238: The Hidden Cost of Leading Without Laughter | Greg Kettner

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Written By damon lembi

Greg Kettner, keynote speaker, sales expert, comedian, and founder of Work Happy, joins Damon Lembi for a laughter-filled, heartfelt conversation about mental health, connection, and the power of humor in leadership. Drawing from his experiences as a professional comedian—including a life-changing encounter with Robin Williams—Greg shares how empathy, vulnerability, and small acts of kindness can transform workplaces from the inside out. Together, they unpack the hidden costs of burnout and loneliness, the ROI of employee wellbeing, and practical ways to create a culture where people truly want to show up.

Read the full breakdown of Greg Kettner’s episode on Learnit.

Key Leadership Lessons from Greg Kettner’s Journey:

  • Empathy and vulnerability are superpowers: Great leaders make space for authenticity and mental health conversations.

  • Humor builds trust: You don’t need to be funny—just be human enough to laugh with your team.

  • Create “happier,” not happiness: Focus on progress and connection, not perfection.

  • Kindness drives retention: Small, thoughtful moments at work boost engagement and morale more than perks ever could.

  • Leaders need support too: Serving others and protecting your own wellbeing go hand in hand.

Connect with Greg Kettner:

Greg is a workplace happiness advocate and former stand-up comedian who has opened for legends like Robin Williams and Norm Macdonald. Through Work Happy, he helps leaders tackle burnout, foster belonging, and build organizations where humor, humanity, and high performance coexist.

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