Seriously Funny: Women Who Humor and Change the Rules

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  Ep 5: Failure is the Sex Talk of Leadership: How to Have That (and Any) Awkward Convo 11.06.2026 16Min.

  Awkward. Necessary. Avoided. Sometimes Until it's Too Late. We can change that story and the results. And yes, humor is a guide.“How many of you have honest conversations abut failure at work?"I asked 500 leaders in my audience a simple question during a keynote in Ohio: Fewer than 10 hands went up.Then came the half-raises. Which was hilarious...we all feel a little conflicted. They looked around. I get it.Fewer Than Ten. Out of 500. It's usually the case. I ask that question for a reason: I want leaders to see they are not alone in feeling weird talking about THAT big old F-WORD. It's human, awkward and we avoid discomfort.And having the failure conversation in organizations is a lot like the sex talk with your kids.Nobody wants to do it. It’s awkward as hell. So most people don’t. I have been the leader going we gotta talk about it and the parent awkwardly trying to figure out how to get my kids to listen and not run screaming from the room.So we delay it. Avoid it. Hope it somehow becomes unnecessary.It doesn't. In this podcast episode, I talk about what questions your team has and how to approach ANY awkward conversation you might be avoiding.Reach out. Let me know what resonated for you with this episode. Like it, give it a comment and some love. Reach out. kathy@keepingithuman.com
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  Stop Being 'Professional' and Start Being "Real': The Power of Shared Laughter 23.04.2026 15Min.

  We’ve been lied to. We’ve been told that being 'Bold' means having answers and being tough. Whatever THAT is. No expression. You know, "Professional.""Professional" isn't serving us.2026, that ‘professional’ mask isn’t a shield; it's a prison. It’s why we’re all exhausted, lonely, and 'Quietly Cracking' behind Zoom.I am Kathy Klotz-Guest and 20+ years in innovation and improv (and stand-up) taught me one thing: the shortest distancebetween a problem and a solution is a shared laugh. If you want to be bold, you have to stop performing and start connecting. I mean stop being performative.Let’s get weird, let's get real, and let’s get bold. Because there is power in shared laughter with others, and with people we don't know well.Want more? Check out all episodes. If you like the episode, let me know. Review, like, share.Keepingithuman(dot)com.
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  Laughter and Trust: Why Humor Is the BIGGEST Culture Signal Leaders Miss 04.02.2026 19Min.

  "If they're not laughing, you are already losing."I know it up close.When the world feels uncertain, most workplaces default to performance and acting like they “have it together.” Pretending.We kind of forgot how to be human.performance 'theater' is quietly killing creativity, trust, and honest leadership.In this episode, Kathy Klotz-Guest—former Silicon Valley leader, longtime comedian, and founder of Keeping It Human®—explores why laughter and play aren’t perks or distractions; they're neurological signals that make better leadership, innovation, and decision-making possible.Drawing on decades of building teams, leading products, and working comedy stages, Kathy unpacks what fear does to teams, why burned-out brains can’t innovate, and how humor helps people reframe failure, speak up, and stay human when things get hard.It’s about creating cultures where people can drop the performance, tell the truth, and do braver, better work together.In this episode, you’ll hear:Why fear makes teams smaller—and how laughter helps reverse itHow humor reframes failure so teams can learn instead of shut down (and a real example you can use!)What leaders can do to calm nervous systems without pretending everything’s fineStaying human is the real work! Want more? Visit keepingithuman.com
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  Building Bolder People ....and Rooms 01.01.2026 21Min.

  We're back! Happy New Year.This season we're exploring seriously funny cultures - because when cultures laugh more, show up more, embrace imperfections, people show up bolder.Humor and levity are not just icing; they're the whole cake! It changes the DNA of how we operate.So what if we dealt with the hecklers, the rigidity, the performance theater where talk all day because it's easier, safer and less scary than stepping up and ACTING bold - saying the thing, building the idea, making the decision.Join us friends for a whole new at how humor and improv are transformational for culture - not just comms! Braver rooms make people bolder.We laugh more, embrace imperfections, own mistakes, grow, reframe failure. Sounds awesome, yes? Let's do it!Join me this season! Laugh more, limit less, lead better. Kathy keepingithuman.com
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  S3, Ep 1: What is a 'Seriously Funny' Company and Why it Matters 02.07.2024 23Min.

