The Thoughtful Entrepreneur 2351 - Incorporating Joy and Humor into Your Leadership Style with Elizabeth Walker
How Comedy Builds Trust, Connection, and Stronger Leadership Teams with Elizabeth Walker
In this episode, host Josh Elledge speaks with Elizabeth Walker, host of the Dear Business Coach Podcast and a workplace communication expert who helps leaders use humor as a tool for connection and trust. Their conversation explores how comedy—when used intentionally—can break down barriers, improve communication, and create psychologically safe environments where teams thrive. This blog captures the most impactful insights from their discussion, offering leaders a fresh perspective on how humor can elevate leadership effectiveness and workplace culture.
Using Humor as a Strategic Leadership Skill
Elizabeth Walker reframes comedy as a leadership skill rather than entertainment, explaining that humor helps leaders communicate more effectively by making messages memorable and human. When leaders use light, intentional humor—especially through storytelling—they signal approachability and authenticity, making it easier for teams to engage, share ideas, and collaborate. Rather than relying on jokes, Elizabeth emphasizes humor rooted in shared experiences, everyday challenges, and honest reflection.
A major focus of the conversation is self-effacing humor, which Elizabeth describes as a powerful way to build trust without undermining authority. By sharing moments of failure, awkwardness, or learning, leaders show they are human—inviting connection instead of hierarchy. Elizabeth cautions against self-disrespect, noting that effective self-effacing humor should create common ground rather than diminish confidence, helping teams feel safe enough to contribute openly.
Elizabeth also shares how she teaches humor through workshops and exercises that guide participants to uncover their own “underdog stories.” These storytelling practices help individuals tap into authenticity, vulnerability, and relatability—key ingredients for strong leadership presence. By modeling openness and encouraging laughter rooted in empathy, leaders can foster cultures where trust grows, pressure eases, and teams become more resilient and engaged.
About Elizabeth Walker
Elizabeth Walker is a leadership communication coach, workshop facilitator, and host of the Dear Business Coach Podcast. She helps leaders, coaches, and teams use humor, storytelling, and authenticity to improve communication, build trust, and strengthen workplace culture. Connect with Elizabeth on LinkedIn or explore her work through the Dear Business Coach Podcast.
About the Dear Business Coach Podcast
The Dear Business Coach Podcast features conversations with coaches, leaders, and industry experts on practical strategies for professional growth, leadership development, and effective communication. The show focuses on real-world insights—covering everything from workplace dynamics to personal development tools leaders can apply immediately. Learn more at dearbusinesscoachpodcast.com.
Links Mentioned in This Episode
Key Episode Highlights
- Comedy is a leadership tool—not entertainment
- Humor improves communication and message retention
- Self-effacing humor builds trust without diminishing authority
- Storytelling creates psychological safety and team connection
- Leaders set the tone for vulnerability and openness
- Laughter reduces tension and strengthens collaboration
- Authentic humor outperforms forced or scripted jokes
Conclusion
Elizabeth Walker’s insights show that humor isn’t a distraction in leadership—it’s a strategic advantage. By using storytelling, self-awareness, and intentional comedy, leaders can build trust, improve communication, and create environments where people feel safe to contribute and grow. When leaders are willing to laugh at themselves, teams are more willing to lean in, speak up, and work together more effectively.
🎧 More from The Thoughtful Entrepreneur
🎙️ Want to be featured on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur? Get your voice in front of 50K+ listeners.
👉 Schedule your guest spot here »
🤝 Consultant doing 6+ figures? Let’s introduce you to your next big client, partner, or referral source.
📡 Thinking of launching your own podcast? We’ve built over 250 shows for leaders who land dream guests weekly.
🚨 What’s Your PodVerified Score? Find out how you rank as a podcast guest — and get matched with hosts who actually want you.
📬 Subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur
New episodes daily to fuel your impact, visibility, and influence. Thanks for listening — now go build something extraordinary!