Humor In The C-Suite

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 leadershipBuilding relationships through humor creates trust necessary for difficult conversationsSimple team-building activities (like "Grease Wednesdays") can transform workplace cultureEmail humor should be used extremely cautiously due to misinterpretation risksCultural sensitivity is crucial when adapting humor across diverse teamsLeaders often fear humor after being "burned," but authentic fun is always accessibleNotable 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 & NobleBruce Mayhew ConsultingBruce's InstagramConnect with Bruce on LinkedInThis 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 DavisEdited by Chris @ Wider View Studios

Humor ROI: The C-Suite Edition 2025

In this episode of "Humor in the C Suite," host Kate Davis takes a retrospective look at the year 2025 to extract key lessons about humor's role in leadership. Kate reflects on recurring questions from listeners concerning the effectiveness of humor in building strong workplace cultures and its impact on trust, collaboration, and productivity. With over 50 episodes behind her, Kate is poised to usher in 2026 with a strong emphasis on humor's role in creating synergy between labor, creativity, and human connection in corporate settings.Key Takeaways:Humor Builds Trust: Humor is a fast-track to trust, enhancing collaboration and diminishing hierarchical barriers within the workplaceNavigating Stress with Humor: By diffusing stress and challenges, humor acts as emotional oxygen that allows for constructive problem-solving without escalating tensionHumanizing Leadership: Self-aware humor helps leaders connect with their teams, allowing employees to perceive them as approachable and relatableCreativity and Innovation: Playfulness fostered by humor encourages divergent thinking, creativity, and exploration of novel ideasImportance of Boundaries and Sensitivity: Understanding and respecting boundaries enhances humor's effectiveness, ensuring it is inclusive and respectful to all cultures and contexts"Humor really is the fastest shortcut to trust. You can have a mission statement on your wall, but one shared laugh in a meeting does more for culture."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 DavisEdited by Chris @ Wider View Studios

The Rockstar, the Knight and the Vice President: How Electric Bill Uses Humor to Transform Teams

Host Kate Davis sits down with Bill G. Williams, affectionately known as Electric Bill, to explore the powerful role humor can play in transforming corporate culture. The conversation delves into Bill's personal journey, highlighting his struggles with perfectionism and self-acceptance rooted in his early experiences. Through humor, Bill has learned to embrace love over fear and build more profound connections within teams. His anecdotes and thoughtful insights illustrate how humor can be a catalyst for shaking teams out of complacency, fostering creativity, and enhancing collaboration.Key Takeaways:Humor can shatter static routines and encourage a more engaged and creative work environment.Self-deprecating humor aids in self-acceptance and strengthens interpersonal connections.Humor fosters a safe, inclusive workplace culture that encourages team bonding and innovation.Effective use of humor in the workplace requires knowing and respecting colleagues' boundaries.Even in times of challenge, maintaining a humorous outlook can provide clarity and opportunity."I'm here to shock you out of your static daily routine." – Bill WilliamsResources:Website Bill's Book: Electric LifeAdditional 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 DavisEdited by Chris @ Wider View Studios

Bathroom Humor: How Frank Brown Laughed His Way from Sales Rep to President

In this episode of Humor in the C Suite, host Kate Davis converses with Frank Brown, a respected business executive with a rich history in international markets. Frank shares humorous anecdotes and insightful lessons from his 43-year career that began with a chance job as a sales rep and culminated in his role as President of Wall Canada. His journey is filled with unexpected turns, wise advice, and a steadfast belief in the power of humor to enhance business culture.Key Takeaways:Humor can be a powerful tool in fostering employee engagement, team collaboration, and relationship building within a corporate setting.Authenticity in leadership, coupled with genuine respect for employees, breeds a work culture where humor thrives and success follows.Transformational career growth can emerge from unexpected and challenging scenarios, emphasizing the importance of adaptability.Business isn't just about strategic acumen; it's also about connecting with people on a human level and making work enjoyable.The modern workplace is increasingly valuing individuality and authenticity, also reflected in the evolving cultural dynamics within organizations.Notable Quotes:"It took me a while to discover that humor was kind of a secret sauce or a key ingredient to success."Resources:Book: How the Hell did I Become the Boss? 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 DavisEdited by Chris @ Wider View Studios

Worth the Risk: Why Steve Carey Says Startup Humor is Essential

In this engaging episode of Humor in the C Suite, Kate Davis interviews Steve Carey, a media industry veteran known for his unique blend of humor and expertise in launching media startups. With over two decades of experience, Steve shares his journey from starting as a coffee-fetching runner to becoming a successful producer and business owner, adding humorous anecdotes and insights along the way. Now living in Surrey, UK, Carey continues to contribute to the world of media with his witty and insightful writings, including his latest book exploring the lighter side of LinkedIn.Key Takeaways:Humor is an indispensable leadership tool; it helps to relieve stress and build stronger team dynamics, particularly during challenging startup phases.Cultural differences can affect humor perception, with British humor often being dry and ironic, whereas American humor is more direct and expressive.LinkedIn provides ample material for humor, and Steve's book catalogs these experiences in a funny yet revealing manner, shedding light on the quirks of professional networking.Steve emphasizes the importance of self-deprecation in leadership, advocating for an approach that is careful not to alienate or undermine but instead unites and uplifts team members.Despite cultural differences, humor remains a universal language that can bridge gaps and foster a positive company culture."LinkedIn's like an uncle that you love but keeps doing questionable things."Resources:Steve Carey's Book: "The New Dictionary of LinkedIn"Steve Carey's LinkedIn ProfileAdditional 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 DavisEdited by Chris @ Wider View Studios