  In this kickoff to the 3rd season of the podcast, I chat about what it means to be a Seriously Funny, how it is strategic and the cake - not just the frosting! - and why it matters for your company's (and peoples') adaptability, resilience and innovation.
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  S2, Ep 9: Unlikely Comedian? My Convo with Megan Jeffrey About Rewriting Possibilities After Burnout 28.03.2024 35Min.

  She has called herself an "Unlikely Comedian." In 2020, Megan Jeffrey didn't just hit pandemic burnout like all of us, her mother had terminal cancer, she found out her then-husband was unfaithful to her and she found herself a single mom of 3 young kids. Then...she lost her job. She then turned to social media, posting videos of her doing accents, particularly Trinidadian ones (her ex-husband is), and exploring comical clashes being an American woman in its culture. She expected to find an outlet for her creativity and ease the burnout; then she 'blew up' as posts went viral. It was unexpected. She wasn't trying to be a comedian. What she learned was a lot more about redefining herself and bouncing back. In this convo, Megan and I chat about: The power of betting on yourself The ridiculous standards that women have to adhere to (and why we gotta laugh!) Why 'tone it down' is the call to do the exact opposite (it's cool; it often takes time to realize it) Letting of perfection Want more? Check out past episodes Be sure to Visit meganjeffrey.com keepingithuman.com On Insta @klotzguest, @kathyguestcomedy, @themeganjeffrey
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  S2, Ep 8. Funnier: A Funny, Practical Convo About Using Comedy (Way Bigger than Jokes) with Second City's Anne Libera 11.03.2024 55Min.

  "Funnier" is the title of Anne's Upcoming book. Comedy is WAY bigger than jokes. It's our words, our voice, our humanity and how we show up. I was not going to release the whole hour at once. Originally I was going to break it up into sections. I just couldn't break the convo in two because it was TOO GOOD. And it's worth many listens. Anne is a woman after my own heart. I studied sketch writing at Second City. And comedy changed how I think, show up and create. Yes, I perform. And humor matters in business. Comedy teaches us skills of connection. And we need it. Anne is funny, brilliant and thinks and teaches deep stuff: what makes things funny and how can we be funnier. I connected with her when she said, "I get asked, 'Can you make me funny?" Her response, "I can make you funnier." And I relate. I get asked that and I think the answer is 'Funnier.' I can't make anyone funny. We can all be funnier. This convo is not only funny; it will make YOU funnier. Grab a cup of coffee and sit down with pen, paper or computer. We talk about: -Thick humor (vs thin humor) -Humor and comedy are more than jokes (preach, Anne!) -Humor and AI (chat GPT writes bad jokes!) -Narrative (story arcs matter!) and characters -Humor as recognition (starts with a truth - audience must recognize it) -Distance (time) -Improv and the power of discovery - being present in the moment Take notes. Laugh. Rinse and Repeat. Please check out Anne's work and her upcoming book, "Funnier." About Anne Anne Libera is Director of Comedy Studies at The Second City where she also serves as Artistic Consultant. She is an Associate Professor at Columbia College Chicago where she created and coordinates the Comedy Writng and Performance BA. Northwestern University Press which will also publish her upcoming book Funnier: A Theory of Comedy With Practical Applications. Contact her: Alibera(at)secondcity.com About Kathy Kathy Klotz-Guest, MA, MBA is a stand-up and improv comedian, author and speaker. A former tech exec for two decades while doing improv and stand-up comedy at night, she is the Founder of Keeping it Human℠ and the Seriously Funny podcast. Her mission: to help companies, leaders and teams think differently and get bigger results through improv and comedy concepts. Her last book, "Stop Boring Me!" was a top 10 selling book on Amazon in Creativity and Humor. Kathy(at)keepingithuman.com
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  S2, Ep 7: Comedy Concepts for Better Speaking, Stories and Stage Presence - Without Being a Comedian 20.02.2024 36Min.

