In this episode of "Humor in the C Suite," host Kate Davis welcomes Lizzie Schreier, an esteemed veteran in digital transformation and strategy. Kate and Lizzie delve into the intriguing intersection of leadership, humor, and digital innovation, exploring how humor plays a pivotal role in fostering an extraordinary work culture. Lizzie shares her vibrant career path, recounting her diverse experiences across various sectors and how they have shaped her current leadership role within a top financ...
Jul 01, 2025•40 min•Season 2Ep. 8
Host Kate Davis welcomes negotiation expert Fotini Iconomopoulos. Fotini brings her wealth of experience negotiating for top corporations and shares how humor plays a pivotal role in her negotiation techniques. The discussion delves into how humor can disarm potential conflicts and foster communication in even the most tense business situations. Fotini explains that her distinctive approach to negotiations is informed by her understanding of human behavior and the importance of addressing cultur...
May 13, 2025•38 min•Season 2Ep. 7
In this engaging episode of "Humor in the C Suite," host Kate Davis steps into the spotlight to address the many questions from her audience about the intersection of humor and leadership. Key Takeaways: Humor Enhances Leadership : Humor makes leaders more relatable and trustworthy, helping them to inspire and connect with their teams, thereby increasing leadership effectiveness. Communication and Creativity : Using humor in leadership can defuse tension, simplify complex ideas, and break mental...
Apr 15, 2025•31 min•Season 2Ep. 6
In this week's episode of “Humor in the C Suite,” host Kate Davis sits down with Aneace Haddad, a distinguished C-suite executive coach, to explore the intersection of humor and leadership. Aneace shares insights from his remarkable journey from tech entrepreneur to executive coach, highlighting how his midlife transformation led him to discover his passion for people over technology. During their engaging conversation, Aneace and Kate delve into the nuances of using humor in the workplace, the ...
Mar 25, 2025•39 min•Season 2Ep. 5
In this engaging episode of "Humor in the C Suite," host Kate Davis chats with Hugh Forrest, Co-President and Chief Programming Officer of South by Southwest (SXSW). Forrest shares his insights on how humor and creativity intersect to foster an extraordinary work culture, drawing from over three decades of his experience at SXSW. From its humble beginnings as a local music event in 1987, SXSW has burgeoned into a dynamic, multi-faceted festival attracting hundreds of thousands of participants wo...
Mar 11, 2025•28 min•Season 2Ep. 4
In this episode of "Humor in the C Suite," host Kate Davis introduces Sara Schulting Kranz, renowned author, speaker, and executive coach. Sara shares her compelling journey of personal transformation, following a life-altering trauma. The episode unfolds her innovative approaches to leadership coaching, where she integrates her experiences into a unique framework focused on change, resilience, and self-discovery. Humor is a core component, as Sara explains how it enhances leadership and persona...
Feb 25, 2025•38 min•Season 2Ep. 3
Welcome to another engaging episode of Humor in the C Suite with your host, Kate Davis, featuring the vibrant Heather Tolley-Bauer. This captivating episode unfolds Heather's fascinating journey from a banking executive in PR to a stand-up comedian, as she shares rich anecdotes and pearls of wisdom on using humor as a transformative tool in leadership. With laughter and insight, Heather demonstrates how humor can bridge gaps, improve communication, and foster a vibrant work culture that promotes...
Feb 11, 2025•31 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Welcome to the first episode of 2025 of "Humor in the C Suite," where host Kate Davis dives into the intersection of humor and leadership. As the new year unfolds, Kate reflects on the previous year’s episodes filled with insightful discussions from guests representing diverse industries such as publishing, construction, and economics. This episode marks a departure from tradition, as Kate chooses to fly solo, taking time to explore recurring themes from last year's interviews. Using personal st...
Jan 28, 2025•12 min•Season 2Ep. 1
In this episode of "Humor in the C Suite," host Kate Davis welcomes Melissa Hurley, VP of Learning and People Development at Bill Gosling Outsourcing, for an engaging conversation on how humor influences leadership and workplace culture. The episode kicks off with Kate's enthusiastic introduction of Melissa and a recount of how they met during a high-intensity leadership development weekend named "Outside the Wire." The experience involved military-style exercises, which taught Melissa and Kate ...
Dec 17, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 30
In this engaging episode of "Humor in the C-Suite," host Kate Davis welcomes Colin Brook, an industry leader from Wika Instruments with an impressive career in engineering and management. Throughout the conversation, Colin reflects on how humor, when used thoughtfully, can disarm contentious situations and promote mutual respect among team members, regardless of geographical or generational differences. He shares amusing anecdotes, including his experiences with practical jokes and cultural misi...
