The Rise of Humour-Led Leadership: Why Your CEO Might Be Telling Jokes Soon

I was running a coaching session with the CEO of a digital IT company. Her keynote was sharp, strategic, and surprisingly, laugh-out-loud funny.

She opened with a story about giving her teenage son a stern lecture on safe internet use. She warned him about the murky rabbit holes online and reminded him, gently but firmly, to be cautious. He listened patiently, nodded, and then casually suggested she try an app he'd been using. It was one she’d never even heard of - an app that, ironically, offered exactly the kind of protection she'd been advocating for. Suitably humbled, she turned to the audience and said, “Turns out, the expert in the house wasn’t me.”

The audience weren’t just amused - they were hooked. And more importantly, after her talk, most of the people who approached her didn’t start with the business strategy or digital transformation plans. They started with her story. They told her about their kids. And then they talked business.

That’s the power of humour. It cuts through noise. It builds trust. It creates connection.

 The Challenge for Today’s Leaders

In a world crammed with trillions of messages flying back and forth - on screens, in meetings, across Slack channels - it’s never been harder for leaders to truly connect. Add in the rise of AI, short attention spans, and a culture of constant distraction, and you’ve got a real problem: people aren’t listening like they used to.

Leaders are competing not just with other businesses, but with every other ping, post, and push notification. So how do you rise above the noise? Increasingly, the answer is: you make them smile.

 The Humour Shift in Leadership

More leaders are embracing humour - not as a gimmick, but as a leadership tool. And it’s backed by data:

- A study from Harvard Business Review found that leaders who used humour were rated as 27% more motivating.

- According to Gallup, teams led by managers who frequently laughed with them were 21% more engaged.

- A Robert Half survey showed that 91% of executives believed a sense of humour was important for career advancement.

It’s not about being a stand-up comic. It’s about being human.

 Why It Works

Humour unlocks so much: 

•  It lowers defences.  
•  It builds psychological safety.  
•  It creates a memorable message.  
•  It shows you don’t take yourself too seriously - even if your work is serious.

And in a business world crying out for authenticity, a well-placed laugh can be leadership gold.

 Now - let’s be honest. A lot of people are scared of using humour. Maybe you’re one of them. You don’t want to be cringey. Or offensive. Or worse - ignored. But here’s the thing: that fear? It’s just an excuse. 

You don’t need to be hilarious. Most people who take the risk find they’re met with warmth, not judgement. And genuinely offensive moments? They’re rare. (You’re more likely to get ghosted by your own PowerPoint than outrage your audience.)

But yes, there is a way to do it right. That’s why I’ve created 7 safe, simple tips for adding humour to your presentations. Want them? Come to one of my free Taster Sessions where we explore all this - and more.

Join a taster session now https://standupanddeliver.co.uk/taster-sessions