  Principles of comedy can help you become a more powerful, confident and connected speaker and presenter. Anyone can add more humor and playfulness...without having to be a comedian. If you can laugh, you have a sense of humor and that's different from being funny. Think playful, humorous and improvisational and you can use all these approaches. And yes, even a bit of stand-up if you like. It's not required. In this episode, I break down the following concepts that I use with clients and you can, too, to add more playful humor to your speaking that is true to you (hey, it should be fun and natural): Comedy v. Improv v. Humor (they're different) How to think about what's funny Big talk points, then punch up Ways to heighten storytelling Rehearsing and Planned Spontaneity Your body and voice as an instrument Have fun. You got this. Interested in working with me? I use comedy concepts for creative, connected communication and innovation. I offer workshops, transformational programs and keynote talks. Reach out at keepingithuman(dot)com.
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  S2, Ep 6: You Failed. Now What? Get Up, Give Yourself Grace, Go Forward. 3 Lessons from The Golden Globes 10.01.2024 24Min.

  You effed up. We all do. I have. You have. We're all human. Watching the Golden Globes made me think of times I didn't perform well or things could have gone differently. Don't beat yourself up. Making mistakes, failing - all part of learning. Don't wait too long to get back on the horse. Give yourself grace, understand lessons and move forward. Here are 3 big life and leadership lessons on letting disappointment and failure drive your growth, being kind to yourself, your team AND how to use humor to lift people up. What did you learn from the Golden Globes? I'd love to hear. Be sure to reach out and visit me on linkedin.com and keepingithuman.com
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  S2, Ep 5: Why Every Leader - YOU - Should Embrace Lightness, Laughter and Levity in 2024 03.01.2024 22Min.

  I am on a mission to change leaders, teams and workplaces through laughter, lightness of being and levity. Yes, humor. I've said it many times and I'll say it again: humor > funny and jokes. Humor is embracing our imperfections, our awkwardness and making it safer for others to do the same around us. It builds trust and connection and courage - all the things companies need for innovation, better stories and all that big, juicy creativity. And imagine reducing all that stress and burnout, too? Upside. Leadership isn't 'gravitas.' It's trust and it starts with de-armoring and showing up more human. It starts with us. Me and you. So, join me. Make the decision to embrace the lighter you. The laughter, the levity. It will change how you show up, how others show up around you and your life. May this be your best year yet. Want talks or workshops that transform your work with a lot of fun and brave fuel for big ideas? Reach out. Kathy Klotz-Guest, keepingithuman(dot)com
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  S2, Ep 4: Humor is The Ultimate Algorithm for Better Work 18.12.2023 20Min.

  I've spent almost 25 years on comedy stages and for 17 years of that, I was in tech by day (comedy by night). Here's why humor IS the ultimate algorithm for innovation: Innovation of any type needs trust, courage, connection Humor fosters trust, courage, connection Laughter measure company health (say ahhh...haha!) Humor is not unprofessional. It's not professional v. humor; it's understanding that humor is celebration of human imperfection I work with leaders and teams through talks to create mindset shifts and through programs that build skillset shifts. Happy Holidays! Reach out at keepingithuman.com
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  S2, Ep 3: Humor, Comedy and the Resilient, Life-Changing Power of Accepting All of Who You are: My chat with Andrea Vahl 11.12.2023 32Min.

  Andrea Vahl and I go way back to speaking and marketing. She is a social media consultant, speaker, comedian and host of Late Starters Club Podcast. Hey, she and I know it’s never too late to change your life. Andrea and I laugh and chat about some big lessons for all of us about the healing and connecting power of humor. One of the biggest reminders for all of us is the resilience and power behind accepting all of yourself: the good, the OMG and the hard stuff. Because it's completely human. It's where the good stuff is. You will definitely want to check this one out. We touch on: Comedy as healing and a way to help us get over the fear of failure (I can confirm!) Humor is showing our fears and being willing to laugh Leadership needs vulnerability and imperfection and humor helps us be more human When you learn to fail well, which comedy helps with, you learn resilience - there is nothing you can’t get over Comedy-thinking helps us get over judgment of ourselves and others Confidence comes from giving and owning your point of view (POV) Bombing and turning into the spiral (riding it down with laughter!)  Follow Kathy  Follow Andrea If you love the show, give us a review and share. TY.
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  Ep 2, S 2. Your Brain on Improv, Tiny Behavior Changes and Why Your Inner Critic Needs to Play Way More - A "FunVo" with Fellow Play Advocate, Jocelyn Brady 12.09.2023 45Min.

