams motivated.
Authenticity in Humor: It's essential for leaders to know their audience and be authentic to ensure humor is effective and well-received, avoiding potential pitfalls.

"There's so much power in being a leader and knowing that you can be yourself and be relatable to bring your team together." - Kate Davis

Additional Links & Resources:

Interested in being a guest on Humor in the C-Suite? Reach out to book a call with Kate!
Learn more about me and my work at katedavis.ca

Hosted by Kate Davis
Edited by Chris @ Wider View Studios

Aneace Haddad: Humor Helps Humanize

Season 2 · Episode 5

Tuesday, March 25, 2025 • Duration 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:

Humor serves as an effective tool for connection and authentic communication in leadership, bridging gaps and enhancing team dynamics.
Maintaining curiosity and playfulness is vital for personal growth and unlocking new pathways in midlife and beyond.
Aneace Haddad uses a blend of international perspectives and life experiences to foster transformative insights in executive leadership.
Cultural differences influence humor, yet universal themes like family remain relatable across borders.
Reflection on life transitions can empower leaders to detach from outdated expertise and embrace evolving roles with openness and humor.

"Life is long. There are always opportunities."

Follow Aneace Haddad on LinkedIn

Additional Links & Resources:

Interested in being a guest on Humor in the C-Suite? Reach out to book a call with Kate!
Learn more about me and my work at katedavis.ca

Hosted by Edited by Chris @

Hugh Forrest: "Take your work seriously, but don’t take yourself too seriously"

Season 2 · Episode 4

Tuesday, March 11, 2025 • Duration 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:

The Importance of Creativity in an AI-driven World: Despite advancements in AI, the distinct value of human creativity remains unparalleled and is a central theme of SXSW.
Balancing Humor and Sensitivity: Incorporating humor into leadership must be balanced with cultural and political sensitivity to avoid missteps.
Humor as a Bonding Tool: Using humor effectively can strengthen team cohesion and act as a pressure valve during stressful situations.
Continuous Improvement: Forrest emphasizes the value of the 10,000-hour rule, proving that repetition and self-analysis can improve skills, including public speaking.
Setting the Tone for Success: As leaders, projecting calm and positivity is crucial in shaping the participant experience and navigating the challenges of organizing large-scale events.

"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."

Sara Schulting Kranz: "The Grand Canyon"

Season 2 · Episode 3

Tuesday, February 25, 2025 • Duration 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:

Humor is a powerful tool for overcoming personal trauma and adversity while facilitating personal and professional transformation.
Integrating humor into leadership can create a more connected and productive team environment, enhancing collaboration and innovation.
Sara Schulting Kranz shares that personal transformation often stems from self-discovery and resilience, using nature as a metaphor for navigating life's challenges.
Leaders can cultivate a nurturing organizational culture by balancing hard truths with laughter and play, fostering creativity and growth.
The journey through adversity can open new possibilities, and humor plays a vital role in maintaining perspective and cultivating resilience.

"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:

Interested in being a guest on Humor in the C-Suite? Reach out to book a call with Kate!
Learn more about me and my work at katedavis.ca

Hosted by Kate DavisEdited by Chris @

Heather Tolley-Bauer: "Can I Say That?"

Season 2 · Episode 2

Tuesday, February 11, 2025 • Duration 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:

Humor is a powerful tool for creating an extraordinary work culture, aiding in communication, trust-building, and problem-solving.
Authenticity in leadership enhances relatability and effectiveness, especially when balanced with appropriate humor.
Understanding your audience is crucial for mastering humor in professional settings, as this fosters a more inclusive and engaging environment.
Despite technological advancements, effective communication remains a competitive advantage in today’s workplaces.
Exploring humor through stand-up comedy or public speaking can enhance leadership capabilities and interpersonal skills.

"Problems can be solved or created by communications. Good communication solves problems; bad communications create problems."

Additional Links & Resources:

Interested in being a guest on Humor in the C-Suite? Reach out to book a call with Kate!
Learn more about me and my work at katedavis.ca

Hosted by Kate Davis
Edited by Chris @

Kate Davis: "The Power of Storytelling"

Season 2 · Episode 1

Tuesday, January 28, 2025 • Duration 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:

Humor is a powerful tool in team management, enhancing collaboration and fostering a positive work environment.
Authenticity and personal storytelling are crucial in creating a trusting and open workplace culture.
Humor fosters a creative and playful atmosphere, leading to innovation and problem-solving.
Even simple gestures and stories can convert transactional interactions into deep and genuine human connections.

"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:

Interested in being a guest on Humor in the C-Suite? Reach out to book a call with Kate!
Learn more about me and my work at katedavis.ca

Hosted by Edited by Chris @

Melissa Hurley: "They Get To Go To Work"

Season 1 · Episode 30

Tuesday, December 17, 2024 • Duration 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:

Humor is a powerful tool in leadership for building trust, enhancing collaboration, and reducing workplace stress.
Creating an inclusive environment where employees feel they "get to come to work" rather than "have to" is pivotal in fostering employee engagement.
Understanding and respecting cultural differences is crucial when applying humor in a global setting.
Vulnerability and self-deprecating humor can establish a strong connection and humanize leaders, making workplaces more inviting.
Despite cultural and language barriers, humor can serve as a common ground to improve team cohesion and break down hierarchical divides.

"Laughter is a medicine. It's something you need in stressful times, sad times, and happy times." - Melissa Hurley

Additional Links & Resources:

Interested in being a guest on Humor in the C-Suite? Reach out to book a call with Kate!
Learn more about me and my work at katedavis.ca

Hosted by Kate DavisEdited by Chris @

Humor In The C-Suite – Details, episodes & analysis

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Humor In The C-Suite – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

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