Show Notes
What if the most powerful tool at work isn’t logic, but laughter? On this episode I'm speaking to a comedian who far from thinking humour is a workplace distraction, thinks it might be one of our most powerful tools.
Episode Summary My guest is Pep Rosenfeld: comedian, improviser, and co-founder of the Amsterdam-based comedy institution Boom Chicago. He’s also the author of Work Laugh Balance, a manifesto for injecting humour into the working world. We explore why humour matters; not just as entertainment, but as a serious enabler of collaboration, communication, and honesty. Pep brings a unique perspective: part performer, part business trainer.
We talk about how Boom Chicago went from late-night improv to a launchpad for corporate masterclasses in leadership and presentation. Along the way, we unpack the risks and rewards of using humour at work; what works, what really doesn’t, and how to find the line without crossing it. Pep shares ethical guidelines for office jokes, the power of self-deprecation, and why starting with a laugh can lead to deeper conversations. We also get into the craft of being funny.
Pep explains why good comedy is rarely spontaneous, why AI still can’t tell a decent joke, and why live audiences matter more than ever. Whether you're trying to lighten the mood in a meeting or name the elephant in the room without causing a stampede, this episode offers practical ideas (and a few laughs) on how to do it with intelligence and care.
AI-Generated Timestamped Summary [00:00:00] Opening on humour’s overlooked role in work; intro to Pep Rosenfeld [00:01:00] How Boom Chicago began as a summer comedy project in Amsterdam [00:04:00] Expanding into improv for kids on the autism spectrum [00:06:00] The book’s premise: humour fuels communication, leadership, and trust [00:11:00] Why advertisers and leaders alike should embrace humour [00:12:00] Rules for workplace humour: self-deprecate, avoid punching down, don’t get creepy [00:16:00] Comedy as a tool for tackling elephants in the room [00:23:00] The myth of improv: strong humor depends on thoughtful prep [00:26:00] The power of presence and live attention in comedy [00:33:00] What comedians offer that motivational speakers don’t [00:36:00] How Pep uses AI to show the limits of artificial humour [00:41:00] Using comedy to defuse fear and build connection [00:44:00] Parallel skills: being a lawyer vs. being a comedian [00:50:00] The energy difference between live and virtual comedy [00:55:00] Defining Work Laugh Balance: credibility without sterility [01:00:00] What’s next for Pep, where to find his work, and closing thoughts
Links Pep on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pep-rosenfeld-394b2424/ Boom Chicago, Pep's Amsterdam comedy club - https://boomchicago.nl/ Work Laugh Balance - https://amzn.eu/d/678xGYN
If you eniyed this episode, then you might also like these previous episodes of the show:
Comedy writer Paul Dornan on Being Truly Funny - https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/paul-dornan-on-being-truly-funny/ Improv Comedian Neil Mullarkey on Being In The Moment - https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/neil-mullarkey-on-being-in-the-moment/ Impressionist Josh Berry on Comedy, Satire and Impressions - https://www.humanriskpodcast.com/josh-berry-on-comedy-satire-impressions-part-one/
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