Kate Davis welcomes Lintao Lu, affectionately known as LT, to the show “Humor in the C Suite” to explore how humor fosters a positive work culture. LT, who rose from rural China to become a successful executive and entrepreneur, shares his unique perspective on leadership, humor, and resilience. They discuss cultural differences, the role of humor in easing boardroom tensions, and stories from LT’s journey. His memoir, “In Through the Window,” illustrates how humor and adaptability can tear down barriers and build trust across cultures.

Kate Davis hosts Pavithra Venkatesan a writer and life coach, on Humor in the C Suite, exploring how humor influences human behavior and leadership. Pavithra, known for her work in pattern intelligence, shares personal insights into motherhood, cultural humor contrasts between India and the US, and the role of humor in facilitating healing. The conversation delves into the interplay of seriousness and playfulness in professional settings, emphasizing humor as a tool for personal growth, collaboration, and fostering authentic connections. This episode offers a deep dive into humor’s transformative power in both personal and professional life.

Kate Davis sits down with Amy Green Smith on Humor in the C-Suite to explore how humor can transform workplace dynamics. Amy, known for her work with executive teams and creator of the Worthy Method, shares insights on using humor to boost communication and set better boundaries. They discuss the power of vulnerability and humor in disarming tense environments and the importance of personal responsibility in leadership. Amy also reveals how hypnotherapy can help reshape beliefs, offering tools for improved self-worth and team collaboration.

Kate Davis welcomes Michael Earls, a leader in enterprise cloud and AI transformation, on Humor in the C Suite. They explore humor’s role in easing technological transitions and fostering human connections in a rapidly changing digital landscape. With insights from Michael’s books, including Finding Direction in the Age of AI, they discuss using levity to diffuse tensions and build trust within teams. The conversation highlights challenges and curiosities of AI, offering a blend of technological and human perspectives, and underscores humor’s power to navigate the complexities of the modern corporate world.

In this episode of “Humor in the C Suite,” Kate Davis chats with Jeff Arnold, a five-time bestselling author and founder of one of North America’s most awarded insurance firms. They discuss how humor can enhance leadership and team dynamics, emphasizing the value of self-deprecating humor in fostering authenticity and collaboration. Jeff shares insights from his diverse career, from the U.S. Army to the insurance industry, and highlights the importance of embracing failure with humor. The conversation also touches on using humor to navigate technological advancements and leadership challenges.

Kate Davis hosts Ron Sosa, a neurodivergent life and leadership coach, on this episode of Humor in the C Suite. They discuss Ron’s career journey, his passionate advocacy for neuroinclusion, and how humor plays a vital role in creating inclusive work environments. Ron shares insights from his book, “Rewriting the Rules,” offering advice on leading with authenticity and empathy. The conversation delves into the importance of understanding personal values, using humor for connection, and supporting neurodivergent individuals in professional settings. Join Kate and Ron for an engaging discussion full of valuable leadership insights.

Join host Kate Davis as she sits down with Jeroen Derwort, founder of Online Soccer Manager and aviation app Roster Buster. Discover how Jeroen’s journey from a shy coder to a leader in the gaming industry was shaped by humor and unexpected success. Explore stories of high-stakes negotiations, navigating corporate challenges, and the role of humor in fostering creativity and teamwork. With insightful anecdotes, Jeroen shares how humor helped him lead and adapt while building global tech companies and guiding future game developers.

Kate Davis hosts Lisa Pagotto, founder of Crooked Compass, on Humor in the C Suite. They explore how humor shapes workplace culture, particularly in niche travel experiences. Lisa shares insights from leading a remote team, managing client expectations for adventurous trips, and navigating the complexities of the travel industry. She reflects on her early career challenges and the importance of vulnerability and humor in effective leadership. Highlights include engaging travel stories and the role of humor in overcoming cultural and logistical challenges.

What if one joke — sent on a Friday morning — could remind someone they matter? What if three words from a stage could stop someone from ending their life? Greg Kettner has seen both happen. In this episode of Humor in the C Suite, Kate Davis sits down with her old comedy circuit friend turned keynote speaker to explore the unexpected intersection of humor and mental health — and why the leaders who get this right are the ones their teams never forget.

