Humor is Serious Business But We Should Still be Laughing
In this hilarious, highly sought-after presentation, renowned corporate entertainer and award-winning Chicago Tribune humor columnist Greg Schwem will make audiences of all ages howl with laughter as he explores the role of, and the need for, humor in a post-COVID, return-to-the-office world.
As companies struggle to define “What is funny?” and humor’s role in the workplace, Greg offers a different perspective: There ARE no right answers.
Instead, he feels all employees, from the new hires to the C-level executives, must formulate their own answers by working together, instead of running from one another. Only then will the result be a healthy and FUN work environment.
Greg’s ability to research his audience and tailor his content is why companies such as Microsoft, McDonald’s, Southwest Airlines, and even the CIA have turned to him for laughs and why HuffPost calls him “your boss’ favorite comedian.”
But “Humor is Serious Business” is hardly a straight stand-up comedy show. Greg challenges his audiences to envision how they can use humor to improve workplace communication, and how to motivate one another in difficult times. Using real-world examples, Greg reinforces his message with stories of companies and personnel that have increased sales, created successful campaigns, overcome negative publicity, and turned their businesses around through humor. As a cancer survivor, Greg will also share how humor helped him overcome his devastating diagnosis.
Turning Gut Punches into Punch Lines
In January 2024, while in the midst of a late-in-life divorce, Greg was diagnosed with Stage 2 colon cancer. Divorce and cancer in one year. Other than that, how was the play, Mrs. Lincoln?
Facing an uncertain outcome, Schwem was forced to adopt what he had been preaching to corporate clients such as Microsoft, Oracle, and AT&T for years. Locate humor in the unfunniest of situations, during times when everything seems hopeless.
With a laptop propped up on hospital pillows, Greg began writing…and writing…and writing. The result, other than a cancer-free diagnosis, was Turning Gut Punches into Punch Lines, a hilarious, multimedia-fueled keynote speech that teaches audience members how to use humor to battle personal struggles, business challenges, or both, and emerge happier. It starts, Schwem says, by admitting you are the “least interesting person in the room.” Everyone has a great and funny story to tell if you’re willing to listen and show genuine interest.
Work, Laugh, Repeat
Perfect for any group that needs a humorous break from the serious side of business.
Despite its therapeutic qualities, laughter is often absent from the business environment. In Work, Laugh, Repeat, Greg shows it is possible to laugh at work and about work. Audience members will put down their iPads and Blackberries and laugh along with him as he discusses topics such as smartphone abuse, social network overload, never-ending conference calls, “frequently” asked questions, and home office workers.
Rock, Roll, and Laugh your Way to the Top
Greg Schwem knows a thing or two about rock and roll. As a comedian who has opened concerts for stars ranging from Keith Urban and Celine Dion to Enrique Iglesias and KC & the Sunshine Band, Greg has seen how rock and roll is a business – just like yours.
In short, every company and employee has “rock star” potential. Greg shows you how to achieve that potential in a highly motivational presentation that combines hilarious comedy, live concert footage, and a multi-genre musical soundtrack. Topics include “Why Every Office Needs a Keith Richards,” “Are you Team Taylor or Team Kanye?” and “Don’t Let Your Company Become a Country Song.” Get ready for a performance that’ll leave you rocking on!’
Emcee & Video Host
A good emcee needs to multitask. He must keep the event moving, be adept at improvisation, and work efficiently with all participants onstage. Greg Schwem has hosted everything from an awards ceremony for systems engineers to a three-day conference for 6,000 McDonald’s restaurant managers to a virtual webinar for IBM customers. He is equally at ease chatting with a company CEO live on stage, (correctly) pronouncing the names of awards recipients, and conducting humorous on-camera interviews with meeting attendees.