Dec 03, 2024•31 min•Season 1Ep. 29
Why “Vajeans”? You’ll have to listen to find out! In this episode, Kate Davis and Bridgett Burrick Brown weave humor into the challenges of authenticity and self-acceptance. The title, inspired by a hilarious moment during their conversation, sets the tone for an episode full of laughs, personal insights, and transformative ideas about embracing imperfection. Bridgett’s candid exploration of her journey through modeling and beyond offers listeners a refreshing perspective on resilience in the fa...
Oct 15, 2024•42 min•Season 1Ep. 28
Ted Giovanis is President and founder of the Jayne Koskinas Ted Giovanis Foundation for Health and Policy that conducts research in the health policy and clinical arenas. He was previously President of T. Giovanis & Company, LLC and TGC, LLC health policy and reimbursement consultancies, specializing in strategic reimbursement advice and advocacy on behalf of a wide variety of clients. Ted’s work has included both the Medicare and Medicaid payment areas across a wide cross section of the dif...
Oct 08, 2024•33 min•Season 1Ep. 27
Matt Phillips is a leading expert on accelerating innovation. For over 20 years, Matt has been an in-demand advisor to the Fortune 500, large nonprofits and rapidly growing mid-sized companies. As the founder of Phillips & Co., a Chicago-based innovation strategy firm, Matt leads a team of researchers, strategists and inventors who help organizations invent new products, services and businesses. Matt and his team believe in a lean approach to innovation to accelerate innovation and help orga...
Oct 01, 2024•27 min•Season 1Ep. 26
In this "best of" episode, we explore the power of humor in leadership through highlights from five insightful guests: Todd Hirsch, Danny Goldberg, Allen Grinberg, Amer Kaissi, and Brittanny Kreutzer. Discover how each leader uses humor to build connections, inspire teams, and create positive workplace cultures. Simplifying Complex Ideas Economist Todd Hirsch shares how humor can break down complicated topics and bring teams together, making even high-pressure environments more approachable. Aut...
Sep 24, 2024•16 min
In this special "best of" series, we're highlighting three incredible leaders who have mastered the art of using humor to inspire, connect, and lead their teams to success. Oskhar Pineda shares how lightening up and incorporating humor into everyday leadership creates a people-first culture where employees feel at ease, fostering stronger relationships and collaboration. With decades of experience, Oskhar believes humor is essential to building a workplace that thrives. Lydia Sullivan , VP of Op...
Sep 17, 2024•36 min
Erin Hatzikostas is a former Corporate CEO turned Professional Pot-Stirrer. Erin is an internationally-recognized leader on the impact of authenticity in the workplace. She is the founder of b Authentic inc , where she’s leading a movement to eradicate the workplace of its BS and make it a fundamentally more authentic place. Erin is the best-selling author of You Do You(ish) , a TEDx speaker , coach-sultant, and the co-host of an offbeat career and leadership podcast, b Cause Work Doesn’t Have t...
Sep 10, 2024•43 min•Season 1Ep. 25
As Director of Information Technology Services for York Region, Richard leads the planning, delivery and support of information technology for almost 4,500 employees, 300 applications and over 11,000 computers and mobile devices. Richard has over 30 years of experience working in information technology. He has a background in computer networking which, over his career, he has translated into a well-rounded knowledge of the information technology field as a whole. Prior to his appointment as Dire...
Sep 03, 2024•33 min•Season 1Ep. 24
Judd Shaw is an adventurer, storyteller, and agent of change, blending his background as a lawyer and CEO of Judd Shaw Injury Law with a passion for helping others. Judd chased professional success up the "I made it Mountain," only to discover its hollow rewards without genuine human bonds. Through introspection, therapy, and collaboration with professionals, Judd developed the CURE framework—a compass guiding individuals and businesses to create authentic connections and thrive. As a celebrated...
Aug 27, 2024•37 min•Season 1Ep. 23
Em Stroud is the Comic Coach. Who speaks on a range of subjects including how laughter and fun can impact on leadership, teams and culture. How tools and ideas from the world of Improvisation, Comedy and Clowning can impact business success and team performance as well as leadership. Stroud is a best selling author, Clown and successful entrepreneur who has been described as “innovative, witty, engaging and authentic” by Diva Magazines Sam Grierson. She is the host of two podcasts Funny yet Deep...
Aug 20, 2024•37 min•Season 1Ep. 22
Anne is currently the Vice President of Education at the Healthcare Distribution Alliance (HDA). In this role she is responsible for all educational activities, including Diversity Equity & Inclusion, internally and externally. Before joining HDA in 2016, Anne provided education and certification management for both healthcare and trade associations, to include multiple associations at SmithBucklin and the Helicopter Association International. She is a proud graduate of Florida State Univers...