What happens when the person who’s been protecting everyone else forgets to protect herself? For Isabelle Tremblay, the answer was burnout so complete she couldn’t draft a simple email. In this episode of Humor in the C Suite, Kate Davis sits down with Isabelle to trace the arc from 24 years of high-pressure global brand leadership to a full reinvention — and the role humor, empathy, and heart played in every part of that journey. This is a conversation about what it really costs to lead inside hustle culture, and what becomes possible when you decide to lead differently.

What happens in the silence when nobody laughs? That question sits at the heart of this conversation between Kate Davis and Scott Burgmeyer, founder and CEO of the Become More Group. Scott has spent over three decades moving through manufacturing, technology, HR, and consulting — and in all of it, he’s learned that humor isn’t decoration. It’s infrastructure. Used well, it builds trust, opens people up, and makes it possible to have conversations that actually matter. Used carelessly, it collapses the very relationships it was meant to strengthen. This episode is about knowing the difference.

Kate Davis is joined by Matt Kaufman, director of Camp Ramacoi, to explore how summer camp principles can revolutionize workplaces. They discuss the power of humor in building trust and resilience, drawing from Matt’s books, “The Summer Camp MBA” and “The Campfire Effect.” Matt shares insights on how these principles can foster meaningful relationships, collaboration, and a thriving, joyful environment in any organization. With anecdotes and practical advice, this episode delves into the importance of balancing fun and professionalism to create extraordinary cultures both at summer camp and at work.

Kate Davis welcomes corporate trainer Bruce Mayhew to discuss workplace humor strategies for employee engagement. Bruce shares insights from his new book “The Path of an Inspired Leader” and 20+ years of leadership development experience, including team building stories and techniques for creating authentic organizational culture through strategic humor and trust-building.

Kate Davis wraps up 2025 on “Humor in the C Suite” by exploring how humor fosters a positive work culture and leadership. She delves into themes of trust, stress navigation, vulnerability, and creativity, citing insights from guests like Steve Harvey, Frank Brown, Russell Harvey, and Bill G. Williams. The discussion touches on humor’s role in breaking static routines, enhancing team cohesion, and promoting innovation. Kate emphasizes the importance of humor in humanizing leaders and driving authentic connections, encouraging listeners to embrace humor as a tool for success in 2026 and beyond.

Kate Davis welcomes Bill G. Williams, known as Electric Bill, to explore the power of humor in corporate leadership. Bill shares how humor has transformed his 35-year HR and talent development career, fostering stronger relationships and innovative mindsets. From discussing humor’s role in self-acceptance to its impact on team collaboration and workplace culture, Kate and Bill offer insights into making work more rewarding and connected. Learn about self-deprecating humor, navigating challenges, and the magic of shared laughter as Bill details his experiences in human resources, leadership development, and public speaking.

Explore the world of corporate leadership through humor with Kate Davis and Frank Brown, author of “How the Hell Did I Become the Boss?” Frank recounts his 43-year corporate journey from a reluctant sales rep to president, delving into his experiences at Kellogg’s, Cadbury, and Wall Canada. Discover how embracing humor transformed his leadership approach and united teams, even in challenging environments. Frank shares candid anecdotes, illustrating how laughter and respect can drive success in business, offering valuable insights for aspiring leaders seeking an authentic and effective management style.

In this hilarious episode of “Humor in the C Suite,” host Kate Davis chats with Steve Carey, a media industry veteran who’s launched multiple startups on “shoestring budgets and maxed credit cards.” Steve reveals why humor is essential for startup survival, sharing insights from his 20+ years at BBC, Vice Media, and various ventures. From navigating British vs American humor differences to his brilliant observation that LinkedIn is “like an uncle you love but keeps doing questionable things,” Steve demonstrates how authentic humor transforms workplace stress into team strength.

Join Kate Davis and guest Matthew Hill on “Humor in the C Suite” as they explore the power of humor in communication and leadership. Matthew, a seasoned leadership trainer and intercultural facilitator, shares his journey from stand-up comedy to coaching business leaders worldwide. Discover how humor can enhance team collaboration, boost confidence, and transform communication dynamics in various cultural contexts. With engaging anecdotes from global experiences and practical insights, this episode delves into the art of using humor to navigate high-stakes conversations and develop authentic leadership skills.

