#24 - Theresa Hummel-Krallinger: Humor, Resilience, and Stand-Up Skills: Unlocking Better Leadership

Jocelyn King sits down with Theresa Hummel-Krallinger, President and Chief People Officer of High Five Performance, speaker, stand-up comedian, and author of Make Waves. Theresa discusses the core thesis of her new book, emphasizing the necessity of lifelong career ownership and employability in an evolving, AI-impacted job market. She shares how proactive career agility and continuous learning help working professionals navigate market uncertainty, while offering insights into how parents and leaders can mentor the next generation through career planning discussions. The dialogue explores Theresa's unique dual career in organizational development and stand-up comedy, illustrating how humor serves as a serious business tool for driving workplace culture and employee resilience. She explains the physiological and psychological benefits of shared laughter in training environments, noting how humor enhances information retention and strengthens interpersonal relationships. Theresa also cautions against forced workplace fun, sharing memorable missteps where leadership failed to align culture initiatives with their specific audience, and explains how humor acts as an essential coping mechanism during times of organizational dysfunction. Drawing on her specialized work in leadership training for highly technical staff—such as biostatisticians and pharmacologists—Theresa outlines why technically brilliant individuals often struggle when transitioning into people management. She highlights the necessity of equipping introverted, data-driven managers with concrete tools for self-awareness, active communication, and navigating difficult conversations. Closing with the story behind the Emmy Award displayed in her office, Theresa delivers an inspiring message on stepping outside comfort zones to achieve both personal and professional growth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices