Should we bring humour to work?

Can it help us connect and achieve more, or risk making us seem trivial?

Our guest today, Drew Tarvin, learned engineering in school and was hired for his technical skills. Yet, it was humour—not engineering—that became his edge in the workplace.

By using humour, he diffused tension, built strong relationships, influenced others, and accelerated his career. This led him to create Humor That Works, a company that has helped 10,000+ leaders in over 100 organisations—including IBM, GE, and the FBI—harness humour to lead effectively.

In this episode, Drew shares how humour can amplify leadership and why it’s more than just a tool for entertainment. As someone who typically discusses purpose and fulfilment, I found this conversation a powerful reminder that humour can add depth to even the most serious work.

Episode Shownotes
https://howtolive.life/episode/080-humour-at-work-with-Drew-Tarvin

Related Episode
#059 Creativity at work with Eshan Ponnadurai
Spotify: https://howtolive.life/ep59spotify
Apple Podcasts: https://howtolive.life/ep59apple

Connect with Matthew
https://drewtarvin.com/

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Searching for meaning in life and work? The secret isn’t in those rare, life-altering moments—it’s hidden in the small, everyday moments we often overlook.

The key? Storytelling.

Even if we don’t share them, simply turning our experiences into stories in our own minds can transform how we see ourselves and our lives. It’s how we grow, learn, and ultimately, find deeper purpose.

In today's podcast, I’m joined by master storyteller and five-time Moth GrandSLAM champion, Matthew Dicks. If you’re not familiar with The Moth, it’s New York City’s iconic storytelling platform, and Matthew has dominated it, winning 52 StorySLAMs.

Beyond that, Matthew co-founded Speak Up, a storytelling organisation that has helped thousands craft more compelling stories. His Homework for Life project is a powerful tool for anyone looking to enrich their daily life through storytelling, one small step at a time.

If you're looking for simple, practical ways to find more meaning and connection in your life, this episode is for you.

Episode Shownotes
https://howtolive.life/episode/079-finding-meaning-in-everyday-stories-with-matthew-dicks

Related Episode
#068 Connecting the dots to purpose with Marc Nicholson
Spotify: https://howtolive.life/ep68spotify
Apple Podcasts: https://howtolive.life/ep68apple

Connect with Matthew
https://matthewdicks.com/

Next Wave
6 month program for high performers hitting 40s and beyond to design the next phase of life. Register interest below -
https://www.sharadlal.net/nextwave

Leave us a message
https://howtolive.life/contact

About Sharad Lal
https://www.sharadlal.net/

Follow us
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharadlal24/
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