  This episode is pure magic because I get to talk to my friend, Jocelyn Brady of BetterBrainStories.com. She is a fellow storyteller and play advocate who has been called the Bye Nye of The Brain and wears a brain cap in her vids. In this amazing episode, we talk about: Why we NEED stories of productive play Tiny wins matter - little victories are so important Elevating KPIS that are hard to measure - curiosity, overcoming perfectionism - these matter and why aren't we tracking? Triggers are teachers AND I think most importantly why our inner critic needs to play because once we play with it, we can move forward. Also, why everyone can benefit from improv to expand your thinking, your stories and your possibilities. To your success! Follow me at Keepingithuman.com and Jocelyn at Betterbrainstories.com.
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  S2, Ep 1: Mistakes, Bloopers, Taking Up Space in Your Life and Why Fun is a HELL YES for Measuring Success: My Juicy Convo with Erin Diehl 28.08.2023 51Min.

  Two improv comedians, speakers and business owners Tons of laughs 1 podcast I got to talk to Erin Diehl, fellow improviser after my own heart. Whew! And the fun, laughter and AMENs kept going. Grab some wine, some friends and lean into this convo. You won't want to miss it. A few Highlights from our convo.... Why we love bloopers and when sketch comedians 'break character' (it's all about showing up real) How improv skills in life and business are about taking up space and accepting ourselves - this is a biggie to everything good We need to be measuring success also by the amount of fun we're having Why not having fun is a red flag for burn-out (listen up!) Mistakes are hilarious (absolutely!) For more info about Kathy Klotz-Guest (moi) and my great guest, Erin Diehl...check out our sites below...and check out some of the other episodes... Visit learntoimproveit.com Visit keepingithuman.com
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  Ep 1: Mistakes, Bloopers and Why Fun is a HELL YES for Measuring Success: My Convo with Erin Diehl 23.08.2023 49Min.

  Two improv comedians, speakers and business owners Tons of laughs 1 podcast I got to talk to Erin Diehl, fellow improviser after my own heart. Whew! And the fun, laughter and AMENs kept going. Grab some wine, some friends and lean into this convo. Highlights Why we love bloopers (it's all about showing up real) How improv skills in life and business are about taking up space and accepting ourselves We need to be measuring success also by the amount of fun we're having Why not having fun is a red flag for burn-out Mistakes are hilarious (absolutely!) Visit learntoimproveit.com Visit keepingithuman.com
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  Ep 7: Pitch, Please! The Clarifying Power of Not Overthinking and Why We Need Fun (not BS) Pitch slaps: My Convo with Mavens of Merch Founder, Zineb Layachi 14.12.2022 40Min.

  In this episode I talk to my fun friend, Mavens of Merch founder, Zineb Layachi. She's a GIF Queen, too, all. Her whole brand is about getting people to hear your message - not the pitch slaps we're used to. Rather, her whole brand is about fun connections people remember: like comical sayings on merch.  Highlights of this episode include: Why recognizing that 'limited space' for anything can clarify everything My fave phrase and her mantra for the entrepreneurial journey 'take what you do seriously, don't take yourself so seriously' Confidence means not over-thinking and it's important so that you own who you are Why today she no longer has a divide between personal and professional (personal and private are different, though) Humor is really giving yourself permission to be seen by showing up as you are and her way to have fun: selfies, slogans and GIFs! Kathy talks GPS redirects for filtering (as women leaders do) and does one F-bomb (just one. You'll live) Connect with Kathy on LinkedIn and Keepingithuman Connect with Zineb on LinkedIn
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  Episode 6: How Laughter is the Key to Shared Connection Between Human Beings and Why Magic Happens When You are Unencumbered by Being Right 07.10.2022 36Min.

  Dani Klein Modisett is the Founder and CEO of Laughter On Call. She is a woman after my own heart.  We're both comedians, improvisers, business women, moms, have 3 names and we both believe in the power of laughter.  This conversation was one of my favorites (they all are!) because we both believe in the message of joy. We know that Covid created a profound sense of isolation that led to disconnection. Girl, preach. And her business pivoted and grew to meet that demand for shared laughter. This episode is so rich in fun and life wisdom, I think you'll love it too!  We chat about: Meeting on LinkedIn, the most unfunny social platform. or is it changing? How she pivoted from working with Alzheimer's patients to recognizing that laughter healed the isolation so many of us feel The power of Improv and How Covid forced us (all of us) to say 'yes and!' to change The challenge of cynicism and she gives me a (Greek!) history lesson Being a woman in comedy and her journey from waitress in NY to helping people laugh for a living Why magic happens when you let go of being right and accepting your imperfections (she'll tell us hers!) Why shared laughter is the key to human connection between / among humans (a big 'yes and' to that!) The big life thing: find your joy! Be sure to visit and connect with us at: laughteroncall.com keepingithuman.com
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  Ep 5: We're all a Bit Bat Shit, Women Still Get Mixed Messages About How they Show up, and Why Women Leaders Can Use More Comedy 04.10.2022 39Min.

  This was pure joy. Lalita Dee is a friend and fellow comedian. A leader at Stanford, she also hosts a podcast with fellow friend and comedian, Smita Venkat, called "We 💖 Mom Jokes!" Want unfiltered truth? Talk to a comedian. At least one who's Dutch. She's not rude...she's from Amsterdam! (A call back will make sense as you listen). In this episode, we chat about: -The definition of mom jokes: Funny dad jokes! -How women still get mixed messages about being themselves at work despite awareness of gender issues, and why we hate the word "authenticity" and laugh about our "full selves" -Why comedy makes us happier and braver (and what it can do for you, too) and yes comedians second-guess themselves -Our big lessons from doing comedy (hello innovation and why jokes that don't work gotta go) -Why women leaders need to stretch themselves, take bigger risks and use more humor -Comedy v Ted Talk: why you can do both with jokes AND it means knowing your audience Connect with Lalita Lalita Dee @lalitadeecomedy (Insta) Her podcast is We 💖 Mom Jokes Connect with Kathy Keepingithuman.com @klotzguest and @kathyklotzguestcomedy (insta)
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  Ep 4: Stop Waiting to be Invited to Your Own Prom. Why We Need the Courage to be Imperfect Now 28.07.2022 17Min.

  In this 15-min episode (no guest), I talk about imperfection. One of the threads coming up so far in conversations with guests is being imperfect and why we need more joy. Women are judging themselves way too much and too harshly. So what if we didn't? What if we gave ourselves the power to be imperfect, have more humor and joy? What do you think?
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  Ep 3 My Convo with Punk Rock HR's Laurie Ruettimann: "You may be an imposter; so is everyone else! The way to fix work is to fix yourself first" and why funny means owning your stuff 03.06.2022 32Min.

  In this episode I talk to someone I've listened to for a while and, whew! ...she delivers. Laurie Ruettimann is lightening in a bottle. Part funny, part changing the world, and a whole lot of F YES! She is on a mission to fix work AND that starts with you. And me. And us. Her book is "Betting on You" and her podcast is "Punk Rock HR." The big takeaway from our convo: You fix Work by Fixing Yourself First  That's just gospel truth right there. Can I get an AMEN?! In this episode, Laurie and I chat about: - Why everyone is an imposter, so don't feel too bad! - Why you should do a pre-mortem about your career and where you might fail...do the work up front because being honest about where you    might fail is the best path to success - How you can write your own story IF you own yourself - Self-compassion and self-leadership are two sides of the same coin - Why it's not about trying to be funny (I agree!); the funniest thing you can do is own your own imperfections and mistakes - Changing the world by being entertaining too - Being petite with a big-ass personality and how being 5'0" gave her a (sometimes confusing) edge (petite women know!)