In this episode of The Legend Effect Podcast, host Howie Chan welcomes comedian, keynote speaker, and human connection expert Kate Davis to explore the transformative role of humor in leadership and communication. With decades of experience helping organizations break down barriers through levity, Kate shares how public speaking tips grounded in humor can lead to deeper trust, creativity, and a more authentic connection at work.
They dive into how to bring humor into the workplace even if you’re not naturally funny, how to use self-deprecating stories as a leadership tool, and why taking your work seriously doesn't mean taking yourself too seriously. You’ll hear practical strategies for integrating laughter into your leadership style and why humor might be one of the most overlooked soft skills for entrepreneurs and professionals today.
Episode Breakdown:
04:11 The reason humor is missing from the corporate world
12:37 What makes workplaces great
15:47 How humor can foster creativity, innovation, and lead to better results
19:37 Raising awareness about serious things through humor
21:16 Learn how to de-risk humor and be funny without offending anyone
22:33 Ways to bring humor into your day-to-day life and work
26:14 Ways businesses can use humor to give them the upper edge
29:10 Humor not only sells, it also makes things more memorable
30:44 The benefits of creating an environment of levity
34:10 How to use the techniques to tell a joke
38:33 Succeed by knowing your audience and using your intuition
44:31 Ways of bringing humor and timing–without needing to be the comic
49:42 The “So now you are dying, what are you doing to live?” Podcast
57:31 A letter to Kate Davis’s younger self
Want a podcast that grows your business? Reach out to Rosa at Ideablossoms; she’s The Legend Effect’s podcast manager and is offering our listeners a 25% discount.
From Our Guest:
Get the book, Second Best Mom.
Listen to her podcast, So now you are dying, what are you doing to live?
Learn more about Humor, Seriously.
Watch the Still Face Experiment.
Catch up with my interview with Nelson Dellis in episode 14 of the podcast.
Want 75 hacks to become more charismatic? Get your FREE copy of my Charisma Tactical Toolkit.
Join Legend Letters: The free newsletter helping thousands of business owners influence human behavior (and look like a legend) using brand psychology.
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