07/08/2025

Leading With A Laugh

Lessons learned from the comedy stage

Most marketing executives spend their off-hours analyzing campaigns, reviewing trend reports or scrolling through competitor ads. I spend mine on stage at comedy clubs, telling jokes about being dim-witted.

My stand-up journey began with improv. I was an empty nester looking for something fun. I'd spent so long performing in rooms that did not look like comedy clubs—executive meetings, keynote stages, QBRs—all strategy, polish and control. I wanted the opposite of that. Something unfiltered. Something human.

Improv helped me loosen up, say "yes and" and stop trying to control the outcome. It reminded me how fun it is to play—like we did as kids. Kids don't analyze or plan—they just react to what's in front of them.

Please select this link to read the complete article from Chief Executive.