Episode 80: How Improv Builds Better Leaders and a Positive Workplace Culture

Can joy actually make you a better leader? Joel Zeff thinks so—and he’s got the stories (and laughs) to prove it.

In this episode of The People Dividend podcast, host Mike Horne sits down with Joel Zeff—keynote speaker, humorist, and author—to explore how joy, humor, and improvisation can transform your leadership style and elevate workplace culture.

Drawing on years of experience working with teams across industries, Joel shares how improv principles help leaders embrace change, stay engaged, and lead with empathy and resilience. He emphasizes that creating a positive workplace starts with supporting your team, asking what they need to succeed, and fueling their passion through appreciation.

This episode is packed with laughs, leadership wisdom, and actionable tips for improving team engagement, communication, and culture—no matter your industry or leadership level.

 

Key Points:

• Improv is a powerful leadership tool that teaches adaptability, collaboration, and presence in the moment.

• Positive support and appreciation are critical to building high-performing, passionate teams.

• Great leaders ask, “What do you need to succeed?”—and then actively support their team’s success.

Links: 

Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin

Email Mike at [e-mail]

Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/, 

LinkedIn Mike’s Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/, 

Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike  

 

Learn More about Joel Zeff

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelzeff/  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joelzeff  

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiOqpNYF4qZZoYByIlLGuog  

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1394278954  

https://www.joelzeff.com