Kate Davis hosts John Preston, founder of JP Business Academy, on Humor in the C Suite. John shares his journey from TV news to mentoring small business owners, emphasizing the power of humor in sales and education. He introduces “40 Flushes to Grow Your Business,” a unique bathroom reader designed to simplify complex business concepts. John discusses the role of humor in lowering defenses, enhancing customer connections, and fostering team collaboration. His insights illuminate how humor can transform learning and business interactions, making them more engaging and effective.

Join Kate Davis on Humor in the C Suite as she explores how Tariq Munir a Chartered Accountant and AI transformation advisor, blends humor into leadership. Tariq shares his journey from finance to digital transformation, highlighting how humor fosters collaboration and boosts productivity across diverse teams. Discover Tariq’s insights on adapting humor across cultures, the critical role humor plays in C-suite dynamics, and his candid experiences in using humor for effective leadership. This episode is a fascinating dive into creating vibrant work cultures through humor.

Kate Davis sits down with resilience coach Russell Harvey to explore the power of humor in leadership and personal growth. They discuss the role of humor in building resilient teams, fostering creativity, and navigating life’s challenges. Russell shares insights from his 20-year career in leadership and development, emphasizing the balance between pragmatism and playfulness. The conversation also touches on positive psychology, the importance of not taking oneself too seriously, and how laughter can transform challenging situations into opportunities for growth. This episode offers valuable takeaways for leaders aiming to inspire resilience and innovation.

Join host Kate Davis as she chats with Dominic George, a leadership coach specializing in guiding black men to senior roles. Discover how Dominic uses humor to foster authenticity and resilience in leadership, transforming workplaces into spaces of trust and collaboration. Dominic shares insights from his book, “The Authentic Edge: Leading Without Losing Yourself,” discussing key techniques for bringing levity and genuine self-expression to the corporate world. Whether you’re battling imposter syndrome or seeking to build stronger teams, this conversation offers valuable strategies for leaders at any level.

Kate Davis interviews Dr. Ute Liersch, a seasoned psychologist, in this episode of Humor in the C Suite. They explore how humor can transform leadership and therapy, diving into topics like neurodivergence and leading with trauma. Dr. Liersch shares her diverse journey from hotel management to psychology, illustrating how humor and a playful mindset can foster psychological clarity and emotional integrity. They also touch on cultural differences, the therapeutic use of humor, and the importance of embracing one’s inner child to enhance decision-making and leadership.

Kate Davis welcomes Stefano Iaboni, an expert in using humor to transform workplaces, to “Humor in the C Suite.” Together, they explore how laughter can bridge cultural gaps, reduce stress, and boost creativity. Stefano shares his journey from Italy to the U.S., the healing power of humor during his battle with cancer, and ways executives can incorporate levity into leadership. They discuss playful techniques, like silly idea contests, to foster innovation and build connection. Stefano’s engaging anecdotes reveal humor’s vital role in personal and professional life, offering fresh perspectives for enhancing workplace culture.

Kate Davis hosts Lizzie Schreier, a digital leader with 18 patents, on this episode of Humor in the C Suite. Lizzie shares her journey across various industries, highlighting how humor and authenticity drive her leadership style. She discusses infusing levity into brainstorming sessions, fostering team engagement, and navigating hybrid work dynamics. Lizzie also explores the role of humor in branding and how it aids in negotiation. The conversation wraps with a personal anecdote about humor’s place in overcoming life’s challenges. Tune in to discover how humor can enhance workplace culture and creativity.

Kate Davis hosts “Humor in the C Suite,” featuring guest Fotini Iconomopoulos, a negotiation expert who has worked with major companies like Microsoft and Walmart. Fotini shares insights on using humor to disarm and connect, turning potential conflicts into collaborative opportunities. She emphasizes the importance of reading the room, listening, and human-centric negotiation strategies. Through personal anecdotes and professional experiences, Fotini highlights how humor, even in small doses, can improve negotiation outcomes and workplace culture, especially in male-dominated industries. Discover Fotini’s approach to cultivating connections and reducing stress through laughter.

