What Makes an Inspired Leader? Bruce Mayhew’s Leadership Development Through Authenticity

In this inspiring episode of "Humor in the C Suite," Kate Davis welcomes Bruce Mayhew, corporate trainer and author of the newly released book "The Path of an Inspired Leader." Bruce shares his journey from 11 years at Scotiabank (where he helped launch debit cards) to becoming a sought-after leadership trainer specializing in authentic communication and team building.

The conversation explores how Bruce uses humor strategically in leadership—not as performance, but as a tool for building genuine relationships that enable difficult conversations. His famous "Grease Wednesdays" story demonstrates how simple, authentic fun can dissolve departmental tensions and create lasting team bonds. Bruce emphasizes the importance of authenticity over forced humor, sharing practical strategies for leaders who want to incorporate levity while remaining true to their natural style.

Key Takeaways:

• Authenticity trumps performance when incorporating humor into leadership
• Building relationships through humor creates trust necessary for difficult conversations
• Simple team-building activities (like "Grease Wednesdays") can transform workplace culture
• Email humor should be used extremely cautiously due to misinterpretation risks
• Cultural sensitivity is crucial when adapting humor across diverse teams
• Leaders often fear humor after being "burned," but authentic fun is always accessible

Notable Quotes:

• "Humor helps us humanize each other. It allows us to understand each other, to see each other more than just a job or a coworker."
• "Be really careful that you're never laughing at somebody... but allow yourself to laugh, allow yourself to have fun."
• "Humor helps prime the pump beforehand so that when you have to have the difficult conversation, you can be serious."
• "Be authentic... don't be something you're not."
• "Find authenticity is really important... I still tried to be who I was."

Resources:

• Book: "The Path of an Inspired Leader: Authenticity, Courage, and Impact" - Available February 16, 2026. Available on: Amazon, Indigo, Barnes & Noble
• Bruce Mayhew Consulting
• Bruce's Instagram
• Connect with Bruce on LinkedIn

This episode offers practical wisdom for leaders seeking to build authentic relationships while maintaining professional effectiveness. Bruce's approach proves that humor in leadership isn't about being funny—it's about being human.

Additional Links & Resources:

• Interested in being a guest on Humor in the C-Suite? Reach out to book a call with Kate!
• Learn more about me and my work at katedavis.ca

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Humor in the C-Suite! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast, share it with your friends, and leave a rating or review. Your support helps the podcast continue to grow.

Hosted by Kate Davis
Edited by Chris @ Wider View Studios