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

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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.

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