1086: Kathy Klotz-Guest
“Keeping It Human: Humor, Improv and Thriving”
Keynote Speaker, MC, Author & Comedian | Ex-Tech Exec building brave leaders + bold culture | Busting rigidity, boosting creativity + saying what matters thru humor—so humans stay, play + innovate the remarkable
What if the secret to surviving chaos at work isn’t just strategy—it's laughter?
In this eye-opening return to Thrive Loud, host Lou Diamond brings back the incomparable Kathy Klotz-Guest: speaker, podcaster, workshop leader, humorist, and “human connector.” This episode is a masterclass in how organizations (and individuals!) can harness improv, humor, and creativity to navigate relentless uncertainty, adapt to change, and strengthen connection—even in an AI-driven workplace.
Key Highlights:
Improv in Leadership: Kathy reveals why the “yes, and…” mindset from improv isn’t just about saying yes—it’s about embracing curiosity, experimentation, and resilience in fast-changing environments.
The AI-Human Balance: Think AI is coming for your creativity? Kathy demystifies why human skills—humor, storytelling, connection—can’t be automated, and shares how to partner with AI for efficiency without losing your humanity.
Culture Check: Discover why laughter is a leading indicator of healthy workplaces, and how losing humor could mean losing your best talent.
Building Trust and Connection: Kathy shares post-pandemic observations: teams are more disconnected than ever, and trust is low. She challenges leaders to tackle this head-on, not just with words, but by creating cultures that encourage play, vulnerability, and genuine human interaction.
The Power of Content Creation: Hear why sharing authentic stories (even the messy, funny ones) can build bridges and encourage audience engagement—plus the unexpected gifts creators receive in return.
Ready to make your workplace future-proof, fun, and more human than ever? Start with a smile—and “keep it human.”
Timestamped Overview
00:00 Adapting Through Improv and Humor
04:34 Embracing Adaptability and Humor
09:34 Embracing AI for Workplace Efficiency
13:03 Connection and Change Post-Pandemic
15:06 "Confront Organizational Issues Directly"
18:00 "The Gift of Relatability"
20:52 Podcast Growth & Scheduling Balance
26:23 Comedy in Mundane Moments
28:07 "Comedy's Essential Truth"
32:13 "Epic Global Family Journey"
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