Aug 13, 2024•35 min•Season 1Ep. 21
Charlene Wheeless is a multifaceted powerhouse in the business world. She blends over 30 years of extensive experience in leadership, communications, and operations with a personal journey that exudes authenticity and resilience. As a highly sought-after keynote speaker, leadership advisor/coach, and author, she has empowered executives and teams globally to achieve breakthrough performance and transform business cultures. Charlene began her public life as an NFL cheerleader, performing in front...
Aug 06, 2024•39 min•Season 1Ep. 20
Lori Saitz is a nationally recognized stress eradication expert, award-winning author, speaker, broadcaster, trainer, writer, executive coach, and employee wellbeing consultant. As the founder and CEO of Zen Rabbit, a forward-thinking health and wellness company, she is dedicated to guiding business leaders toward creating and nurturing healthier, more productive work environments. With a comprehensive background in wellness strategies and employee engagement, her mission is to share easy-to-imp...
Jul 30, 2024•37 min•Season 1Ep. 19
Chris Dyer, a celebrated keynote speaker with over 15 years of experience, specializes in company culture and remote work. As a CEO, his leadership led his companies to be recognized as best workplaces and to feature on Inc Magazine’s fastest-growing companies list five times. Renowned for his expertise, Inc Magazine named him the #1 Leadership Speaker on Culture. He is the author of three bestselling books, “The Power of Company Culture” and “Remote Work.” Chris has received numerous accolades,...
Jul 23, 2024•47 min•Season 1Ep. 18
Since 2005, Allan Ebedes has led Excellence Canada, formerly known as the National Quality Institute. Working with the Board of Directors, he is responsible for setting the strategic direction of Excellence Canada and delivering on its business plan and mission. Allan began his business career as a Chartered Accountant (CA) at Coopers & Lybrand, now PWC. He then became a partner at a small furniture and appliance chain, which grew significantly during his ownership, and was subsequently sold...
Jul 16, 2024•36 min•Season 1Ep. 17
As CEO of Amplify Publishing Group, Naren advises industry experts and thought leaders on the opportunities and challenges that exist in the ever-evolving world of publishing. Naren’s visionary leadership has spearheaded a critical disruption of the publishing industry and has legitimized the fastest-growing sector of the market to date. At each turn, he has created more opportunities for deserving authors across genres to not only publish their work, but to publish their work well. He launched ...
Jul 09, 2024•31 min•Season 1Ep. 16
After spending a decade in the fire department, Matt founded UpLaunch in 2016 and was the CEO through its successful acquisition in 2020. After his exit, he partnered with Dan Martell as the COO of SaaS Academy, the largest coaching & training program for B2B SaaS founders in the world. Inside of SaaS Academy, Matt oversees the Growth Accelerator program, where he coaches early stage founders to find product market fit, hone their go-to-market strategies, and make their first few key hires i...
Jul 02, 2024•34 min•Season 1Ep. 15
Dan was a healthy, active 28-year-old who suddenly suffered from severe headaches. After an optometrist’s appointment to find the cause was cut short, he was handed a sealed envelope and told to go directly to hospital. What followed on June 21, 2014 was emergency brain surgery and a massive hemorrhage that shattered the life he knew. He spent weeks in a coma and months in a rehab hospital. What he learned along the way might surprise you: there is nothing like a brain injury to refocus the mind...
Jun 25, 2024•32 min•Season 1Ep. 14
Jack P. Flaherty is a former executive officer, strategic advisor, and Big 4 risk management consultant. Crediting his success to the confident and decisive teams he had built over a twenty-plus-year career, Jack now is a passionate advocate who speaks, writes, and consults on the value and skills required to make critical decisions. Having conducted thousands of executive interviews he’s found high-level decision-making to be one of the greatest challenges we face on a daily basis, and yet obse...
Jun 18, 2024•36 min•Season 1Ep. 13
Lydia Sullivan is the VP of Operations at the Society for Information Management (SIM). She helps thousands of leading technology executives stay connected, build community, and grow together. Lydia has been a certified Association Executive for 5 years, in association management for 10 years, and in nonprofit management roles for 15 years. Her career has allowed her to support boards, philanthropic organizations, and chapters of national associations in various industries. Lydia has also worked...
Jun 11, 2024•37 min•Season 1Ep. 12
Brittanny Kreutzer is the co-founder of The Speaker Exchange Agency , an organization which helps connect events to public speakers and vice-versa. A graduate of the University of Kansas, Brittanny has an immense passion for the public speaking industry, and used her background in sales to get the business off the ground. She finds humor helps people feel more comfortable, breaks down barriers, and allows for more creativity and innovation. Brittanny lives in Lenexa, Kansas with her husband Mich...
Jun 04, 2024•31 min•Season 1Ep. 11