Kate Davis explores the power of humor in leadership, focusing on how it enhances executive presence, improves communication, and drives creativity. She addresses audience questions about integrating humor into company culture, navigating setbacks with levity, and sparking innovation through playfulness. Kate emphasizes understanding one’s audience, using humor appropriately, and encourages leaders to embrace authenticity. Packed with insights, anecdotes, and practical tips, this episode provides leaders with tools to foster trust, engagement, and resilience within teams.

Kate Davis welcomes executive coach Aneace Haddad on “Humor in the C Suite” to discuss the power of humor in leadership and personal growth. Aneace shares insights from his experiences coaching C suite teams and leaders over 40, emphasizing the importance of perspective, curiosity, and human connection. He talks about the shifts in leadership style as executives age, the role humor plays in building relationships, and the impact of cultural diversity on communication. Aneace also reflects on the lessons from his books and his journey from tech entrepreneur to seasoned coach.

Kate Davis sits down with Hugh Forrest, co-president and chief programming officer of South by Southwest, to explore the role of humor in leadership and organizational culture. They discuss the festival’s evolution from a small music event to a major celebration of creativity across multiple disciplines, including technology, film, and comedy. Hugh shares his experiences on using humor as a tool for creating a collaborative and productive work environment, emphasizing the importance of human connection and the ongoing relevance of creativity in the age of AI. Join them for insights into fostering creativity and humor at work and beyond.

Kate Davis is joined by Sarah Schulting Kranz, a bestselling author and executive coach, to explore how humor and resilience shape effective leadership. Sarah shares her journey of personal transformation and the role humor played in overcoming adversity, emphasizing the balance between laughter and life’s challenges.

Join host Kate Davis as she chats with Heather Tolley-Bauer, a former corporate PR executive turned stand-up comedian. This engaging discussion explores the power of humor in leadership, effective communication, and creating a positive workplace culture. Heather shares her journey through various professional stages and how humor has been a vital tool in her career. With insights on leveraging laughter for team building and the balance between professionalism and humor, this episode offers practical wisdom for enhancing workplace dynamics. Listen to discover how humor can transform leadership and communication strategies.

Join Kate Davis as she chats with Melissa Hurley, VP of Learning and People Development at Bill Gosling Outsourcing, on “Humor in the C Suite.” With experience in global contact centers, Melissa shares how she uses humor to build team cohesion, trust, and an enjoyable work culture across diverse cultures.

Join Kate Davis as she chats with Melissa Hurley, VP of Learning and People Development at Bill Gosling Outsourcing, on “Humor in the C Suite.” With experience in global contact centers, Melissa shares how she uses humor to build team cohesion, trust, and an enjoyable work culture across diverse cultures.

Practical Jokes as a Leadership Tool: Are You Ready to Laugh?

Bridgett Burrick Brown, CEO and founder of the Beyond Beauty Project, offers keynotes, workshops, and coaching for all ages empowering individuals to embrace their self-worth beyond societal expectations.

Theodore (Ted) Giovanis, FHFMA, MBA, 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.

Matt Phillips is a leading expert on accelerating innovation.

Erin Hatzikostas is a former corporate CEO turned authenticity advocate.

Erin Hatzikostas is a former corporate CEO turned authenticity advocate.

Erin Hatzikostas is a former corporate CEO turned authenticity advocate.

Richard Leest is the Director of IT Services for York Region, overseeing the delivery and support of information technology for almost 4,500 employees, managing 300 applications, and over 11,000 computers and mobile devices.

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.

Spark, Laugh Think Play. 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.

Anne is currently the Vice President of Education at the Healthcare Distribution Alliance (HDA).

Charlene Wheeless is a multifaceted powerhouse in the business world.

Lori Saitz is a nationally recognized stress eradication expert, award-winning author, speaker, broadcaster, trainer, writer, executive coach, and employee wellbeing consultant.

Chris Dyer, a celebrated keynote speaker with over 15 years of experience, specializes in company culture and remote work.

Allan Ebedes is the president and CEO of Excellence Canada, an organization dedicated to helping other organizations achieve excellence in various domains such as performance, human resources, and mental health.

Naren Aryal is the CEO of Amplify Publishing Group, a visionary leader who has actively disrupted and redefined the publishing industry over the past two decades.

Matt Verlaque is an experienced CEO and entrepreneur with a remarkable journey from being a firefighter to establishing and leading a successful SaaS company.