Founders' Forum Playing to Win: Creating Workplaces People Actually Love with Theresa Hummel-Krallinger
She wanted to work for Merck. They rejected her. Best thing that ever happened—because Theresa Hummel-Krallinger was never meant for a lab.
Theresa Hummel-Krallinger, CEO and Chief People Officer of High Five Performance, spent 18 years at Prudential before launching her consulting firm in 2002. But here's the twist: she's also a stand-up comedian, Emmy Award winner, and founder of Meet the Author—ranked #4 for business networking in Philadelphia. For $89 at community college, she learned comedy to enhance her corporate speaking. Now she gets paid for both. Her Meet the Author program started as a 12-person roundtable and grew to 80-100 attendees with 200+ authors.
Theresa creates workplaces people love through better managers. Using DISC assessments and curriculum covering motivation, delegation, and coaching, she helps organizations build thriving cultures. Her new book, Make Waves: A Career Pathing Guide, curates 20 years of materials to help job seekers, career changers, and retirees figure out what they want to be. Her philosophy? Play to win, not avoid losing. Squeeze the juice out of life at every moment.
Key Takeaways:
- Financial cushion matters: Two years runway builds without desperation
- Play to win: Shift from playing safe to shooting for stars
- Build with intention: Pursue opportunities that complement your mission
- Humor enhances credibility: Comedy makes you a better consultant
- Squeeze the juice: Make every moment count, don't mail it in
About Theresa Hummel-Krallinger:
Theresa Hummel-Krallinger is a powerhouse culture and leadership expert, stand-up comedian, Emmy Award winner, and award-winning community builder. As President of High Five Performance, she helps organizations create workplaces people love, while her "Meet the Author" program (ranked #4 for business networking by Philadelphia Business Journal) connects leaders in meaningful ways. Her upcoming book, "Make Waves: A Career Pathing Guide to Stand Out, Stay Employable, and Sail Ahead," empowers readers to own their careers for lifelong success — all delivered with her signature humor and heart.
Connect:
Website highfiveperformance.com ; theresahkcomedy.com ; meettheauthorpc.com
LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/tkrallinger/
Facebook facebook.com/theresahummel/
X x.com/theresahk
Instagram instagram.com/treesehk/
Youtube youtube.com/@theresahummel-krallinger115
This episode is brought to you by The Satell Institute; the leading CEO organization dedicated to Corporate Social Responsibility. Go to satellinstitute.org
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