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:

• Humor is a powerful tool in leadership, capable of disarming conflicts and fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect.
• Cultural differences can influence the perception of humor, as seen in Colin’s experiences with his German colleagues.
• Authenticity in communication enhances leadership effectiveness, enabling leaders to build trust and rapport.
• Practical jokes and lightheartedness can strengthen team relationships and improve workplace morale.
• Humor in professional settings requires a balance to ensure that it remains inclusive and respectful.

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:

• 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

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.

Bridgett’s candid exploration of her journey through modeling and beyond offers listeners a refreshing perspective on resilience in the face of industry pressures and personal loss. With authentic anecdotes, they shine a light on the importance of staying grounded and using humor as a tool to navigate the complexities of self-image. The discussion underscores the value of connection, laughter, and being unapologetically oneself in a world often dominated by unrealistic standards.

Key Takeaways:
Beyond Beauty Project: Bridgett’s initiative empowers individuals to value self-worth over societal beauty ideals, encouraging holistic self-acceptance.

• Humor’s Role in Well-being: Humor is highlighted as a powerful tool for bonding, coping with hardships, and breaking down societal perfectionism pressures.
• Modeling Insights: Bridgett shares her industry experiences, offering a glimpse into overcoming judgment and creating genuine connections on and off the set.
• Societal Pressures across Generations: The episode delves into the challenges faced by different age groups within the beauty industry, spotlighting evolving societal expectations.
• Embracing Aging with Grace: The discussion touches on how humor and self-love can positively influence perceptions of aging and personal growth.

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:

• 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

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:

• 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

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:

• 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

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:

• 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

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:

• 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

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:

• 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

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:

• 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

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:

• 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

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:

• 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